Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Jun 7 20:57:47 2017 on VAdmBlackthorne@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:25:51) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:25:54) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:25:55) VAdmBlackthorne: BEGIN SIM
(21:26:56) NAV_Capt_Harper: After negotiating the treaty with the Romulan Republic through appropriate diplomatic channels with Ambassadors in this room, I was subsequently chastised by Admiral Smith and ordered to keep Atlantis at Vinland.
(21:28:24) NAV_Capt_Harper: While there, I received information from a credible source that Vice Admiral Blackthorne and Captain T'Kirr were alive and being held in exile, illegally.
(21:30:04) NAV_Capt_Harper: I felt it to be my duty to take Atlantis and go in search of them. Admiral Smith's orders were clearly to punish me for not instigating a war with the Romulans, and potentially in support of this action, so I deemed them unlawful.
(21:31:23) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::is in the audience at the hearings, listening intently to Captain Harper's testimony::
(21:32:05) NAV_Capt_Harper: Using additional information gleaned from an individual that I later learned to be a Section 31 operative in place to monitor me, I was able to learn their location and free them.
(21:32:44) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: also in the audience, in fact sitting next to Dr. Tailor, nervously watching Kate testify ::
(21:33:13) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith> Through a bloody raid on a Starfleet facility. Captain Harper is a murderer!
(21:33:22) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Murmurs spread through the chamber.
(21:33:26) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: stands at attention at the back of the chamber, able to see and hear all that is going on ::
(21:34:19) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Is in his quarters, listening to the proceedings over the comm, whilst thinking on Yix. He sipped his tea pensively.::
(21:34:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: quietly seethes on Kate's behalf, though Kate appears calm. ::
(21:34:26) NAV_Capt_Harper: With all due respect, Admiral, that facility was a black site that had been directly involved in the illegal detainment and torture of two highly-decorated officers. While the loss of life is regrettable, given the nature of the operation, I had no choice.
(21:34:43) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: watches the hearings from the Bridge of Atlantis, hoping Yix doesn't instigate something stupid and remains watchful ::
(21:35:15) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: standing defiantly and proudly in her dress uniform ::
(21:36:00) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: unconsciously clenches her fists atop her knees ::
(21:36:18) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith> There is always a choice, Captain.
(21:37:08) NAV_Capt_Harper: You personally chastised me for not taking lives at the Romulan border, Admiral.
(21:37:21) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith> Only Romulan lives, Captain...
(21:37:30) MED_Dr_Tav: :: watches the proceedings from a few seats down from Wright ::
(21:37:54) VAdmBlackthorne: AmbassadorSankoh-Earth> Captain... who was this Section 31 operative that was in place to monitor you?
(21:37:57) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: makes a tiny audible gasp at Smith's callous statement ::
(21:38:30) NAV_Capt_Harper: AmbSankoh: My executive officer, Commander Daniel Vallero.
(21:38:50) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::After finishing his tea, he gets up and proceeds to light all of the candles in his quarters.::
(21:38:56) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: still doesn't like that man ::
(21:39:05) VAdmBlackthorne: AmbSankoh> Would he be able to offer corroborating testimony?
(21:39:40) MED_Ens_Tailor: CSO: ::whispering:: Ugh, what a bastard, that Smith guy...
(21:39:48) NAV_Capt_Harper: Sankoh: Once Blackthorne and T'Kirr were safely aboard, he volunteered to go gather support for our cause. I am not aware of his current location.
(21:40:32) CSO_LCdr_Wright: MED: :: whispering in return :: No kidding. He's a piece of work. :: mentally applauds Kate's smooth handling of that question ::
(21:41:30) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> That is unfortunate, Captain.
(21:42:18) Daniel_Vallero: :: enters from the back of the courtroom, followed by two men and one woman. They stride to the front of the seats and stop ::
(21:42:55) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: startled for a moment when she sees Daniel enter, then regains her composure :: Perhaps not, Ambassador. Here he is now.
(21:43:03) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: stares agape at Vallero ::
(21:43:44) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> Vallero: You are Commander Daniel Vallero?
(21:43:44) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: watches as Vallero enters, his attention now fully focused on one place in the room before he reminds himself to be vigilant of his surroundings ::
(21:44:04) Daniel_Vallero: AmbSankoh: I am Daniel Vallero. I ask permission to give testimony.
(21:44:30) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> Please, Commander, take the stand.
(21:44:34) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: straightens in her seat, watching Vallero on the main viewer on the Bridge ::
(21:45:42) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith: I object! This traitor abandoned his ship and disobeyed direct orders. Were we aware of his location, charges would have been filed for derelictiion of duty.
(21:45:49) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: closes her mouth and narrows her eyes, still distrustful ::
(21:46:25) Daniel_Vallero: :: nods to Ambassador Sankoh, then to the three people with him, who then take several reserved front seats of the audience, and strides purposefully for the stand, ignoring Smith ::
(21:47:06) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Lights a number of different incenses as well, before taking a seat on the floor, and crossing his legs. He slowed his breathing and cleared his mind, but for the image of Yix, closing his eyes and focussing.::
(21:47:06) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> The same could be said of Captain Harper, yet her testimony is shedding some light on years of puzzling events, calling the legality of those orders into question. Overruled.
(21:47:11) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::looks on with curiosity, since she doesn't know who Vallero is::
(21:47:36) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: yields the stand to Vallero, with a look ::
(21:47:39) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> Commander Vallero, your account of events, please.
(21:48:15) Daniel_Vallero: :: gives Harper a small smile, having not even looked to anyone in the audience, focused on the court, and takes his seat ::
(21:48:37) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: gratified that her trust in Daniel is about to be rewarded ::
(21:49:58) VAdmBlackthorne: :: watching from the audience as well, proud of how Harper has handled this jackass so far ::
(21:51:02) Daniel_Vallero: Sankoh: I was assigned to the USS Atlantis as executive officer to replace who is now Captain T'Kirr. For all Captain Harper knew, it was merely to fill the role of executive officer, but that was only a cover.
(21:52:55) Daniel_Vallero: :: turns his eyes outward and surveys the audience for the first time. He had come to terms with revealing the full truth, but this day of court had finally come, and he couldn't help but attempt to cover his nervousness with an aire of confidence ::
(21:54:27) Daniel_Vallero: All: My true mission, however, was to make sure Atlantis attacked Romulan refugees at the Romulan border. If Captain Harper didn't cooperate, I was to convince her they were a threat and make sure we fired upon their vessels.
(21:55:07) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Self: Where are you? ::He sighed. In his youth and under the best of conditions, he may have been able to locate Yix with ease, with the can and who knows what kind of psychic guards he has near him, Ilaihr feared his efforts may be in vain.::
(21:55:26) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> More shocked muttering spreads throughout the council at the notion of such a barbaric act.
(21:57:43) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::narrows her eyes, with a look of disgust on her face::
(21:58:02) Daniel_Vallero: Sankoh: At first, I believed it myself, that the Romulans were a threat, that they were disguising themselves as refugees to sneak into our space. Over time, however, I knew this not to be true.
(21:58:27) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: watches him dubiously, still half-expecting betrayal ::
(21:59:28) Daniel_Vallero: Sankoh: I believed what I was doing was for the safety of the Federation as a whole. My orders were clear, and I was doing what I believed to be right. I realized that I had been deceived.
(21:59:43) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: stands proudly at Vallero's side as she watches him deliver this damning testimony ::
(22:00:52) Daniel_Vallero: :: looks to Harper next to him :: It was difficult to abandon my orders and confess to Captain Harper, but I did. I knew what I was doing was wrong, and I had to do what I could to make it right.
(22:01:01) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: has a hard time believing that Vallero could have so thoroughly betrayed S31 and still be able to stand here, before them, alive ::
(22:01:35) Daniel_Vallero: Sankoh: I did what I could to assist Atlantis to recover Admiral Blackthorne and Captain T'Kirr.
(22:01:38) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith> :: staring daggers at Vallero ::
(22:03:36) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> Vallero: Captain Harper indicated you departed Atlantis in search of others that would support you. These people that entered with you - are they also Section 31?
(22:04:10) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: offers a supportive smile ::
(22:04:34) Daniel_Vallero: Sankoh: Yes, and they are prepared to give their own testimony of their involvement.
(22:04:48) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> Then we shall hear it.
(22:06:01) Daniel_Vallero: :: meets Smith's eyes confidently ::
(22:06:38) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Over the next hour, each of the former Section 31 agents that accompanied Vallero offer their testimony as to what they knew and some of the abhorrent orders they had to follow - including one that survived Atlantis's attack on the black site and had first-hand knowledge of the torture that took place.
(22:06:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: troubled, wonders if Vallero really can be trusted... and if he's truly betraying S31, how he'll survive the day ::
(22:06:48) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::He can see twelve billion little lights before him, the psionic fingerprints of everyone on Earth; and one of them was possibly Yix. It was like gazing into a pot of sugar, looking for an individual grain.:: Self: I must find him...
(22:08:35) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> Thank you, all of you. Your bravery in offering this testimony must be noted, if the reach of Section 31 is to be believed. We will ensure your safety.
(22:09:06) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: whispers, now that they are seated :: Well done, Daniel, and thank you.
(22:09:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: watches thoughtfully while Kate leans over and whispers to Vallero ::
(22:10:05) Daniel_Vallero: :: smiles and gives Harper's shoulder a squeeze :: NAV: I couldn't let you down after all that, could I?
(22:10:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: MED: :: whispers :: Maybe I've been wrong about him.
(22:10:31) NAV_Capt_Harper: Daniel: I knew that you would come through. :: smiles ::
(22:10:56) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The great doors open again, and an entourage enters the chambers, led by none other than Admiral Zuriyev.
(22:11:20) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks at Admiral Zuriyev in surprise, along with everyone else in the room ::
(22:11:46) VAdmBlackthorne: :: blinks as Alexi enters the room ::
(22:11:51) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: having watched the proceedings attentively from the Bridge, shows particular attention to Zuriyev's entrance ::
(22:11:52) MED_Ens_Tailor: CSO: ::whispers back:: Maybe. He *seems to be telling the truth.. at least.
(22:12:20) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> Following Admiral Zuriyev is Former President Aennik, flanked by Colonel Douglas McKnight and First Lieutenant AJ Zuriyev, then several more Marines in escort formation.
(22:13:14) Daniel_Vallero: :: grins as they walk in, but his grin grows broadly at the sight of McKnight in particular ::
(22:13:18) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: smiles to see McKnight, then AJ, then boggles at Aennik ::
(22:13:19) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The Council explodes in shocked whispers, mutters, and murmurs.
(22:13:21) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::looks up in astonishment as president Aennik enters the room, along with the others::
(22:13:58) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> Order! Come to order! Decorum, Ambassadors, please!
(22:15:37) VAdmBlackthorne: :: sends off a message to T'Kirr that she should probably get down here ::
(22:17:26) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: gets Blackthorne's message and immediately begins striding off the Bridge, handing the Bridge to someone important beforehand ::
(22:17:58) VAdmBlackthorne: AdmZuriyev> :: takes the stand :: My testimony will be short. I was forced into retirement by telepathic coercion at the hands of Section 31. Ideas were implanted in my mind that were not my own, and the memory of such was recovered during my stay on Betazed. This was soley to get me out of the way.
(22:19:04) VAdmBlackthorne: 1LtZuriyev> :: watches her father testify with pride, now seeming like her dad again, but keeps the perfect Marine composure ::
(22:19:16) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Keeps up his exhaustive search, hoping he can find even a trace of the President.::
(22:19:26) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: quickly arranges to receive priority transport authorization for the entrance hall and beams down ::
(22:19:42) VAdmBlackthorne: AdmZuriyev> Once my therapy was complete, :: glances at Ambassador Jaina Blackthorne :: I assisted in the recovery of President Aennik from his exile.
(22:20:32) VAdmBlackthorne: AdmZuriyev> :: steps aside for Aennik ::
(22:21:15) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: enters the courtroom just as Aennik is taking the stand, finds Blackthorne, and sits down next to him ::
(22:21:47) VAdmBlackthorne: T'Kirr: ~ This is it, this is what it's all led to. ~
(22:22:19) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> :: takes the stand :: It is as you have heard. My death was faked much like Admiral Blackthorne's and Captain T'Kirr's. And, similarly, I was forced to live in exile in wilderness with little technology. My "reward" for good service.
(22:22:29) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: nods her head while breathing in a relieved sigh ::
(22:23:12) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: stares, feeling a bit numb at how much more real all of this feels when it's being said in this room in front of these people ::
(22:23:20) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> Mr. President, with all due respect, would you submit to an identity verification?
(22:23:31) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> Of course.
(22:24:06) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> A Council doctor emerges with a tricorder and collects a DNA sample, then tests it right on the chamber floor...
(22:25:07) VAdmBlackthorne: Doctor> I can confirm that this is, in fact, the Saurian known as Aennik Okeg.
(22:27:13) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> Given this testimony and that of the others, along with the suspiciously unknown whereabouts of President Yix, I motion that Aennik Okeg be restored to the office of President, if he would accept it.
(22:27:52) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> I would, if only to help set things right again.
(22:27:53) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: perks eyebrow ::
(22:28:15) VAdmBlackthorne: AmbJainaBlackthorne> Seconded.
(22:28:23) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh> Cast your votes.
(22:29:20) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith> This is highly irregular procedure! Yix is lawfully president!
(22:30:09) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: holds her breath, shooting a nervous glance at Kate, then at Dr. Tailor ::
(22:30:10) VAdmBlackthorne: :: as the votes tally :: Sankoh> And he has been implicated as complicit in this affair. Not to mention that Aennik's presidency was *unlawfully* terminated in favor of it, casting doubt on its integrity.
(22:30:38) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: just as nervous while the votes tally, and glances at Lexy with hope in her eyes that this is all going to work out ::
(22:31:18) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The motion carries with overwhelming support. The chamber erupts into cheers, with only the Tellarite Ambassador grumbling.
(22:31:38) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is on her feet, cheering ::
(22:32:11) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::waits nervously for the votes to be tallied, not realising that she's been holding her breath for what seems like an eternity. and lets it out in a sigh of relief when the votes come in, standing and cheering along with the rest of the audience::
(22:32:15) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: lets out a long sigh of relief ::
(22:32:25) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: stands along with everyone around, clapping industriously ::
(22:32:40) VAdmBlackthorne: :: stands and joins in the applause for President Aennik ::
(22:32:52) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::clapping and cheering until her hands and throat are sore::
(22:33:04) Daniel_Vallero: :: whooshes out his breath, not standing but flopping back in his chair with his head back. It was all worth it! ::
(22:33:56) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> :: takes the President's dias and graciously attempts to settle everyone down :: Please, thank you all.
(22:35:44) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> I am told the past week has been spent in hearings, considering the evidence gathered by the brave people who dared stand against this.
(22:35:53) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: quiets and sits dutifully when instructed ::
(22:36:09) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> The evidence would seem overwhelming. The testimony is damning.
(22:36:34) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::settles down and sits back in her seat::
(22:36:49) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> Yet, we are a democracy and I can not unilaterally decide this issue.
(22:36:59) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: settles in her chair, elated that the world is going to be normal again and yet gnawed by anxiety at the pit of her stomach ::
(22:38:03) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> Thus, the time of deliberation comes to an end. I motion that the organization known as Section 31 is to be dissolved, effective immediately, to be replaced by an intelligence agency under the oversight of this Council. Furthermore,
(22:38:36) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> The leaders that orchestrated this coup will be investigated, and if deemed necessary, charged for any crimes.
(22:38:44) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> Do I have a second?
(22:39:03) VAdmBlackthorne: Sankoh, JainaBlackthorne, and a few others all at once> Seconded!
(22:39:20) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> Cast your votes, Ambassadors.
(22:39:54) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The votes begin to tally...
(22:40:13) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: leans forward in her chair again in anticipation ::
(22:40:22) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: shares a look with Blackthorne ::
(22:40:36) VAdmBlackthorne: :: returns the look, exuding confidence in the outcome ::
(22:42:08) VAdmBlackthorne: ACTION> The motion carries, again overwhelmingly, and only the Tellarite can be heard grumbling, but that's normal.
(22:43:22) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::smiles, with a small smirk at the Tellarite.. yup, that's typical.::
(22:43:24) VAdmBlackthorne: Smith> :: in the jubilation following Aennik's reinstatement, he slipped away ::
(22:43:41) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> Well done, Ambassadors.
(22:44:17) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Has a feeling, counter to the emotions and rapturous joy he hears on the comm.:: Self: I fear this is merely the beginning Mr President.
(22:44:21) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> There are a few things I can do, as President. The first is to ensure security for those that have testified today, until the Section 31 threat has been truly neutralized.
(22:45:10) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> As for the next... Will all members of the Atlantis crew, along with Admiral Zuriyev, Colonel McKnight, and their escorts please stand?
(22:45:21) Daniel_Vallero: :: turns in his seat and shares grins with the other post-S31 operatives ::
(22:45:30) MED_Dr_Tav: :: stands up ::
(22:45:32) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: stands ::
(22:45:32) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: stands in place ::
(22:45:53) VAdmBlackthorne: :: stands ::
(22:45:53) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::stands as requested::
(22:46:00) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: also stands ::
(22:46:00) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: stands up belatedly, having been lost in thought ::
(22:46:36) VAdmBlackthorne: AdmZuriyev> :: stands, having found a seat next to his daughter who had remained standing on guard the entire time :
(22:47:00) VAdmBlackthorne: 1LtZuriyev> :: never sat down, but glances at her father standing next to her ::
(22:47:41) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::feeling very proud of the Atlantis crew right now::
(22:47:45) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: remains standing at the back of the room, opposite Wolfe ::
(22:47:47) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> Given their heroic efforts in bringing this conspiracy to light against overwhelming odds...
(22:50:51) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> Vice Admiral Ian Blackthorne, Captain T'Kirr, Captain Kathryn Harper, Colonel Douglas McKnight, and the crews of the USS Atlantis and all ships that worked with them in this effort are hereby granted a Presidential Pardon for any and all Starfleet regulations and Federation laws that they had to break in order to facilitate this outcome.
(22:51:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: the knot of worry in her stomach finally lets go... she has to fight to keep herself from sagging with relief ::
(22:52:14) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik> They are to be commended for their heroism and commitment to duty, and to the values of the Federation and Starfleet. We all owe you a great deal of gratitude, and our thanks is hardly enough. But thank you.
(22:52:43) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: smiles with pride ::
(22:53:10) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik: On behalf of the Atlantis crew and our allies, Mr. President, you're welcome. It was our duty and we were proud to do it.
(22:53:34) XO_Capt_TKirr: :: shuts her eyes briefly in relief. It's over. ::
(22:53:48) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::smiles, feeling like she's going to cry with happiness and relief::
(22:53:50) VAdmBlackthorne: T'Kirr: ~We did it. We really did it.~
(22:54:22) XO_Capt_TKirr: Blackthorne: ~We did!~
(22:55:03) VAdmBlackthorne: Aennik: This session of the Council is dismissed. Enough has happened for one day, I think. Let us rest and reconvene tomorrow with clear minds.
(22:55:08) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: gives hasty apologies to Dr. Tailor and begins making her way toward Kate ::
(22:55:10) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::doesn't feel as if any apologies are necessary::
(22:55:13) NAV_Capt_Harper: :: finds Lexy and sweeps her into a tight hug of relief ::
(22:55:28) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(22:55:29) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM
(22:55:31) VAdmBlackthorne: PAUSE SIM