Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Jun 28 20:57:18 2017 on CaptHarper@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:15:47) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:15:48) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:15:49) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:16:16) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: mulls over her cards, glances over the tops of them at the others ::
(21:16:41) CO_CaptHarper: :: has left the restaurant where Vallero shot her down, and is now walking through Golden Gate Park, still looking over candidates for the vacant XO position on her PADD ::
(21:17:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: lays her hand face-down and nonchalantly nudges a couple chips toward the center of the table ::
(21:18:15) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: in his new office at HQ, supervising as workers bring in the bar from Atlantis's ready room, along with his carefully-curated collection of liquors ::
(21:18:37) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: studiously inspects her fingernails ::
(21:20:04) CO_CaptHarper: :: sits down on a park bench ::
(21:20:58) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: finally looks at her companions :: All: It's not a large bet. Any takers?
(21:21:37) CO_CaptHarper: :: sips at the coffee she got to go as she reads, still unimpressed by most of these candidates ::
(21:22:51) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: visits with her mother in Starfleet Medical, spinning idly on a stool in Ruari's lab as she works :: Ruari: So...I bit this gorn's head, right, and twisted...killed him dead.
(21:22:56) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: does a quick inventory, making sure that the bottles he specify be left behind for Kate are absent ::
(21:23:11) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Dozes off, here and there, interspersed by him looking confused and sipping his tea.::
(21:23:13) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::sips at her tea, peering at each one of her cards as she sits at the card table on the Bridge::
(21:24:32) CdorTKirr_HQ: Ruari> :: gasps and drops an instrument with a clatter, turning her long neck and stares at Kuari with wide eyes :: Kuari: You...what?
(21:26:39) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::shuffles her cards into some semblance of order, trying to look like she has an idea of what she's doing::
(21:26:56) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: finds that the other bottles were left as ordered, but the 2366 Don Julio Anejo is still here, so he hands it to a yeoman :: This one stays. Please take it back to Atlantis's ready room and leave it on the desk.
(21:27:06) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: Ruari: Well I couldn't let him kill my superior officer, could I? I'm surprised you didn't hear about it. :: still pushing herself with her tail and spinning on the stool ::
(21:27:55) CO_CaptHarper: :: finds her mind drifting to the motorcycle trip she promised Lexy as the candidates start blurring together ::
(21:29:10) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::slides two more chips to the centre of the table::
(21:29:28) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Doesn't really check his cards, but raises a few more chips; foing back to dozing.::
(21:29:50) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: raises her eyebrows with a grin as the good doctor calls his bet, then deadpans at Ilaihr's raise ::
(21:31:02) CdorTKirr_HQ: Ruari> :: approaches her daughter, concern on her face :: Kuari: Oh, Kuari...I'm so sorry you had to do that. How are you taking it?
(21:33:21) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: sits down as the yeoman departs for Atlantis, and checks his messages ::
(21:33:40) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: stops spinning, smiling encouragingly at her mother :: Ruari: Oh, I'm all right. It had to be done, after all. I would do it again. I have no regrets.
(21:35:00) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nudges a few more chips into the center of the table :: Ilaihr: Call.
(21:35:57) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::takes another swig of her tea, still peering at her cards::
(21:36:11) CO_CaptHarper: :: forces herself to look at the PADD again and ends up talking to herself :: Dammit. Blackthorne agreed that it could work out well, and none of these people have struck you as a better idea.
(21:36:17) CdorTKirr_HQ: Ruari> :: gives a smile back, one of pride :: You're so strong, my daughter. You know how I worry that you'll be hurt on that starship and not return to me. The human speech has really changed your words, too. You mimic them well.
(21:37:56) CO_CaptHarper: :: decides to trust her instinct, and taps her commbadge :: *Kuari* Harper to Kuari.
(21:38:20) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Calls, and goes to raise again, umming and ahhing at the thought; still not having looked at his cards. Finally, after some fiddling with the chips, he does raises again, but by half his original intentions.:: All: And that is how you negotiate with the Son'a...
(21:38:31) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: watches the action and adjusts his cards. ::
(21:39:22) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: is slightly startled to hear her combadge and taps it :: *Harper* Kuari here.
(21:40:23) CO_CaptHarper: *Kuari* Kuari, if I remember right, you are on Earth, yes? Are you in San Francisco?
(21:41:05) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: *Harper* Yes...Starfleet Medical. :: peers at Ruari ::
(21:41:34) CO_CaptHarper: *Kuari* Would you mind meeting me in Golden Gate Park?
(21:42:31) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: finds a message that the deal is done on the house on the beach in Cabo San Lucas, forwards that to T'Kirr ::
(21:43:02) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::slides in another chip::
(21:43:37) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: turns her head towards the window, assessing the direction she would need to go :: *Harper* I would not mind. I'll be there soon. :: looks back to her mother ::
(21:43:43) TAC_1LT_Randen: :: Touring Earth in the planet's capitol of Paris, France. Last time he was on Earth, Randen was busy at Starfleet Academy as a Cadet. He smiled as he took a selfie with the Eiffel Tower in the background, ::
(21:44:04) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Ponders is he was having that conversation in his head.:: All: Wonderful narcotics, those people. Not much else to write home about.
(21:44:17) CO_CaptHarper: *Kuari* Thank you. Harper out.
(21:44:28) CdorTKirr_HQ: Ruari> :: nods in acceptance :: Kuari: Until we next meet. Good journey, Kuari.
(21:45:05) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks at her cards critically for a moment :: All: I fold.
(21:45:31) CO_CaptHarper: :: leans back on the bench and enjoys the sights around her as she finishes her coffee ::
(21:47:12) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: grins at Ruari and immediately trots to the open window :: Ruari: Bye, Mother! :: looks around to get her bearings and kicks off from the window sill, spreading her leathery wings into a glide. Golden Gate Park is not far away, as the Rucara flies ::
(21:48:59) CO_CaptHarper: :: keeps an eye on the sky ::
(21:49:59) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: All: And stay away from the Metrons! ::Nods adamantly, as he calls again.:j
(21:51:22) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: sends the details of their new house to the movers, with instructions to start moving their quarters from Atlantis down ::
(21:51:55) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: approaches Golden Gate Park and spots Harper easily visible in a relatively clear area. Lowering her altitude, she comes in for a landing and alights gently near Harper, but not too close for her stalling wing beats to blow her over ::
(21:52:19) CO_CaptHarper: :: watches Kuari as she approaches and lands, and smiles in greeting ::
(21:53:29) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: drops to all fours and bobs her head towards the grass :: Harper: Captain. Good day to you.
(21:54:06) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: adjusts his cards again as though that chances anything and slides a chip of his own in. ::
(21:54:17) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: watches with interest as the betting continues ::
(21:55:09) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari: Captain Kuari. :: hasn't gotten up from the bench :: I have a question for you. :: still smiling ::
(21:56:37) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: raises her head and sits, wrapping her tail around her paws :: Harper: Yes?
(21:57:06) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari: Have you ever considered going into command?
(21:58:21) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: furrows her brow ridges and cocks her head slightly :: Harper: I...no, I haven't.
(22:00:31) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari: Well, perhaps you should. As I am certain that you have noticed, the Executive Officer position on Atlantis is open. I think that you have the potential to thrive in that job.
(22:02:29) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: All: Never ever, be within a hundred parsecs of a temporally displaced artifact, if the Tholians have been sighted nearby. ::Points his finger, and continues the hand, looking to Tailor and Wolfe.::
(22:02:43) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: stares at Harper, blinking a moment and turning her head to the side, bird-like, in thought. She then looks back to Harper, wide-eyed and voice awed :: Harper: Really? Even though I'm a marine?
(22:03:19) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: All: Or a spatio-temporal anomaly, with Tholians nearby.
(22:04:21) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: All: Or anything involving the Tholians and time.
(22:05:20) CO_CaptHarper: :: grins :: Kuari: Yes, really. I do not know if they will require a transfer to the Navy, but you would have to take the Command Aptitude Test. It is... not an easy test. I would not offer this to you if I were not confident you could pass it, though.
(22:05:50) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Ilaihr: Wait, how do Tholians come into this?
(22:06:25) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wright: Exactly.
(22:07:27) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: flashes a look of perplexed amusement at Dr. Tailor ::
(22:07:55) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: grins widely, clearly encouraged by Harper's words :: I will do my best! I mean...I would be grateful to try, yes. If I can best serve Atlantis as Executive Officer, our crew, and all of Starfleet in that way, I will try!
(22:09:53) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wright: Just worldly advice... But they are a fascinating and intricate culture.
(22:10:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Ilaihr: But you're speaking in generalizations only, of course. Individuals can be very different.
(22:10:51) CO_CaptHarper: :: smiles widely :: Kuari: Wonderful! I will sponsor you for the test and make those arrangements.
(22:11:07) MED_Ens_Tailor: All: Umm... call.
(22:12:07) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Laughs.:: Wright: Oh my no. Between the Matrix, and the caste hierarchy, there is very little room for individuality.
(22:13:04) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: takes another look at his cards and tosses another chip into the pile. :: Ilaihr: Sounds like a rather boring place to me.
(22:13:15) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: vibrates as the exciting idea sets in as reality, a possibility she has never considered. She has experience commanding squads of marines, but commanding the entire ship? She would have to think a lot about this, but she knows she is up for the challenge for sure ::
(22:15:05) CO_CaptHarper: :: sobers a little :: Kuari: That test is a difficult one, I must be clear with you. It will test your ability to make difficult decisions under pressure. I can not tell you anything more, but prepare yourself as best you can. I know you can do it.
(22:15:10) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::and matches the last bet <because she forgot to do that earlier>::
(22:15:38) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wolfe: I often went there, just for the stories, Mr Wolf. Getting in good enough stead to trade with them is a high privilege for a humanoid. But seeing beyond the xenophobic exterior, there is much wonder.
(22:17:47) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: shuts her mouth and nods, eyes still shining with excitement :: Harper: I understand. I will do my best. Thank you for your confidence in me. It means a lot.
(22:19:28) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wolfe: My version of you, was a Tholian. ::Raises one more time.::
(22:20:10) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: watches the pile of chips steadily grow in the middle, her decision to fold seeming increasingly rational ::
(22:23:18) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari: Of course. Should you pass the test, there will be an immediate promotion to meet the minimum requirements of the billet. You have the time in service for it anyway, and the crew respects you. That respect will be key as XO.
(22:23:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: observes the betting war between Ilaihr and Wolfe, and Tailor's increasing discomfort ::
(22:23:55) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wolfe: He was technically my prisoner... but t
(22:24:21) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wolfe: But it seemed so silly to let such a thing come between us.
(22:24:30) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: nods dutifully, sitting as straight as she can sit ::
(22:25:02) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::takes a sip of tea as she does her best to keep her expression neutral.. which she has heard that people are supposed to do when playing poker::
(22:25:18) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: Ilaihr: Your prisoner. Why does that not surprise me? :: looks past the table and other players at the viewscreen, thinking how he never just enjoys the view. ::
(22:26:20) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Wolfe/Ilaihr: Are you two just going to raise a little at a time all night? Make a real bet, or call, but let's get on with it, shall we?
(22:26:30) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: turns his attention back to the table and locks onto Ilaihr. :: Ilaihr: Call.
(22:27:16) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari: I would rely on you for a great many things, but most importantly your counsel, both as a friend and my XO. You would be my representative to the crew, and theirs to me. :: smiles reassuringly despite the gravitas of her words :: But again, you have the potential to be great at it.
(22:27:19) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wolfe: He was being punished for indiscretions against his people, and was of the Mage caste, so he was important enough to not execute. Apparently forcing him under my wardship was considered a more tortuous fate.
(22:28:28) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Calls.:: Wolfe: He never needed to ask someone a question more than once. ::Cackles.::
(22:29:15) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: grins again :: Harper: Thank you, sir. :: looks a bit confused as an idea occurs to her :: Um...where should I go to take the test? I'm not familiar with Navy officer tests.
(22:29:47) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::looks at her hand, and the pile of chips in the middle, and makes a decision, looking more relaxed:: All: Fold.
(22:29:52) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wright/Tailor: Silicon lifeforms do not smile on those of us with Carbon based biochemistry. ::Smiles.::
(22:30:04) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: smiles at Tailor ::
(22:31:12) CO_CaptHarper: :: picks up her PADD from the bench :: Kuari: Let me see... :: looks it up ::
(22:31:22) MED_Ens_Tailor: ENG: There's still a long way to go in relations between our two species.. maybe someday things will be more open ::smiles::
(22:32:50) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari: Ah, here we go. How does tomorrow morning at 0800 sound?
(22:33:32) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Wolfe/Ilaihr: Soooooo do we get to see your hands?
(22:33:38) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: Harper: For...the test? Is that enough time to study?
(22:33:54) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari: It is not the kind of test you can study for.
(22:34:03) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Smiles.:: Tailor: Perhaps. All: But would you believe it... he didn't get on with the the twins!
(22:34:18) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: All: Like fire and ice.
(22:34:39) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Cackles, then looks to Wolfe.::
(22:34:52) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::cocks her head:: ENG: Twins?
(22:34:57) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Ilaihr: He emitted energy that transformed their state of matter...?
(22:35:12) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari: At least not that part.
(22:35:56) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: nods, somewhat relieved :: Harper: Oh, okay. Yes, tomorrow morning will work fine, then.
(22:36:10) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Laughs at Wright's response.:: Wright: So very nearly.
(22:36:25) GenMcKnight_HQ: :: Approaches Blackthorne's office, makes a "Fuck it" shrug, and knocks. ::
(22:36:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks pointedly at their cards ::
(22:37:22) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Door: Come!
(22:37:23) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Tailor: That is the nickname of my faithful Breen bodyguards... Oooh, the battles they fought.
(22:37:28) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari: Excellent. There are followup parts that you can study for, on Bridge operations, Engineering, and Diplomacy. This test, though, is the hard one, and ... how do you say? Weeds people out.
(22:37:32) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: wants to throw another chip in but resists the urge. ::
(22:38:02) CSO_LCdr_Wright: All: Dr. Tailor and I are going to split this pot when it forfeits to us in five... four...
(22:38:08) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Raises, one more time.::
(22:38:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: ALL: YOU BOTH ALREADY CALLED!
(22:38:25) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: laughs and raises ::
(22:38:31) CO_CaptHarper: :: signs Kuari up for the 0800 test and sponsors her ::
(22:38:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: barely resists the urge to flip the table ::
(22:39:15) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::grins::
(22:39:16) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Shrugs.:: Wright: Did I? Should I raise again? ::Seeming confused.::
(22:39:51) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: actually has to get up and pace/mutter to herself for a minute ::
(22:40:47) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Wolfe/Ilaihr: If you both feel that good about your hands, why don't you just go all in? :: thinking of how to end the betting! ::
(22:40:59) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: stares across at Ilaihr :: ENG: She has a point.
(22:41:10) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Smiles at Wolfe, ready to turn his cards.::
(22:41:54) GenMcKnight_HQ: :: Takes the invitation to not only let himself in, but then take a seat. :: Sir. Thanks for taking the time. So...like I said, we need to talk. And this is gonna be a shocker, but it's one of those "speaking frankly" type conversations. That a problem for you?
(22:42:39) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wolfe: I'm ready. ::Is lackadaisical.::
(22:42:46) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: smirks :: If it were, I don't think we would have ever gotten this far. Speak your mind, Doug.
(22:43:53) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: Ilaihr: Let's see what you've got.
(22:44:16) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari: You are signed up. 0800 at the Academy main simulator complex. I will be there to support you, as well.
(22:44:34) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Both, helpfully: Betting is closed, so both turn your cards over and show.
(22:44:48) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Turns his cards over.::
(22:45:37) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: raises her finned ears at hearing Harper will be there :: Really? Wow, this is...unexpected. Amazing. I hope I can sleep.
(22:45:49) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: sets his cards on the table revealing an 8 of Diamonds, 7 of Diamonds, 8 of Spades, 9 of Spades and a 9 of Clubs. ::
(22:46:19) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks at Wolfe's cards :: Oohh, two pair. Very nice.
(22:47:03) GenMcKnight_HQ: Okay. Just remember you said that.
(22:47:39) CO_CaptHarper: :: chuckles :: I did not get much sleep before my test, I admit.
(22:48:15) GenMcKnight_HQ: :: Takes a moment to consider his wording before concluding for the fourth time that there is no diplomatic way to broach this topic. :: I never did get around to complimenting you. You gave a nice speech in front of the Council the other day. The one about what we stand for, the Starfleet we want to serve in, all that.
(22:48:51) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Thank you. :: waits for the ...but that he knows is coming ::
(22:49:12) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks at Ilaihr's cards, thinking they're probably terrible since he never looked at them :: All: Oooh... also two pair, but higher cards! Lucky, Ilaihr wins! :: shoves the chips toward him ::
(22:49:25) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Reveals to himself for the first time a 9 Spades, Jack Diamonds, Queen Hearts, Jack Clubs and a Queen Diamonds.::
(22:49:43) GenMcKnight_HQ: I also never got a chance to ask. Did you really mean any of it?
(22:50:14) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Smiles::
(22:50:53) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: gathers up the cards and begins to shuffle :: All: Maybe... blackjack would be simpler?
(22:50:57) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: I risked thousands of lives in our allied fleet, and affected billions across the Federation. Yes, I meant it.
(22:50:58) MED_Ens_Tailor: ENG: Congratulations ::smiles::
(22:52:04) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Smiles again:: All: This is a more relaxed environment than an illegal Orion game, at least.
(22:52:46) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: watches Ilaihr pick up the chips with a slight smirk ::
(22:52:54) CO_CaptHarper: :: thinks of something else to add :: Kuari, if this works out... Our friendship over the years will be a strong base to build this new working dynamic on, not a burden. It will be our ally.
(22:53:43) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wolfe: No Letheans or Nausicaans pointing guns... ::Chuckles.::
(22:54:02) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: looks long and soulfully into Harper's eyes :: Harper: I agree. I've considered you a friend for many years, and it will only help us to anticipate and help each other.
(22:54:03) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: Ilaihr: Again. Sounds boring to me.
(22:55:16) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari: Exactly. That level of trust and understanding makes for a strong team. :: adds this with a mirthful grin :: So do not worry, we can still go swimming together.
(22:55:23) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wolfe: Ah, so you prefer the guns? Excellent. I shall remember that at a more pertinent time.
(22:55:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: deals a single card face-down in front of each of her companions ::
(22:55:48) GenMcKnight_HQ: :: Nods :: Okay. Then what changed? Because I'll let you in on a little something I never admitted to anyone, even Harper when I first dropped the bombshell about what was going in.
(22:57:08) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wolfe: I must bring you with me to New Sydney if I am ever called there on important business. ::Nods.::
(22:57:24) GenMcKnight_HQ: I basically already knew about Section 31's methods going in. I've worked with Starfleet Intelligence before. I'd heard the rumors for years. But when I heard about how they were infiltrating the upper echelons of our command structure...for just a moment there, I was a little surprised they opted to remove you instead of trying for recruitment.
(22:58:29) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: narrows his eyes :: I'm almost insulted, but I'll let you finish.
(22:58:36) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: grins and bounces, Harper's words clearly allowing for less structured rank expectations, perhaps moving from business to more friendly interactions :: Harper: We must swim more!
(22:59:25) CO_CaptHarper: :: laughs :: Kuari: And we will, pass or fail.
(23:00:18) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: holds out her paw :: Harper: Pass or fail, always friends.
(23:00:27) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Wolfe: Whilst your race is not the most physically intimidating, you do make up for it with a superior humour. ::Chuckles.::
(23:00:42) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks at Wolfe... finds him pretty intimidating :: All: So blackjack... your cards are supposed to add up to 21...
(23:00:48) CO_CaptHarper: :: places her hand in Kuari's paw, finding it dwarfed, and shakes :: Kuari: Always friends.
(23:00:57) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:00:58) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:00:59) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM