Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Jul 5 20:55:58 2017 on CaptHarper@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:15:56) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:15:57) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:15:58) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:17:33) CO_CaptHarper: :: in the wings off stage, wearing dress uniform, and checking her hair's return to the Captainly updo in a mirror ::
(21:18:14) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: picks an imaginary piece of lint from Kate's shoulder and tucks a stray hair into The Updo :: CO: Very sharp, as always.
(21:19:16) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Thank you. :: smiles, betraying a hint of nervousness :: First time back in front of everyone as Captain.
(21:19:19) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Notes Blackthorne's narrowed eyes with a perception born of decades of watching for danger, and in response, he visibly relaxes. He'd been bracing himself for something necessary but unpleasant, and now comes the peace of knowing he's committed himself, for good or ill. Shrugging, he sits back in the chair. ::
(21:21:02) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Blackthorne: Maybe you think the comment was unfair? I can honestly say I'll be thrilled if you manage to convince me of that. There's actually a lot riding on that, as far as how long this arrangement here is going to last.
(21:21:38) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: hesitates, then takes Kate by the shoulders and smiles at her :: CO: You're amazing. They all love you already... but not as much as I do. :: pecks her on the cheek, then reaches back to grab the PADD :: CO: It's all here, whenever you're ready.
(21:22:12) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Well Doug, we've disagreed on much over the years. But... I know that if you come to me and open with -that-, you have a damned good reason. So get to it.
(21:22:13) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: paces backstage in her normal uniform fitted just for her, back and forth, back and forth ::
(21:23:05) CO_CaptHarper: :: slightly bolstered by Lexy's vote of confidence, she takes the PADD and a deep breath, then lets it out :: CSO: Thanks, love.
(21:23:14) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: We'd all follow you to hell and back, you know that. :: smiles ::
(21:23:33) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Let us hope it does not come to that. :: approaches the pacing Rucara :: SEC: Are you ready?
(21:24:15) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: stops and looks up from all fours :: CO: I'm ready!
(21:24:27) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: tries to catch Kuari's eye and give her a smile and thumbs up ::
(21:25:02) CO_CaptHarper: SEC: Then let us begin. :: strides out onto stage ::
(21:25:02) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: belatedly wonders if giving a thumbs up to a Rucara is insensitive... ::
(21:25:27) CO_CaptHarper: :: places her PADD on the lectern ::
(21:25:28) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: catches Wright's motion and gives her an acknowledging smile ::
(21:25:50) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: follows Harper out onto stage, blinking in the bright lights ::
(21:26:10) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Blackthorne: This IS me. There are all kinds of more delicate, diplomatic ways of saying it that'd just never occur to me. But the heart of it is pretty simple. You make this big, inspiring speech with the whole damned Federation watching, about our values and what they're worth. And it was a great speech. You've always been good at those.
(21:26:17) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: watches from the wings ::
(21:27:26) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Blackthorne: But you've flat out admitted to me in the past that those values, even the oaths we swore to uphold them, didn't amount to much for you if they got in the way of your objective.
(21:28:21) CO_CaptHarper: All: Thank you all for coming. I apologize for interrupting your vacations, so I will keep this relatively short.
(21:28:41) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: McKnight: What are you referring to?
(21:30:00) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: sits on the stage next to Harper, looking out past the lights at everyone assembled ::
(21:30:03) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: has been researching supportive emotional expression, is rather relieved that it seemed to go well ::
(21:30:54) CO_CaptHarper: All: I am glad to be standing here as your CO once more, and this time, as the Admiral said, not as a burden thrust upon me out of tragedy. The last time I was in command, I could not have asked for a better crew.
(21:31:30) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Watches on quietly amongst the crowd.::
(21:32:46) CO_CaptHarper: All: This time, things are noticeably different. We are not mourning a great loss from our family and trying to move through our grief past it. We celebrate victory, and relief that we can relax, somewhat, while things slowly return to normalcy around us.
(21:33:42) CO_CaptHarper: All: To that end, we have business to attend to, even during our recovery period.
(21:33:57) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Blackthorne: I'm referring to a conversation we had at the conclusion of our scrap with Ron and his boys, over that bogus communique. I said to you that you'd crossed a line, and that if the best you could manage was a quiet disdain for the oaths you took, then you didn't belong in that uniform.
(21:34:47) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Dr. Endilev> :: sitting in the front row with a recorder, alternating between watching the speaker with her penetrating gaze and taking notes ::
(21:34:56) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Blackthorne: Now, I don't want to put words in your mouth, but I believe your response was "Perhaps, but so long as I AM wearing it, I'll do what I must, even if it means I have to cross lines."
(21:35:24) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Blackthorne: That sound about right? Or are you seriously asking what LINE I'm referring to?
(21:36:00) CO_CaptHarper: All: My search for an Executive Officer has concluded. It was exhaustive, and know that if you are eligible for the position, I considered you. However, I am certain that I have arrived at the right choice, both for this crew, and for myself.
(21:37:43) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: turns her head to look up at Harper ::
(21:38:16) CO_CaptHarper: All: Having served on this ship for eight years, Captain Kuari is a fixture aboard Atlantis, and a pillar of this crew.
(21:39:22) CO_CaptHarper: All: With great pride, I am pleased to announce that she has passed the Bridge Officer's Test, along with the Command Aptitude Test and the associated battery of followup tests.
(21:40:43) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: grins at Harper's announcement of her achievements ::
(21:41:20) CO_CaptHarper: All: Having done so, she is now eligible for command, which makes the decision much easier.
(21:41:39) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: No, the line is quite obvious.
(21:42:00) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: was honestly rather surprised by this choice, but would never tell a soul ... is curious how it will turn out ::
(21:42:38) CO_CaptHarper: Kuari has also elected to transfer to the Starfleet Navy, given the nature of the position... which also has a minimum rank requirement.
(21:44:08) CO_CaptHarper: :: turns to Kuari, having taken something from a box in the lectern ::
(21:44:50) SEC_Cpt_Kuari: :: scoots to face Harper ::
(21:45:05) CO_CaptHarper: SEC: Captain Kuari, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lt. Commander in the Starfleet Navy, and appoint you to be the Atlantis's new Executive Officer! :: removes the Captain's bars from her collar and replaces them with a set of LCDR pips ::
(21:45:37) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Blackthorne: I'd have thought so. Sabotaging your own ship, my equipment, to ensure there was no record of an illegal telepathic assault and seizure of information. An act which I noted you quickly perceived as pretty unambiguously shitty on those occasions when it was your wife on the receiving end. Or, more recently, you for that matter.
(21:46:22) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Blackthorne: Yeah, I'd call that a pretty obvious line crossed.
(21:46:54) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: grins widely, keeping her head clear as Harper fidgets with her collar, and restrains from making noises of excitement ::
(21:47:18) CO_CaptHarper: :: smiles at Kuari and speaks only to her, off the mic :: Wear them with pride.
(21:47:43) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: quietly :: CO: I will.
(21:47:49) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Damn, Doug... we've already beaten the hell out of each other over that, and you dredge it back up? Alright, if that's the way you wanna go.
(21:48:43) CO_CaptHarper: :: turns back to the assembled crowd :: All: I give you Lt. Commander Kuari, your new XO. Continue to give her the respect that you already have been, and your support as she transitions to this new role in her career. Congratulations, Kuari!
(21:48:51) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Simply makes a silent sweeping gesture, an invitation to continue. ::
(21:49:07) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: applauds from the wings ::
(21:49:16) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Tell me, then... Do you believe in absolute morality?
(21:50:23) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: applauds for formerly his officer ::
(21:50:35) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: scoots back to facing the assembled crowd, grinning happily before remembering that showing too much teeth scares some people and seals her lips ::
(21:50:47) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Feels the muscles in his jaw tighten. :: I swear to Christ, if you try to turn this into some half-assed college philosophy exercise...
(21:50:56) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: applauds politely ::
(21:51:12) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Then let me make it a simpler question. Does motive have any effect on an action's morality?
(21:53:58) CO_CaptHarper: :: waits for the applause to die down, then gestures for Kuari to take the mic ::
(21:54:11) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nods at the Ops staffer who comes up and whispers in her ear ::
(21:55:32) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Okay, fine. Sure. Technically. An action which doesn't have any particular moral alignment in and of itself. The intent could make that good or bad. It could even make a good act better.
(21:56:09) BrigMcKnight_HQ: But if you're asking me whether the intent behind it can make a morally wrong act any less wrong? No, it cannot.
(21:56:46) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: acknowledges Harper's offer and moves behind the lectern, now standing tall behind it. She takes a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking ::
(21:57:17) CO_CaptHarper: :: steps aside, beaming at her new XO ::
(21:57:27) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Dr. Endilev> :: watches with concealed interest ::
(21:58:55) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Can you see any difference whatsoever in doing what I did to help my crew, versus what Section 31 did to us, to further an agenda of racism and escalating authoritarianism that would result in alienation of our allies?
(21:59:43) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Sure. Scale.
(22:00:21) XO_LCdr_Kuari: All: The last several months have been difficult for all of us, but we have stayed strong for our crew, for our people and homes, for our Federation, even when people thought we were on the wrong side. For that, I thank you. I know many of you, and I know who I am serving when I assume this new position.
(22:03:26) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: I told you this back then, but it bears repeating. To a non-telepathic species, what we—and Marcus—endured seems horrific, like the worst thing that can happen. Marcus likely agreed.
(22:03:59) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: When you're used to having someone in your head, though, it's a bit less... intrusive. On Betazed, there's a constant cloud of mental communication around you. That said...
(22:04:47) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: I went for one piece of information from Marcus's mind, vital to the protection of my crew. Section 31 took every bit of relevant knowledge from us over the course of weeks.
(22:05:15) XO_LCdr_Kuari: All: I'm learning everything I need to do my new duty, but I also bring my experience to the new role. I've fought alongside you, I've worked with you and protected you as a Marine. I won't stop doing so, but now it will be as part of the Navy, and as your First Officer. I'm confident I will do well and support Captain Harper to the best of my ability.
(22:06:33) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: I see the parallel that you're trying to draw, and there's some merit to it. But what we endured, even for someone used to a head full of other peoples' thoughts, well... :: shakes his head ::
(22:06:34) XO_LCdr_Kuari: All: If any of you need me, please don't hesitate to approach me. I'm really not that scary :: grins toothily, this time on purpose :: All: Well, not to my friends and collegues, anyway.
(22:07:33) CO_CaptHarper: :: laughs ::
(22:08:56) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Sits silently, making a point of waiting until he's sure Blackthorne has said his piece. It's in his nature to butt in, but he's determined not to this time. It doesn't take a genius to tell this is the last chance to talk about this and reach any sort of resolution. ::
(22:09:03) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: covers her mouth to stifle a slightly nervous giggle ::
(22:09:15) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Let's just say you were right about scale, not just in motive, but in method.
(22:09:24) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: lifts an eyebrow, not fully understanding the intended humor ::
(22:09:38) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: checks with Harper to see if she's indicating she do anything ::
(22:10:17) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: I targeted knowledge and was in and out in minutes. It took weeks to comb our brains to be sure we weren't hiding anything else. All in the service of their agenda, and then they didn't kill us as a reward.
(22:10:41) CO_CaptHarper: :: nods to Kuari and takes the mic back ::
(22:10:50) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: steps to the side ::
(22:11:50) CO_CaptHarper: Thank you all, again. It has been a tumultuous time, and we are through the storm. I am also pleased to announce that this entire crew has been awarded a commendation for our actions in restoring the Federation. Congratulations!
(22:12:22) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: applauds ::
(22:12:56) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: applauds again... with a small 'woo!' ::
(22:12:59) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: sits back down on the stage and claps her paws somewhat ineffectually, but it's the thought that counts ::
(22:13:00) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: So, Doug, if anyone would have the balls to come to me nine years later and point that parallel out, it'd be you. Well done, you've got me. I acknowledge it.
(22:14:09) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Applauds cheerfully.::
(22:14:20) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: I viewed it as a lesser, but necessary, evil to protect my crew, and still do. You disagreed, and still do. But I hope you can at least acknowledge that the differences in motive and method actually do matter.
(22:14:59) CO_CaptHarper: All: I have interrupted your vacations long enough. After what this crew has been through, you have earned the rest, so go enjoy yourselves! Dismissed!
(22:15:50) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks to what Harper's going to do at the dismissal, now standing on all fours and attentive ::
(22:16:11) CO_CaptHarper: :: turns from the crowd after watching it begin to disperse for a moment :
(22:16:40) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: watches as the remaining Marines leave the holodeck. ::
(22:19:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: waiting for Kate and Kuari to come off-stage ::
(22:19:39) CO_CaptHarper: :: heads back to the wings ::
(22:20:19) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: heads for her quarters, intending to return to Macbeth and perhaps finally finish it ::
(22:21:15) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: instead of following Harper who appears to have her mind elsewhere, turns her head and spots Wolfe. She leaps off the stage and approaches him ::
(22:21:31) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Waits a beat. :: Was that a question? Are you done?
(22:21:51) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: notices that Kuari is headed his way ::
(22:22:29) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: For what it's worth. I don't think I've swayed you, but that's of little surprise. If the measure of me, to you, is defined by that act and no others, then so be it.
(22:22:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: frowns with disappointment, as she'd be waiting for Kuari specifically, then turns and smiles at Kate :: CO: Well done, Captain. :: small smile ::
(22:22:53) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: sits on the floor in front of Wolfe, looking slightly up at him :: CTO: Hi.
(22:22:54) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Plods off down the corridor, to the tapping of his cane.::
(22:23:58) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Thank you, Commander. :: returns it :: Now that the XO question is answered, I believe we had a motorcycle trip to take?
(22:24:10) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: XO: Ma'am. :: salutes respectfully, but any self-respecting Marine will recognize the playful quality to it. ::
(22:24:52) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: I just have one little thing to tie up before we go, but Kuari seems... occupied.
(22:25:14) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Rolls his eyes. :: Hey, you remember that time I hid in a doorway and waited to put my knife in a man's throat?
(22:25:46) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Which time?
(22:26:11) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: peers out at her, trying to judge whether she can interrupt or not ::
(22:26:14) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: We can go out that way.
(22:26:15) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: grins and bats his hand away in a cat-like fashion :: CTO: None of that.
(22:26:26) BrigMcKnight_HQ: That was the rescue mission for your kid, if your memory's fuzzy. Sanctioned by absolutely nobody. That makes it murder, by the way.
(22:26:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nods gratefully at Kate :: CO: Okay. Shall we, then?
(22:26:35) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: XO: Fine. Sir.
(22:26:52) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: hides a grin very well. ::
(22:27:13) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: sobers :: CTO: You okay?
(22:27:53) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: XO: Of course. I just hate losing a good Marine. But you deserve this.
(22:28:16) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: now lets the smile slip, but not too much, because appearances and all. ::
(22:28:18) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Certainly. :: glad that the speech is over with, and this whole process of making this big decision as well ::
(22:28:27) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CTO: We'll still work together. And I can use everything I've learned. You've got a Marine-trained Executive Officer to watch your back now. And you'll still watch mine.
(22:29:12) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: XO: You'd better believe it. So what are you going to be doing about the First Officer seat on the Brdige? I'm genuinely curious.
(22:29:35) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: follows Kate while still somehow managing to walk abreast with her ::
(22:30:07) CO_CaptHarper: :: head back out onto the stage and down the stairs toward Kuari and Wolfe ::
(22:30:43) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: frowns in confusion :: Uh...I...don't know. :: lost in this new thought as Harper and Wright approach ::
(22:31:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: as they approach :: Both: Excuse me... pardon the interruption. :: looks at Kuari :: XO: Commander Kuari, Operations wishes to inform you that the XO's quarters are ready for you, and there's an Ops team standing by to move your belongings whenever you're ready, Sir. :: smiles ::
(22:32:32) CO_CaptHarper: :: grins, their own move to the CO's quarters having just been finished ::
(22:33:02) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: I'm certain you have a point there.
(22:33:24) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Here's the point to that little non-sequitur. We both took lives on that mission. We're both murderers. And we both have to live with that in what way seems best to us. But I'm still going to spend the rest of my life trying to be a good man in spite of that. I assume you will too, whatever that means to you.
(22:33:37) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks to Harper and Wright as they approach, and focuses on Wright as she speaks, then grins gratefully :: CSO: Thank you. You work fast!
(22:34:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: XO: Please contact me if there are any problems... otherwise, congratulations (!!!) and I look forward to working with you when we all return. :: smiles at the compliment :: My teams are very efficient. Congratulations again, and have a nice leave!
(22:35:00) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CSO: Thanks, you too! :: acknowledges Harper as well ::
(22:35:23) CO_CaptHarper: XO: After that battery of tests, you be sure to get some rest. I know that they are particularly draining.
(22:35:25) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nods to Wolfe to include him in her wishes for a pleasant leave before they depart ::
(22:35:26) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: watches the exchange ::
(22:35:40) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: nods back to Wright ::
(22:35:47) BrigMcKnight_HQ: So sure. I define you by all the things that what you did to Marcus made you. Just like I define you by the slayings. And by the lives you've saved. People are complicated. Morality is complicated. But here's the problem. None of that really matters.
(22:36:05) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: It just seems to me, Doug, that what I have done in the decade since matters so little to you in your estimation of me, so much so, that you came here to call me out on it.
(22:36:28) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: smiles a bit at Wolfe, knowing they have a shared secret.... that they played poker on the Bridge, and that he's bloody terrible at poker ::
(22:36:44) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: watches Harper and Wright leave for a moment before turning back to Wolfe ::
(22:36:57) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: turns back to Kate :: CO: Shall we?
(22:37:23) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Major, sorry for the Marines' loss, but it is all of our gain.
(22:37:28) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Indeed.
(22:37:31) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Then you've missed the point. Or I've failed to make it. I came here, a decade later, to call you out on it because it matters more now than it has at any point since.
(22:38:01) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: turns to Harper :: CO: Of course. Now we just have to find another officer who can fly. I need them on my team. I've become spoiled.
(22:38:20) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: I had myself holofitted for a new helmet... :: as they head back to their new quarters ::
(22:38:32) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Anyone can fly, with enough thrust... :: walks away with Lexy ::
(22:39:00) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: You did? I look forward to seeing it.
(22:39:21) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CTO: Do you think I could get one of those bowl-like chairs on the Bridge? With the big fluffy cushions.
(22:39:56) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: And new riding gear. I wanted to use this new lightweight material that's been recently developed.
(22:40:45) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Oh? Now that I want to see. I am still partial to leather, though.
(22:40:50) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: straightens, affecting a Marine at attention :: CTO: Minimal cushion. Don't need a cushion.
(22:41:12) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: considers how much thrust a humanoid would take to get into flight, and then considers the landing. He shakes his head as Kuari starts talking :: XO: I think that's something for the Quartermaster will best answer.
(22:41:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Materials science is fascinating. Lightweight, form-fitting, breathable, with superior protection... But you do look awfully good in leather. :: blushes ::
(22:41:45) CO_CaptHarper: :: enters the CO's quarters, now their quarters, with Lexy and heads to the bedroom to get changed, as her bag is already packed ::
(22:41:50) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: XO: And I wondered if you were getting soft already in your new position. Cushions. Pah.
(22:42:05) BrigMcKnight_HQ: You think I brought up Marcus to argue about whether what you did was right or wrong? I already knew that was a dead end. I brought it up because it was illegal. The regulations that dictate what we can and can't do make it illegal. If you'd had any illusions about that, you wouldn't have disabled the recording devices that day.
(22:42:22) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Oh, I know... It is why I still prefer it! :: gets out of the dress uniform ::
(22:43:26) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: bag is also packed and placed neatly next to Kate's, looking markedly less lumpy -- peels off her uniform and pitches it for recycling :: CO: Well, you'll have to tell me what you think about this stuff on me, then.
(22:44:01) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Section 31 believed those laws, the laws we swore to uphold, didn't matter. I came here to ask you if they matter. Because all of a sudden, you pretty much ARE Starfleet. And I need to make a decision whether that's an organization I can keep on working for once the immediate crisis is stabilized.
(22:44:12) CO_CaptHarper: :: changes into the riding leathers, over some denim pants and a linen shirt, and lets her hair down ::
(22:44:48) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: clandestinely dressing in the other room :: CO: It's called ShockVinyl...
(22:46:28) CO_CaptHarper: :: once her hair is free of the Updo (tm) she pulls it into a ponytail and waits for Lexy to emerge :: CSO: Mmmhmmmm?
(22:47:12) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: ...partially because the default appearance is a bit shocking. It looks as though it's been poured onto you. Nooooo secrets. Luckily, the appearance is somewhat adjustable.
(22:47:20) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: About half of what Section 31 did was perfectly legal, you know. It's the illegal half that was the rub, of course, but legality does not always equate with morality. Still, I see your point.
(22:48:51) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: Steps out in a loosely form-fitting black vinyl bodysuit zipped up to the neck, hair in a high pony, helmet tucked under her arm :: CO: Okay... perhaps it's a bit silly. But superior protection! :: does a little turn ::
(22:49:17) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CTO: Not soft! Just...you know, I have to sit a lot now. I don't think pacing the Bridge would be...appropriate.
(22:49:24) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Harper stole Atlantis and disobeyed direct orders to find and rescue T'Kirr and me, and Section 31 people died in the process. What that tells me is that the law itself is inadequate.
(22:50:01) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Well, that is... flattering. Oh my. :: purses her lips, wondering if she really wants to go riding right now ::
(22:50:17) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: XO: You could try it. Might be interesting to see how people react.
(22:50:34) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Fortunately, this is a time for change, and to fix what's broken.
(22:50:36) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: embarrassed by the immodesty but rationalizing with her commitment to advances in materials science :: CO: ... You really think?
(22:52:10) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Refrains from pointing out that he knows Harper, and thus knows she was entirely prepared to face the legal ramifications of her actions, as was he. Ian seems to have moved on. :: And what exactly does that mean, sir?
(22:53:31) CO_CaptHarper: :: nods eagerly :: CSO: I do. That is perhaps the sexiest thing I have ever seen you in. It makes me want to find out how much materials science has advanced in its rip-resistance.
(22:54:44) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: So, I suppose what I am saying is that if you do actually believe that I am, at my core, a good man, then know that I intend to proceed as such. The rules are the rules. I hope that no such extreme circumstances require them to be broken again.
(22:55:14) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: .......blushes furiously :: CO: Rip... resistance...... Kate, no! We'll be late for our reservations! :: swats coyly at her hands ::
(22:57:03) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Takes his time in silence, weighing these words and how to respond. Nearly a full minute has passed before he meets Ian's gaze again. ::
(22:57:34) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: I didn't even get to the part about the smaller, lighter helmet with the advanced HUD! :: squeaks in mock dismay and dances away from Kate's reach ::
(22:58:12) BrigMcKnight_HQ: I'll stay on, for the forseeable future. Until I'm ready to call it quits for real, or your extreme circumstance forces me to re-evaluate where I stand.
(22:58:17) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CTO: Well, I suppose I should go see if the quartermaster has gone on leave yet. And get my belongings transferred. Good holiday to you, Major Wolfe.
(22:58:57) CO_CaptHarper: :: laughs and stops trying to grab Lexy, and turns away, going for her bag :: Well, then, if we are going to be late, we had better get moving then.
(22:59:14) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: XO: And to you... Sir.
(22:59:27) BrigMcKnight_HQ: But I intend to trust AND verify. I'll be keeping my eye on things. I don't know that I'm qualified to be your conscience, but as I'm not sure you have anyone better on hand, I guess I'll be taking a stab at it anyway.
(22:59:35) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: frowns slightly that the chase is over so quickly :: CO: ....Perhaps some experiments are in order tonight, if you're still curious....
(23:00:23) CO_CaptHarper: :: stretches out as she reaches for the bag in an exaggerated fashion :: CSO: Yes, in that leather still has its uses.
(23:01:31) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: nods :: Alright. You reminded me a few things on Atlantis, so there is that. Your approach could use some refinement, though. :: the Section 31 recruiting him thing still riles ::
(23:01:31) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: pauses and admires :: CO: ....Kate Harper..... you're such a tease.
(23:02:24) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Shrugs :: Nothing's impossible, I guess.
(23:02:29) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Stands :: Sir.
(23:02:46) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: considers alternative uses... blushes crimson... decides she'll find out later what Kate meant ::
(23:03:16) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: I can be, when I want to be. :: hoists her bag with a smirk ::
(23:03:28) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: also stands :: General.
(23:04:23) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Nods and makes for the door, but pauses on the way out, hand hovering just over the activation control. :: Oh, and sir.
(23:04:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: shoulders her bag and walks past her, giving Kate a good look at the lines of the vinyl :: CO: ....And I learned from the best, because... so can I.
(23:04:43) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Yes?
(23:04:57) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: really hopes she's backing up that statement as convincingly as she'd made it ::
(23:05:53) BrigMcKnight_HQ: You keep bringing up what I think of you. I think...I think you TRY to be a good man. Really try. That's not always the same as actually being one, but it's all I can ask of anyone. Myself included.
(23:07:30) CO_CaptHarper: :: admiring the vinyl and what it's accentuating :: CSO: That. You. Can. :: follows her out of their quarters, eventually taking the lead again to show off the leathers ::
(23:08:31) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: Fair enough. And thank you, for getting the word to Harper that we were alive. I do owe you one there.
(23:08:32) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: trades the lead back and forth with Kate all the way to the TR, already thoroughly enjoying her vacation ::
(23:09:06) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: loves a competition where both parties win ::
(23:09:34) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Shakes his head, opens the door, and chuckles as he makes his exit. :: Yeah, no shit.
(23:09:36) CO_CaptHarper: :: having great fun, especially since the weight of this decision is off her shoulders ::
(23:10:03) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:10:04) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:10:04) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM