Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Jul 12 20:37:02 2017 on CaptHarper@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:40:00) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:40:01) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:40:02) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:42:47) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: Finds the notion of lounging on some sunny beach with a cocktail by his side about as fun as a swift kick to the balls, and nowhere near as exciting. As such, he's back on Atlantis' holodeck, leading a holographic squad of marines through a room to room assault on a Romulan Warbird. ::
(21:43:20) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Is doing as he does when he's supposed to be off duty; wandering the halls and pottering on the bridge, acting as Atlantis' sentinel and watcher whilst everyone is away.::
(21:44:42) XO_Cpt_Kuari: :: is flying along a cliffside coastline somewhere around South America. Other than the wind in her ears, she can hear the waves crashing against the rocks below, gulls calling, and the faint whooshing of three pairs of wings in the air around her ::
(21:52:44) XO_Cpt_Kuari: :: turns her head very slightly as doing moreso screws up her aerodynamics, and spots her mother and father just behind her. She's so happy they both managed to get time off to fly with her, celebrating her promotion along with her part in uncovering Starfleet's recent undermining. It has been many years since she has flown with her parents, or any other Rucara ::
(21:52:48) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Hums to himself, brushing his fingers along the walls, chuckling at how pristine everything was.::
(21:54:27) SEC_LT_Raknar: ::Nods brusquely as holographic marines yank on their applied magnetic clamps and wrench the hatch open. Charging through, he swallows all his instincts, and ignores the Romulan he sees pointing his disruptor at him, instead turning sharply to the right to shoot the soldier waiting to blindside him.::
(21:55:01) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: The whine of phase rife over his shoulder tells him certainly enough that the marine behind him had the first enemy handled, as it's supposed to be. ::
(21:55:26) CO_CaptHarper: :: at a table in a bar in Eugene, Oregon, after a day's touristing around with Lexy ::
(21:56:54) CO_CaptHarper: :: still half-dressed in riding leathers, but has ditched the jacket ::
(21:57:37) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Kate: I know it wasn't in the plan, but I'm glad we did it. The hike to the pool is always worth it.
(22:00:06) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: Oh, me too. That was so unbelievable blue that it did not look real.
(22:00:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Kate: I know! Even that picture hanging on the wall in our quarters doesn't do it justice.
(22:00:50) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: Just as unbelievable the second time!
(22:01:05) XO_Cpt_Kuari: :: calls out to the air in her melodic language, the sound disappearing as soon as it leaves her throat with nothing to reverberate off of. Being aboard a ship is so different than being out in the middle of nature! Having relayed her intention to dive to her followers, she then tucks in her wings and plummets towards the ocean below ::
(22:01:27) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Shimmers into being just outside the establishment in question, takes a moment to get his bearings, and removes his uniform necktie as he walks in, stowing it in his pants pocket as he looks for his quarry. ::
(22:02:18) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Continues on down the corridor and up the turbolift to the bridge, the rest his feet and continue his watch.::
(22:02:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Kate: I think it's even more beautiful, in the summer, actually.
(22:02:50) CO_CaptHarper: :: remembers having gone in late fall before :: Lexy: Yes, I agree, it certainly is. Such a verdant area.
(22:03:38) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: at their new home in Cabo San Lucas, arranging things, since the movers have completed their work, but everything's not quite right yet ::
(22:03:54) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: Doesn't bother to suppress a grin as the Romulan he downed yet shows some life, even if it some Federation programmer's insult to the efficacy of a Klingon disruptor. In any case, a second bolt to the head soon stills the Romulan's groping for his weapon. ::
(22:04:02) SEC_LT_Raknar: Clear!
(22:05:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Kate: And since it was such a hot day, that cooooold water actually felt good this time!
(22:05:58) CO_CaptHarper: :: grins :: Lexy: Got more than your feet in this time.
(22:06:28) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Walks out on the bridge, and take a seat in the command circle.:: Atlantis: How are you feeling my dear? ::He starts chittering on.::
(22:06:54) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: scowls at Kate over the rim of her glass :: Kate: I was pretty sure that if I didn't get in, you were going to PUSH me in...
(22:07:53) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: I would never! :: totally would have ::
(22:08:03) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: Acknowledges the identical answers from his simulated squad with a satisfied grunt, then moves on the the next room with purpose, as though the stakes were very real. Which, in a sense, they are. The ship's record time for completing this course is formidable, and he's determined to shatter it. ::
(22:08:23) XO_Cpt_Kuari: :: spreads her wings before she can crash and glides at high speed across the surface ::
(22:08:42) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: rolls her eyes at Kate and sips at her glass of the establishment's specialty craft cider :: Self: Mmm, this is really good.
(22:08:47) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::The consoles chirp away.:: Atlantis: But I am spending the downtime wisely.
(22:09:18) CO_CaptHarper: :: is drinking a local beer, one of seemingly hundreds available :: Mine too, I like this place.
(22:10:50) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Kate: I agree... apparently it's supposed to be pretty famous, but places like this are everywhere in this part of north america, it's hard to stand out.
(22:11:38) CO_CaptHarper: :: looks around and notices McKnight at the door, waves ::
(22:12:08) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Chuckles as he feels a slight invariance subtly vibrate through him.:: Atlantis: I have lived a life, many would envy... others would fear or detest. ::He smiles.::
(22:12:14) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: notes Kate's wave and sees McKnight, raising her glass to him in greeting ::
(22:12:56) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Doesn't take long to spot the pair, and waving back, makes his way over, silently pulling up a chair with him. :: Howdy there, kids. Seeing as you invited me here, I hope you're buying!
(22:13:55) CSO_LCdr_Wright: McKnight: Of course, General, it's a pleasure to see you.
(22:14:32) CO_CaptHarper: Doug: :: chuckles :: Indeed. Glad you came, General.
(22:15:53) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: On and on, the simulation goes. The method is robotic, dispassionate...torture to a warrior, the equivalent of running an obstacle course in an over-starched tuxedo. But it WORKS. In the end, as the green blood cools on the deck of the enemy bridge, the verdict is in. But a small fraction of a second better than the previous best, yet good enough.
(22:16:38) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Grins. :: In all the years you've known me, precisely how often have you seen me turn down a free drink?
(22:18:17) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: Grunts, in the manner which indicates he's pleased. The difference between irritated, perplexed, and gassy grunting is subtle, but distinct to a trained ear. :: Computer, Arch.
(22:18:40) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::He listens to the sound of the consoles chirping again.:: Atlantis: It is an elders duty to watch over those still capable of living life to it's fullest.
(22:18:41) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: laughs somewhat uncomfortably, as she does not have such history with this man :: Both: By the way, I don't want to intrude... I don't mind leaving you to talk if that would be best. Sounds like the band is getting ready to play out on the deck.
(22:20:05) CO_CaptHarper: :: gestures for the waiter : Lexy: Oh no intrusion at all, unless the General pulls rank? :: sideways smile ::
(22:20:08) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: Exiting the holodeck, he takes a moment to upload the simulation data onto a data chip, which he then withdraws from its wall slot, and steps into the nearest turbolift. :: Bridge.
(22:21:25) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Time... ticks away at us all, and we must live whilst we can, but when those ticks get longer, and the amount left shorter, and your ageing form gets slower; it pays to simple sit, and watch all that you survey... waiting for when you are needed the most.
(22:21:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks at the General expectantly ::
(22:22:15) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Holds up his hand in the "stop right there" gesture. :: Wright, come on. I know I crashed your date the last time I showed up out of nowhere, but I'm not a complete dick. I was invited up here to fulfill an earlier agreement to share a drink, and that's it.
(22:23:01) BrigMcKnight_HQ: So stick around. I'll do my best not to cramp anyone's style. Fair?
(22:23:12) XO_Cpt_Kuari: :: finally slows down enough through the thick air at the water's surface and rises a little so that she can start flapping. She spots an outcropping at the top of the cliff face that looks very perchable and beats her wings for lift towards it ::
(22:23:30) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: laughs again, more genuinely this time :: McKnight: Okay, okay. :: grins :: Luckily, sir, I don't have much style to cramp, but Kate might be another story.
(22:25:08) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Atlantis: It is tiring, yes. ::Chuckles.:: But, no matter.
(22:26:40) CO_CaptHarper: Me? None at all. ::deadpans as the waiter arrives to take McKnight's drink order ::
(22:26:55) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: Steps off the turbolift to find Ilaihr talking to...nobody he can see as he looks around. :: ENG: Sir. Perhaps I should return later?
(22:27:12) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Atlantis: You learn to live vicariously through others.
(22:28:03) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: SEC: Not at all Lieutenant.
(22:28:21) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Smiles to the waiter :: Beer. Something dark, and malty. Beyond that, surprise me.
(22:28:56) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: SEC: I was listening to the ship.
(22:29:33) CO_CaptHarper: :: the waiter wanders away, having about a hundred beers like that, and just picks his favorite ::
(22:30:05) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: Looks at the old Andorian skeptically for a moment, though the look is somewhat drowned out as most nuance is by the large, bright red Starfleet delta tattooed around his right eye. When the moment ends, he shrugs, and offers the data chip. ::
(22:31:11) SEC_LT_Raknar: ENG: As you say. When the...ship has said its piece, I require this transmitted to Klingon High Command. The proper subspace frequency is already encoded.
(22:32:01) CO_CaptHarper: :: the waiter returns with a nice London porter and delivers it to McKnight ::
(22:33:02) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Raises an eyebrow.:: SEC: You know very well how do to it Lieutenant. I am not your secretary, my boy.
(22:33:16) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Takes it with thanks, and drains about a third of it before he places it down on his coaster with a satisfied sigh and turns back to his company. :: So! The novelty of command still setting in? It is "for real" this time, after all.
(22:34:26) CO_CaptHarper: Doug: It... well, it feels more like a reward, than a punishment. Last time was just... hell.
(22:34:47) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: wonders why her glass seems to be getting empty and then suddenly full and feels a bit warm, decides to slow down for a while.. that stuff is too good ::
(22:35:08) XO_Cpt_Kuari: :: lands somewhat more roughly than she intended on the grassy outcropping, her wings tiring to the point of failure. As often as she tries to keep in shape during her holodeck time, it never seems to be enough to keep her sustainable as she would if she were planetbound on a regular basis. Still, it was exhilirating and she hopes her parents understand ::
(22:38:17) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: Stares at Ilaihr in open bewilderment, though he does narrowly manage to suppress the snarl at "boy". :: ENG: Of course I know how, sir. But it has always been the procedure that any transmission I send back to the Empire be reviewed before sending if it contains information of a military nature.
(22:39:16) XO_Cpt_Kuari: :: turns her long neck to look up at the other two Rucara as they land, and notes their landings are much more graceful than hers was :: Karwayin, Ruari: That was fun!
(22:40:12) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Nods :: Yeah, it's been a long...however long all that lasted. I lost track of how long it'd been at some point, since things had felt normal. Long enough that normal feels weird again, anyway.
(22:41:30) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nods in agreement :: Both: I'm looking forward to a new normal.
(22:42:03) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Leans back in his chair with a grin. :: Well, now. That sounds a lot like a toast to me!
(22:42:07) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: SEC: Then I believe that is something you should take up with Mr Wolfe. I'm not a chief member of staff, but a humble engineer.
(22:42:10) XO_Cpt_Kuari: Karwayin> :: lands lightly on the grass nearby :: Kuari: Yes, it was. Are you getting enough exercise on Atlantis?
(22:42:14) CO_CaptHarper: :: raises her glass :: All: I am just grateful that we all survived it, and are not in prison, so that we can have this drink together. It seems so long ago that we talked about it, and the promise of a semblance of normality coming back? Irresistable!
(22:42:43) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: obediently holds up her glass, emboldened by cider :: Both: To a new normal.
(22:43:38) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: SEC: In retrospect I am surprised I have achieved that rank I have.
(22:44:04) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: Now, it's Rak'nar who raises an eyebrow, glancing not at Ilaihr himself, but at the command seat he's in. :: ENG: Hmmm.
(22:45:31) SEC_LT_Raknar: ENG: Yes, well, as you say. I should find the Major. My apologies.
(22:45:56) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: SEC: I believe he will be here soon.
(22:46:33) XO_Cpt_Kuari: Karwayin: :: points her nose towards the ground :: I am. Marines train regularly, but it's mostly ground work, not using my wings. When I don't have opportunity to fly regularly, it seems it weakens my ability to fly for very long.
(22:47:06) SEC_LT_Raknar: ENG: Ah. I will wait, then. Sir.
(22:47:20) CO_CaptHarper: :: clinks glasses with Lexy and holds hers there for Doug :: To normal.
(22:48:15) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: walks onto the Bridge as the Turbolift arrives. ::
(22:48:33) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: SEC: Speak of the Devil, and he shall appear.
(22:48:53) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: looks up at Ilaihr and doesn't say a word ::
(22:48:55) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Slightly cackles.::
(22:49:06) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Raises his beer. :: To normal!
(22:49:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: smiles and takes a little drink ::
(22:49:46) XO_Cpt_Kuari: Karwayin> :: smiles fondly at his daughter :: Kuari: No matter. We're proud of you all the same.
(22:50:08) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: Turns his head at Wolfe's arrival, and stiffens slightly more. :: CTO: Sir!
(22:51:00) CO_CaptHarper: :: takes a drink of her beer, remembering the uncertainty that this meeting would ever come to pass when she suggested it in Blackthorne's ready room ::
(22:51:32) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: stares down Rak'nar a moment before uttering his first word :: SEC: At ease, Lieutenant. :: turns his head back down to his station, enjoying the Lieutenant's discomfort. ::
(22:51:53) XO_Cpt_Kuari: :: sits and looks up at him :: Karwayin: I'm so happy to fly with you, Father. It's been too long. You're so rarely on Earth these days. I've visited Mother several times since being with you.
(22:51:58) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CTO: Good day, Major. How are you, my dear boy?
(22:52:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: rock-climbing ::
(22:52:14) BrigMcKnight_HQ: ::Stares down into his beer a moment, thinking. Finally, he knocks back the rest of it. :: You all did a hell of a job. I'm serious. Statistically, what we were all doing should have fallen apart a half dozen times.
(22:52:47) AdmBlackthorne_HQ: :: taking the time to get everything just-so, because T'Kirr hasn't been here yet since the movers finished, he wants it to be perfect when she arrives :
(22:53:26) CSO_LCdr_Wright: McKnight: In many alternate realities, it probably did. Glad we live in this one.
(22:53:41) CO_CaptHarper: :: grins :: I sometimes can not believe we pulled it off myself. Doug: Thanks so much for getting that information to us... it set so much in motion.
(22:54:55) SEC_LT_Raknar: :: Unaware of Wolfe's misunderstanding, nevertheless relaxes as instructed...and frowns as he sees that the old Andorian just talks to everyone like that. :: Sir. I have a message for my superiors, pending your review and approval.
(22:56:49) XO_Cpt_Kuari: Karwayin> :: walks on all fours to Kuari and rubs the top of her head with hers in a cat-like manner :: Kuari: I had to come back, even for a day. Relations with Betazed can wait. We're so proud of you.
(23:01:25) CO_CaptHarper: Doug: Not to mention getting Admiral Zuriyev back to Betazed to repair what they did to him. His testimony was key. All: So yes, what I am saying is that we kicked ass.
(23:01:48) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: watches the two of them talk, smiling about her small part in the ass-kicking ::
(23:02:12) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Smiles. :: We all had our parts to play. And we all played the hell out of them. Good place to leave it, I think.
(23:02:35) CSO_LCdr_Wright: McKnight: What about you, General? What's next for you?
(23:03:09) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: she asked, oblivious to the bluntness of her question ::
(23:05:00) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Gestures for a refill. :: Oh, Blackthorne somehow talked me into staying on a little longer. Can't say I won't be busy. The Marines were a small enough branch to begin with. Between the ones we KNOW were dirty and the fucktons who need to be re-vetted, I'm gonna have to kick a dozen asses just to get my morning cup of coffee.
(23:06:02) CO_CaptHarper: Doug, let me know if Atlantis can help. You always have friends there, and I have a few good Marines of my own.
(23:07:21) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Grins. :: Thank you. But trust me, we won't be absent long. There were some big plans in the works to help out frontier settlers sleep a little sounder at night. The Minuteman was just the start. I have no intention of scrapping any of them.
(23:07:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: McKnight: And I was sort of under the impression that kicking a dozen asses was one of your hobbies. WOW, this is good cider. I'm going to be quiet now.
(23:08:05) CO_CaptHarper: :: laughs at Lexy :: Well, I think that is true, yes? :: looks at Doug regarding the ass-kicking ::
(23:08:14) CO_CaptHarper: :: still nursing her one beer ::
(23:09:42) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Goes back to listening to the ship.::
(23:10:53) XO_Cpt_Kuari: Karwayin: Thank you. :: receives the affection gratefully :: I've come to call Atlantis my home, and its crew my family.
(23:11:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: rock-climbing montage ::
(23:14:08) BrigMcKnight_HQ: :: Chuckles. :: Maybe so. But I haven't been a Sergeant in almost twenty years. My specialty is kicking around the bad guys.
(23:14:52) BrigMcKnight_HQ: Not that I get many Jem'Hadar jumping me at my desk. Though I probably deal with enough paperwork to bury one.
(23:15:58) CO_CaptHarper: :: laughs :: Bureaucracy is the real weapon sometimes!
(23:15:58) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:15:59) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:15:59) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM