Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Aug 9 20:59:52 2017 on CaptHarper@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:16:00) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:16:01) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:16:01) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:16:47) CO_CaptHarper: :: in full dress uniform, riding on a float down the main street of her hometown, waving at the crowds ::
(21:17:32) CO_CaptHarper: :: feeling quite conspicuous ::
(21:18:17) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::is shuffling through the crowd trying to get a good view, finally finds a slice of view between a tightly packed throng of people::
(21:20:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: sitting next to Kate, also in dress uniform, jaw clenched anxiously in something vaguely resembling a smile, trying hard not to look at all the people ::
(21:20:48) CO_CaptHarper: :: turns to Lexy and says through a smile :: I cannot wait for this to be over.
(21:20:57) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: sits on a rooftop overlooking the parade route, watching as Harper's approaching but not quite to her yet :: Tav: Look, there she is! On that float!
(21:21:03) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::holds up a holoimager above the crowd, trying to get a good shot of the parade::
(21:21:08) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: whispers to Kate in a tense voice :: Kate: No... Kidding.
(21:21:39) MED_Dr_Tav: :: sits next to Kuari, having had to find a way to climb up after she lighted upon one of the rooftops :: XO: I see her, yes!
(21:21:52) SCI_Lt_TLira: :: at the sci/ops console on the bridge, debating if she actually wants to go down to Risa or just stay on the ship and catch up on things she's got yet to finish ::
(21:22:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: can't believe she let Jhnal push her into this ::
(21:22:13) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: It is too hot for this uniform too. They are not made for Risa!
(21:22:23) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: stands in the crowd, kind of near the back. He's thankful that Harper got the bridge crew out of having had to ride along on the float with her as the locals had at first demanded. Maybe she really is an awesome captain. ::
(21:23:08) XO_LCdr_Kuari: Tav: I see Alexis next to her, too. I wonder if they'll see us when they get closer.
(21:23:25) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: through teeth clenched in a smile :: Kate: The *uniform* is what you're uncomfortable with?
(21:23:26) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::spots Kuari and Tav in the viewfinder as she's filming; waves to them, although it's hard to tell if they can see her from there::
(21:24:06) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: Well, besides all of this spectacle, just for me. :: points :: Look, it is Kuari!
(21:24:10) MED_Dr_Tav: XO: Well, you could spread your wings when they get close, and make sure there's no doubt. Also, you know how you like to bellow in celebration? I think this would be a great time for that.
(21:24:19) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: unfortunately only has eyes for Harper and Wright at the moment ::
(21:25:05) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: turns to look where Kate is pointing, and a genuine smile creeps onto her face briefly ::
(21:25:06) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: shakes her head :: Tav: This is Kate's moment...I don't want to draw attention.
(21:25:34) CO_CaptHarper: :: waves up at Kuari, smiling brightly ::
(21:25:36) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: straightens as she sees Harper looking at her, and then Wright, and grins :: Tav: Oh, they see us!
(21:25:37) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Kate: And is that..... Next to her...?
(21:26:16) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: It looks like Dr. Tav...
(21:26:17) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: offers a tiny finger wave ::
(21:26:21) MED_Dr_Tav: XO: Alright, I respect that. :: waves to Harper and Wright as they get much closer ::
(21:26:36) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: waves back ::
(21:27:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: color spreads across her cheeks at the realization that people that she KNOWS will see her ::
(21:27:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: resists urge to cover face with hands ::
(21:29:09) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: does not wave as the float passes by. He's here. That's enough. He doesn't want to stand out at all. ::
(21:29:24) CO_CaptHarper: :: notices Wolfe, offers a smile ::
(21:29:44) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: nods back to Harper. ::
(21:30:00) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: focuses on staring straight forward over people's heads ::
(21:31:06) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The parade rounds a bend, and a band strikes up a celebratory tune.
(21:31:52) CO_CaptHarper: :: gets a clearer view of Kuari once they make the turn, waves again, beckoning her to fly down ::
(21:31:57) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Ears fall back at the loud sound, but the plugs seem to be working and
(21:32:17) MED_Ens_Velekh: he enjoys it nonetheless::
(21:32:37) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: glances down at her hand holding Kate's and realizes she's apparently holding on for dear life and Kate hasn't even mentioned it, tries to relax her grip :: Kate: I'm sorry... this is... not my thing. But I'm so proud of you. :: attempts to give a supportive smile ::
(21:33:01) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: cocks her head at Harper motioning :: Tav: Did Harper just beckon me? I don't want to take everyone's attention!
(21:33:07) MED_Dr_Tav: :: waves back to the float, too far away to be waving TO anyone :: XO: I think she wants you to join them on the float.
(21:33:36) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: Thank you for being here, love. :: squeezes her hand back and looks right at her :: It means a lot. It will be over soon; the town is not that big.
(21:34:04) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: sits still, undecided ::
(21:34:30) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: smiles in affection and relief, then looks up where Kate was beckoning :: Kate: Ohh, yes, can Kuari come down here? Then people wouldn't... :: trails off ::
(21:34:52) CO_CaptHarper: :: beckons again toward the gargoyle-like Kuari on the rooftop ::
(21:34:56) MED_Dr_Tav: XO: Come on, you should go! :: gives Kuari a convincing shove, but not enough to actually push her off the edge ::
(21:35:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: beckons as well ::
(21:35:51) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: grips the roof tiles as she's shoved and gives one last look at Tav before spreading her wings and leaping off the roof and gliding towards Harper's float ::
(21:35:52) MED_Dr_Tav: XO: She's proud of having you as her first officer and wants to show you off. And I think you should bellow the whole way there. :: keeps shoving ::
(21:37:14) MED_Dr_Tav: :: watches as Kuari takes flight and glides away toward the float ::
(21:37:19) CO_CaptHarper: :: cheers as Kuari takes to the air ::
(21:38:12) CO_CaptHarper: :: does another scan of the crowd with waves and smiles as Kuari approaches ::
(21:39:34) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: decides there's nothing else for it and there's no way people aren't going to notice her, so she hopes to make Harper proud and bellows out happily several times before reaching the float, flaring her wings, and perches gingerly atop the throne-like ornamentation behind Harper's head ::
(21:40:05) CO_CaptHarper: :: gestures to the crowd at Kuari, hoping the parade announcer recognizes her from the profile ::
(21:41:01) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The parade announcer can't miss it and announces: Ladies and Gentlemen, that would be Lt. Commander Kuari, Captain Harper's Executive Officer!
(21:41:33) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: can't suppress her giggle at the bellows, some of the tension finally draining from her ::
(21:42:19) CO_CaptHarper: :: beams at the bellows :: XO: The sounds you can make never cease to amaze me!
(21:43:28) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looking up at Kuari and laughing :: Both: Ohhh, I needed that
(21:44:09) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: waves at all the people dutifully, then grins down at Harper and Wright. She gets an idea and carefully hops off the back of the chair, then comes around Harper's side :: CO: Care for a boost? :: lowers one of her wings, indicating her back ::
(21:44:27) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Really?! Can I?
(21:44:33) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: lets go of Kate's hand once she sees what Kuari is suggesting :: Kate: Yes! Do it!
(21:45:37) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::wanders away from the edge of the street, the parade having passed, and goes to look for an ice cream vendor::
(21:46:02) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: keeps motioning for Harper to climb on :: CO: You're the star, not me!
(21:46:12) CO_CaptHarper: :: grins like a fool as she climbs on Kuari's back, thinking this is going to be about the coolest thing ever ::
(21:46:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: sits back down after giving Kate a boost ::
(21:47:11) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Lets out a small giggle at the sight and decides to take mercy on his ears, wandering off to explore nearby::
(21:48:11) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: lowers her head so as not to stab Kate with her horn and extends her wings for show, bellowing towards the crowd ::
(21:48:24) CO_CaptHarper: :: grins at Lexy as Kuari bellows and yells along :: Woooo!!
(21:49:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: can't bring herself to be loud as well, but laughs and claps her hands ::
(21:53:01) CO_CaptHarper: :: imagining the pictures of her and Kuari that'll be on the news, and wondering if any other CO/XO team will ever look this awesome ::
(21:53:45) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: stands the way she is as the float putters along ::
(21:55:48) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is so glad nobody is looking at her anymore, and attempts to fade into the background where she is monumentally more comfortable ::
(21:55:57) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The parade's end draws near as the town's end approaches.
(21:56:53) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: totally left Tav on a rooftop back there ::
(21:57:12) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Once the float pulls to a stop, it is mobbed by children.
(21:57:20) MED_Dr_Tav: :: starts looking for ways to get down from the rooftop ::
(21:57:45) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: turns her head to the side, one eye looking back at Kate for instructions ::
(21:58:50) CO_CaptHarper: :: signs autographs as they're offered to her, but the kids are predictably more interested in Kuari because dragon ::
(21:59:22) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: stands still, careful not to hurt the children, and allows herself to be pet ::
(21:59:49) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: follows behind Kate, looking at the small people uncomfortably ::
(22:00:20) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::wanders back amongst the crowd with a three scoop cone of vanilla, triple chocolate fudge, and some kind of dayglo green sourpatch sorbet. and sprinkles.. gotta have sprinkles::
(22:00:40) CO_CaptHarper: Kids: Yes, she really is a Starfleet Officer! Yes, we command the ship as a team!
(22:00:51) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: wanders around a bit, checking out shops and local attractions.
(22:01:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: feels a bit awkward ::
(22:01:55) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: lifts her head where the kids can't reach as a hand goes for her eye ::
(22:02:08) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> We cut away to the party at a local beachfront restaurant, about an hour later, a casual affair.
(22:03:12) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: is now kid and rider-free, looking this way and that for Tav, hoping he made it off the roof ::
(22:03:59) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is feeling somewhat less awkward at this more casual affair ::
(22:05:21) MED_Dr_Tav: :: joins up at the restaurant, where he finds Harper, Wright and Kuari. ::
(22:06:16) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: has changed into a sundress and sandals, and is sipping at a margarita to loosen her nerves ::
(22:06:29) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: brightens when she sees Tav well from behind her chair gap at the table ::
(22:06:47) CO_CaptHarper: :: has changed ouf of the stuffy formal uniform and into a nice light blue sundress, not traditionally Risan, but she does try to find some measure of modesty and decorum if her crew is around ::
(22:07:37) CO_CaptHarper: :: genuinely happy to see so many of the crew came to this ::
(22:08:41) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: coordinates well with Kate in her floral-print sundress, waving at the people she recognizes when they come in ::
(22:09:09) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: arrives at the party and mills around ::
(22:09:41) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks around at everyone, happy to be with her best friends ::
(22:10:12) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::is also milling around, with a glass in hand that contains a colorful tiny umbrella::
(22:11:07) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Shore> :: an aging silver fox of a man steps up to Kate, his eyes crinkling in the corners when he smiles :: Kate: Captain Kathryn Harper, I presume?
(22:12:05) CO_CaptHarper: :: offers a charming smile, though she does not recognize the man : Shore: Yes, how do you do?
(22:12:38) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: takes interest in Shore, watching him ::
(22:14:58) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Shore> :: extends his hand, offering it to clasp in respectful greeting :: Kate: I'm Captain Torin Shore... retired, of course. Some decades ago they made me the first Starfleet Captain from Risa, and I am pleased to meet my counterpart in you. :: he smiles, twinkling ::
(22:16:08) CO_CaptHarper: :: eyes go wide as she shakes the man's hand :: Captain Shore! It is an honor, sir!
(22:17:51) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: sipping a mojito at the bar, quite liking this little town, though he never would have thought to visit it if not for the parade ::
(22:18:12) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Shore> :: grins even more broadly as she obviously recognizes his name :: Kate: The honor is mine, Captain Harper. I'm so pleased to see a native daughter of my homeworld make such an impression on the Federation planets. Perhaps they'll come to see us as more than total hedonistic hosts, one day. :: watches for her reaction ::
(22:19:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: watches this conversation with interest, attempting to look casual ::
(22:19:45) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Eye widen at the expanse of drinks available and nervously leans over to Navarro:: NAV: Is there anything on here you recommend? I don't really know what to order...
(22:19:47) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: after determining Shore not a threat to Harper (the marine in her makes her ever wary), looks to her extra large chocolate drink mixed with local Risan fruits and takes a drag from the extra long straw ::
(22:20:17) CO_CaptHarper: Shore: I share that hope, Captain. You know, I remember reading about you in school, but never realized no other Risans had commanded since... there just are so few role models.
(22:21:18) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: MED: That depends on your taste, doctor. They have the Earth drinks like I have, and several sweet native drinks, not to mention drinks with colorful umbrellas like she has :: points at Tailor ::
(22:23:35) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::sips her drink with a straw and twirls the umbrella:: MED_Velekh: You should try it.. it's delicious. ::smiles::
(22:24:02) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: MED: And that is an especially colorful umbrella, though I don't know if it makes it taste better.
(22:24:11) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Shore> :: gives her a conspiratorial wink :: Kate: Too true. Personally, I think our race has been underestimated for so long that we've begun to believe that it's true. It takes people like you and I who change our names to make them easier for Humans to pronounce and leave our beautiful home in search of something more. Not an easy choice to ask of others.
(22:25:07) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Chuckles nervously:: MED:Is it... Uh... Alcoholic? ::Tail twitches and warps around his waist.
(22:25:25) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::*wraps around his waist::
(22:26:19) MED_Ens_Tailor: MED_V: It is indeed.. Why, do you not drink alcohol?
(22:26:55) CO_CaptHarper: Shore: No, it is not, sir. It was easy for me since I did not realize what I left behind, at that time.
(22:28:42) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Ears fall back slightly and tail unWRAPS from his waist, flicking from side to side:: MED: I've never actually... uh... had alcohol before...
(22:29:10) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Shore> Kate: My own story was somewhat similar. Still, you and I have blazed a trail and shown the youth of Risa that this is possible for them. The importance of seeing someone that looks like you in a prestigious position cannot be denied... you've given the young women of our world, in particular, an incredible gift.
(22:30:32) MED_Ens_Tailor: Velekh: You might enjoy some tea.. or even Synthehol instead.
(22:30:54) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: chuckles :: Velekh: How did you get through the academy without it?
(22:32:04) CO_CaptHarper: :: looks away for a moment out to sea through the window, smiling softly as she contemplates, then back to him :: Shore: I never would have imagined it when I set out, but you are right. I even received a letter from an old primary school teacher of mine, wanting me to speak to her class. I saw them at the parade, watching me with wide eyes. It felt... gratifying. Immensely so.
(22:32:13) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::was also secretly wondering the same thing, especially starfleet medical.. they had the best parties...::
(22:33:11) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: signals to the bartender for another mojito ::
(22:33:24) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: watches Wright ::
(22:33:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Shore> :: gives her a sober look :: Kate: Being the first does come with a fair amount of pressure. I found my every decision being scrutinized, and used to generalize about my race in general. I imagine things will be much the same for you. The important thing is to stay true to yourself. It's how I survived.
(22:33:53) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Grins sheepishly:: NAV: The first time while attending for engineering I was distracted by all my work. When I repeated the academy for medical I didn't really want it interfering with studies... 8 years of academy, alcohol free. :chuckles::
(22:33:58) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is trying to be casual, but looks as if she wishes she was taking notes ::
(22:34:14) MED_Ens_Tailor: Velekh: You mean you never went to one of Dr. Moran's parties? Everyone went to his parties...::
(22:34:37) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: MED: Hell, I ended up at a few of those and I am not a doctor.
(22:35:17) CO_CaptHarper: :: nods, committing that advice to memory :: Shore: I will endeavor to do so, then, thank you.
(22:35:29) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::gives Navarro a broad grin:: NAV: See? Everyone..
(22:36:25) MED_Dr_Tav: :: overhears the conversation and steps in :: NAV: Please don't disclose to anyone anything you saw at those events, alright? :: winks at him and ruefully looks around the circle ::
(22:36:47) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Shakes his head and looks down at the bar, smiling like an idiot:: MED: Never had the time. Especially during the last year when Jehla took up most of my time... ::Thinks back to Earth wistfully::
(22:37:30) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Shore> :: pulls a card out of his pocket :: Kate: In case you ever wish to contact someone who has been through this... please feel free to reach out at any time. It was a pleasure, Captain Harper. I know you will make Risa proud. :: gives her a warm smile and shakes her hand again ::
(22:37:38) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: looks at Dr. Tav, trying to recall if he ever saw a Trill doing anything inappropriate, but cannot, although he nods conspiratorially anyway :: Tav: Of course not, doctor.
(22:37:40) MED_Ens_Tailor: Tav: OK, I promise not to tell anyone you were there with a lampshade on your head.. ::whistles innocently::
(22:38:17) MED_Dr_Tav: :: points at Tailor :: MED: Especially that.
(22:38:17) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Head snaps up:: MED: No... :Grins:: Really?
(22:38:42) MED_Ens_Tailor: MEDs: What happens at SFM, stays at SFM... ::winks::
(22:39:02) CO_CaptHarper: :: takes the card and shakes his offered hand :: Shore: Thank you so much for coming here, Captain. It means a lot to meet someone who went through it, and a man I had studied in school, at that!
(22:39:46) MED_Dr_Tav: :: takes a sip of his drink and intentionally sounds like he's had a few too many :: MEDs: Damn straight! Doctor/doctor confidentiality!
(22:39:53) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: smiles into his drink, remembering a few beautiful ladies he met at those parties ::
(22:39:56) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Shore> Kate: Your name will be next to mine in the textbooks now, Captain. Be well. :: with a final smile and a wink at Lexy, he fades back into the crowd ::
(22:40:10) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: reels when she is unexpectedly winked at :::
(22:40:17) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::thumbs up to Tav, sips her drink and swirls the umbrella in her glass::
(22:40:23) CO_CaptHarper: Huh. How about that.
(22:40:35) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks from Wright to Tav as Tav's voice carries ::
(22:40:36) CO_CaptHarper: :: still rather dumbfounded that that just happened ::
(22:41:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: carefully takes the card fro Kate's slack hand and puts it into her pocket for safekeeping ::
(22:44:12) CO_CaptHarper: :: gathers herself and gets her party form back ::
(22:45:34) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Kate: So.... that was exciting!
(22:46:28) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: Yes! I really did study him in school and there he was, in person, congratulating me.
(22:46:59) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Kate: Wow. And he said your name would be next to his in the textbooks. That's... wow.
(22:47:25) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: Yes. I had never thought about it, but he is right. No pressure.
(22:48:06) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Kate: Do you think you'll reach out to him?
(22:48:41) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Picks up a drink matching Tailors and looks at it for a second:: Here goes.... ::Takes a long sip::
(22:48:42) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: I will. I imagine he has lots of good advice to give.
(22:48:53) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: watches Velekh take a drink ::
(22:48:58) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: takes another sip from her extra long straw, emptying the cocktail ::
(22:49:49) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Kate: There are likely very few people in the galaxy who could come close to understanding your position, and he better than any other.
(22:50:13) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Pauses and tilts his head, pondering.His ears twitch slightly:: That is actually rather nice... ::Smiles::
(22:50:48) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: Yes... he summed it up quite succinctly.
(22:52:01) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::smiles:: MED: See, it's good, isn't it? Just don't drink too much at once..
(22:52:06) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Kate: So. Yeah. I... :: feels at a bit of a loss ::
(22:52:14) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: Velekh: There you go!
(22:52:25) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: What a day this has been. Oh, before I forget... :: leans over to Kuari ::
(22:52:45) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: turns her head as Harper catches her attention ::
(22:52:50) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Thank you for the ride at the parade. I do not think I have ever looked that... cool before. I hope my parents got a picture. :: grins ::
(22:53:20) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: smiles :: CO: I didn't want to fly down and take eyes off of you, but I hope it made you look...cooler.
(22:53:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Jhnal> :: totally got a picture ::
(22:53:49) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nods solemnly :: XO: At least 20% cooler.
(22:53:58) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Laughs slightly:: Thanks, guys. ::Tail waves smoothing back and forth::
(22:54:04) CO_CaptHarper: XO: I would not be in this position without my amazing crew, so it was welcome... and awesome.
(22:54:11) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: frowns in mock affront :: CO: Aw, just twenty?
(22:54:45) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: bows her head, as low as she can over the table :: CO: All for an awesome captain.
(22:55:04) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: raises his glass :: Salud!
(22:55:48) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(22:55:49) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(22:55:50) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM