Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Sep 6 20:57:49 2017 on CaptHarper@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:20:00) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:01) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:01) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:50) CO_CaptHarper: :: seething from Smith's speech as the screen slides into silence :: Options, people.
(21:21:12) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: I think trickery and subterfuge may be our best option, Captain.
(21:21:24) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: moves his eyes from the viewscreen to Captain Harper in front of him, expectingly ::
(21:22:22) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Is sat, deep in thought and concentration.::
(21:22:30) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Conceivably.
(21:22:33) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: hopes she doesn't ask for details, because a plan hasn't come together in her mind yet ::
(21:22:56) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: thinks quickly, getting into Smith's personal quarters the first thing coming to mind, but that requires dropping the shields. Tactical scenarios go through her head, but she doubts herself, wondering if she's thinking too much like a Marine and if she should consider other avenues ::
(21:23:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: hesitant :: CO: Is it possible that Smith and a contingent could be persuaded to beam over to negotiate the terms of our 'surrender'? Or perhaps we could pretend to actually surrender?
(21:24:05) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Smiles at Wright's idea.::
(21:24:30) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: brightens at Wright's idea and looks to Harper. That would get her into close range to Smith! ::
(21:25:59) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: bites her lip anxiously, worried that this is a stupid idea ::
(21:26:06) CO_CaptHarper: :: taps a finger on her lips :: CSO/XO: It would require him to do so in person, though, which we cannot count on him doing. It would be foolish, but not unthinkable given an inflated ego.
(21:26:37) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CO: What if we offered to beam there?
(21:27:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Or put non-essential staff in escape pods and launched them? Rather convincing... show them that their appeal to a bleeding heart was successful.
(21:27:24) CO_CaptHarper: XO: They would deactivate any weapons mid-transport.
(21:27:45) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: big eyes :: CO: I don't need a weapon.
(21:28:18) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: blanches slightly and looks over at Kuari's powerful jaws before snapping her eyes back to Kate ::
(21:29:42) CO_CaptHarper: XO: If I were in his shoes, and my opponent wanted to beam you over, I would double my guard. Even you would have trouble against that many guns.
(21:30:04) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: works on some ideas he has. :: CO: Five minutes to the first execution, captain.
(21:30:30) CO_CaptHarper: All: Time is short.... CTO: Military options, Major?
(21:30:39) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: If we feign surrender and ask for time to prepare/evacuate, that should buy some time.
(21:30:48) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: I would be happy to accompany the Commander...
(21:31:02) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: concedes to Harper's wisdom, having known she's right and that she would be shot in the process, but she entertained the idea anyway ::
(21:31:21) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: thinks :: CO: Short of figuring out how to blast them out of the sky for space battle, or knife fights and hand to hand combat? Options are very short.
(21:32:10) CSO_LCdr_Wright: ENG: Alternatively, we could see about hacking the shields, right? Then beam him over against his will... but we wouldn't know who the other agents were, then, and it would take time.
(21:32:39) CO_CaptHarper: ENG: Appreciated, but what about the prefix codes of the onboard shuttles? Pull them and perhaps we can do something with those?
(21:33:11) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks from Wright to Harper :: Feigning surrender would probably be the most likely to succeed considering, but that still puts our crew in danger.
(21:33:45) CO_CaptHarper: XO/CSO: He will immediately demand that we lower our shields and then send boarding parties. I do not think it would buy us much.
(21:34:16) XO_LCdr_Kuari: All: A hacking attempt would surely cause Smith to demonstrate his anger on a hostage.
(21:34:33) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Thinks a loud.:: Self: What I have done in the old days? Telepathic reconnaissance, full assault, and tactical insertion.
(21:34:34) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: ALL: I remind you that the Akira class is designed for battle, like nothing else designed by the Federation. Fifteen torpedo tubes, crazy shield arrays. It is a warship in a fleet that does not believe in warships.
(21:34:35) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: If we surrender too easily, it'll look like a trap. We have to try to negotiate terms, at least.
(21:35:33) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: A more distasteful alternative is to feign defection.
(21:35:47) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: I am all-too-aware, Major. However, the Sovereign led that push. If he held no hostages, we would have the advantage.
(21:36:01) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CSO: We just saved the Federation against Section 31. I'm sure he knows we wouldn't defect at this point.
(21:36:19) CSO_LCdr_Wright: XO: Not if we mutiny.
(21:36:34) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: ponders ::
(21:37:08) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: I—that is actually some good thinking. But no one mutinied when we stole Atlantis to start down this road.
(21:37:10) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Starts checking for the codes the Captain asked for.:: Self: Give them something of equal or greater value, then strike back at a later date.
(21:37:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Captain, he hates you. Perhaps if he saw that we overthrew you because of your decision-making here...
(21:37:55) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: XO: He knows everything that has happened. He's here because of what we did.
(21:38:26) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: checks the clock :: CO But time is running out. We either decide now or accept that a life will be sacrificed to buy more time to think.
(21:39:03) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: ALL: If we act too quickly, it will cost many more lives. But one is also too many.
(21:39:36) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: glances over at the incoming comms board, still dark, then back at Kate ::
(21:39:54) CO_CaptHarper: :: looks at the Akira-class looming on the screen, then around the bridge :: CSO/XO: He knows you two would not mutiny.
(21:40:01) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: ponders, wishing she could simply be in the same room as Smith to make her decision easier ::
(21:40:02) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: But Major, you may be an unknown.
(21:40:25) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: fixes his eyes on Harper :: CO: Continue, Captain.
(21:40:28) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nods in agreement with Harper's thoughts ::
(21:40:38) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Incoming hail from Neptune.
(21:40:49) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: He's hailing, Captain.
(21:41:02) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CSO: Let the captain finish her thought before you answer that.
(21:41:20) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: ignores him and looks at Kate ::
(21:41:26) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: calms herself at the sound of the hail, knowing that whatever they do, her crew comes first, and if someone's executed, it's not on them, it's on Smith, and they're doing the best they can do ::
(21:41:40) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Fill the bridge with Marines under your command with the three of us bound on the floor and claim defection?
(21:42:16) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The hail repeats.
(21:42:16) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: thinks the second he has. :: CO: I like it. But can we make it happen before we answer this hail?
(21:42:27) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: No time. I will try to buy some.
(21:42:47) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: On screen.
(21:42:51) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: You talk to him. I'll get some Marines and storm the bridge while you're on the Comm.
(21:43:03) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: braces herself and taps ::
(21:43:18) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: gets into the TL before before the communication begins. ::
(21:43:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: glares at the screen ::
(21:43:25) CO_CaptHarper: :: shakes her head no at Wolfe ::
(21:43:48) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: sees Harper as the doors close and stops what he was thinking ::
(21:44:02) CO_CaptHarper: :: then turns back to the screen to find Smith in the background, with a fresh-faced Bajoran male Enisgn on his knees in the foreground ::
(21:44:17) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> Your decision, Captain?
(21:44:26) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: if her looks could kill, Smith would drop dead ::
(21:44:27) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: TL: Armory.
(21:45:11) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: the Turbolift begins moving into the body of Atlantis, his only reason for leaving being that the doors won't reopen and create a new problem as he reappears ::
(21:45:17) CO_CaptHarper: We are potentially willing to surrender, if the terms can be negotiated to spare some of my crew the same fate that you have put Neptune's through.
(21:45:47) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: sits stiffly, watching the screen and concentrating on schooling her expression. She can't give anything away, depending on what they decide ::
(21:46:13) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::steps off of the turbolift onto the Bridge, after having been listening to the feed in sickbay::
(21:46:27) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> The terms will be unconditional. You will lower your shields and we will board your ship and take command. Those who can convince us that they are still loyal to Section 31 will rejoin us. Those that do not, well... :: looks to the Ensign, who looks at the camera ::
(21:46:35) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: doesn't hide the fact that she despises him, since that happily works regardless of the plan ::
(21:46:49) CO_CaptHarper: I will need some time to prepare my crew.
(21:47:13) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: arrives at the Armory seconds later, steps into his office and listens to the Bridge feed from there ::
(21:47:32) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> Time is a luxury you don't have, Captain.
(21:48:52) CO_CaptHarper: And how do you think they will react to Starfleet officers storming the vessel? Do you think you will not have to fight if I do not warn them? This will come as a sudden shock.
(21:49:48) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: forces herself to look at the kneeling Bajoran, and the waves of terror radiating from him that she swears she can feel from across the void ::
(21:50:22) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> :: growls :: Do you think me so stupid to not recongize that you are merely stalling? Ensign Mar Ralen dies because of it. :: nods offscreen ::
(21:50:41) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The Ensign opens his mouth to scream, but is vaporized before he can.
(21:50:43) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: quickly closes her eyes ::
(21:51:02) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> I thought you should know his name. Write a letter to his family before I call back in ten minutes. Neptune out.
(21:51:17) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: growls low under her breath ::
(21:51:40) CO_CaptHarper: :: stares at the screen for a few more seconds, the afterimage of that burnt into her vision ::
(21:51:51) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: tears squeeze out from the corners of her eyes, though they are still screwed shut ::
(21:52:08) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: with the end of the communication is back on the Turbolift heading back to the Bridge. :: Self: Shit.
(21:52:12) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: loudly :: Smith is a monster, and that's on him, not us!
(21:52:44) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Self: His name was Mar Ralen.
(21:53:32) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: Steps onto the Bridge, fit to be tied. He takes his post back. ::
(21:53:35) CO_CaptHarper: :: her voice wavers, ever so slightly, on the first word she speaks before she pulls it back together :: XO: I know it. But the rest of the lives over there depend on us to save them, so back to work.
(21:54:05) CO_CaptHarper: :: turns :: CTO: Major, get your Marines up here and stage a coup.
(21:54:18) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: nods curtly in agreement and pushes past the anger to think ::
(21:54:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: opens cold eyes and looks over at Harper :: CO: If we go with the mutiny plan, we must resist capture. Both we and our captors should look convincingly as though there's been a fight.
(21:54:51) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks from Harper to Wolfe, perking up at the idea of doing something ::
(21:54:56) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: voice soft and very, very cold, angry ::
(21:54:58) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO/XO/SCO: And how many lives did he take in taking the ship? Ralen is the most recent, not the first.. Probably not the last. And as Kuari said, this is on Section 31.
(21:55:31) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Aye. :: was working on getting several Marines ready while in the Armory, and signals them to the Bridge. ::
(21:55:33) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: I am aware.
(21:56:01) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: The Marines should take over 'loyalist' staff in other important parts of the ship as well, perhaps? Or just lock down the Bridge?
(21:56:19) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CO: I should...probably need to play dead. Or at least stunned.
(21:57:14) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Indeed. Realistically, you would be the first target in such a situation.
(21:57:15) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: ACTION> Twelve Marines pour out of the aft Turbolifts and line the walls to either side of the Bridge.
(21:57:58) CO_CaptHarper: :: circles back to the tactical console :: CTO: Major, I need to look the part.
(21:58:54) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CTO: And I'll need to look as though I've been forcibly restrained from interfering.
(21:59:28) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: might need to actually be forcibly restrained from interfering ::
(21:59:29) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: We will both be bound. And as for the rest of the ship, it will mainly serve only to buy us time since he will not expect this.
(21:59:46) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: The illusion will not hold so we must be working on the followup.
(21:59:46) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: In my early days aboard Atlantis, I might have... :: sighs :: Give me a moment. ALL: Everyone, pair up with a Marine or two. CO: Prepare yourself, Captain.
(21:59:47) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: sees the Marines entering the Bridge and approves, knowing them all. Wolfe picked good men to stage the coup. She searches the Bridge and finds Tailor and rushes to her :: Doctor Tailor. Can you program a device to emit false readings before Smith calls back? I want someone scanning me to see that I've been stunned.
(22:00:56) CO_CaptHarper: All: Belay that; it is only necessary for me to do this. CTO: Major, I order you to punch me in the face.
(22:00:58) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: We should stun some of you. We have enough time now that we can give you the burn marks, but you can be conscious again before we need to talk to the Neptune again.
(22:01:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: approaches some Marines with a curt nod, keeping her back to Kate because she can't watch :: Marines: I need you to take me prisoner when he hits her, but I won't go down without a struggle.
(22:01:35) MED_Ens_Tailor: XO: I'll see what I can do.. ::grabs a tricorder out of her medkit and begins fiddling with it::
(22:01:56) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: hurries back to Harper ::
(22:01:56) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Aye, Captain. :: hauls off and gives Harper something that should bruise up nicely around her eye. ::
(22:02:14) MED_Ens_Tailor: XO: There... ::adjusts some more settings, and twirls a dial:: XO That should... ::flips one final button:: do it.
(22:02:54) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: gets back to Harper in time to watch Wolfe punch her in the face and, having not heard her command, stares at Wolfe in horror and confusion ::
(22:02:54) CO_CaptHarper: :: knocked to one knee, quite irrationally startled by the force of the blow :: AUGH. :: swears elaborately in Mandarin ::
(22:02:55) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: growling :: Marines: Now~! :: fights and claws and struggles as they subdue and bind her, getting a scratch in here and a torn uniform there ::
(22:03:33) CO_CaptHarper: :: stands, then flatly says :: CTO: Again.
(22:04:31) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: wheezes due to the knee in her back and turns her face away so she can't see ::
(22:04:47) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: now understand what Wolfe did and winces, looking away, and instead gets an eyeful of Marines beating up Wright ::
(22:05:09) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: looks down for a moment, comes back up, and gives Harper a roundhouse to the jaw and cheek, on the other side, being careful to not do any lasting damage, but still knowing that it hurts like hell. ::
(22:05:27) CO_CaptHarper: :: drops to the floor :: FUCK.
(22:05:55) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: approaches Tailor and puts her hand out to receive the device, trying to ignore the mayhem :: MED: Thank you.
(22:06:35) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::pretends to look shocked at the mayhem going on around her::
(22:06:42) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: struggles and kicks against the bonds, going for authenticity ::
(22:06:50) CO_CaptHarper: :: crawls back to her feet, holding one hand to the side of her face ::
(22:07:02) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Pays no attention, still looking up those codes, and pondering the situation some more.::
(22:07:36) CO_CaptHarper: :: then turns, offering her hands behind her back ::
(22:08:00) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: stands in front of his Captain :: CO: I don't want to hit you again, Captain. If I have to, it needs to be to the gut. :: is relieved to see that it's time to tie her up. ::
(22:08:31) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Believe me, I do not want you to hit me again.
(22:08:34) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: binds Harper's hands behind her. ::
(22:08:53) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: stops kicking long enough for the Marines to loosely bind her feet ::
(22:09:50) CO_CaptHarper: :: blinks away the stars and then turns to see what is going on with Lexy ::
(22:10:13) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: takes the device and tucks it into her pouch, walks past Harper and decides where she would have attempted to attack ::
(22:10:44) CO_CaptHarper: :: frowns, looking and feeling like shit, then gets it back together :: Dump us up front then hail him, offering your prizes, but only if you retain command of Atlantis.
(22:10:51) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks around the Bridge at what people are doing, attempting to lock it in her mind for while her eyes are closed ::
(22:10:53) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is laying on the floor, bound hand and foot, hair disheveled, looking for all the world like an angry cat with a torn uniform and a red mark across her face ::
(22:11:22) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Neptune hails.
(22:11:45) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: takes one last look at Harper, then places herself between her chair and Wolfe's station, then crumples to the floor and stays that way ::
(22:12:10) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: ALL: Marines. Take posts and guard our prisoners. :: moves to stand at the center of the bridge as another Marine steps in to guard Harper ::
(22:12:10) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Well done.
(22:13:12) CO_CaptHarper: :: moves to the front floor and gets on her knees next to Lexy :: CSO: It was only necessary for me to do that. :: quietly ::
(22:13:36) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: quietly back :: CO: No way I'd watch you get hit and not fight back.
(22:13:58) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: grabs a phaser, sets it to do some damage, and fires to a few places around the Bridge to create burn marks ::
(22:14:36) CO_CaptHarper: :: gestures over at Kuari :: CSO: They could have stunned you, too. :: frowns at the red mark across Lexy's face, not knowing that she's already looking way worse ::
(22:14:42) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: forces her breathing to slow and calms her mind, attempting to look stunned ::
(22:14:42) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: Marines: As we open the Comm, I want all of you yelling at your prisoners. :: looks around ::
(22:15:17) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: I love you, but shut up. :: winks ::
(22:15:43) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: whispered ::
(22:16:00) CO_CaptHarper: :: smiles bloodily, then stops and resumes looking pissed off for the camera ::
(22:16:24) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Neptune hails again.
(22:16:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: worries that they didn't really think through the next part of the plan ... ::
(22:17:08) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: turns to face the viewscreen and takes a breath. :: And Action. Once we're loud enough, on screen.
(22:17:11) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: starts feebly struggling against her bonds ::
(22:17:50) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: then cowers away from the shouting marine ::
(22:18:08) CO_CaptHarper: :: does her best to look angry, but defeated ::
(22:18:20) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: does her best to look dead ::
(22:18:44) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: does her best to look angry and scared ::
(22:19:00) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: ACTION> The Marines start yelling orders at their prisoners, and the comm opens. Wolfe is standing front and center, staring into the eyes of Smith ::
(22:19:54) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Smith appears on screen, looking smug at first, then surprised at what he sees. There's no visible prisoner this time.
(22:20:31) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> CTO: You would be Major Wolfe, I presume? :: recalling the profile of the Atlantis crew that Vallero sent in the early days of his assignment ::
(22:21:40) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: Marines on Bridge: :: yelling :: QUIET! Smith: Good day, Admiral Smith. It's a pleasure to speak with you, sir.
(22:21:46) CO_CaptHarper: :: looks tearfully up at the screen, the tears not even really needing to be fake, because god that last punch hurt ::
(22:22:39) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> :: strokes his chin, pondering the meaning of this :: CTO: That remains to be seen, Major.
(22:22:54) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: spits at the Marine hovering over her, then squeaks in curls into a ball when he makes as if to kick her for it, mentally praising his acting ::
(22:23:40) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: shrugs :: Smith: Believe what you will, sir. My Marines and I have taken control of Atlantis.
(22:23:52) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> To what end?
(22:24:25) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> :: glances offscreen, giving orders with naught but a look ::
(22:26:25) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Listens closely, remaining quiet and innocuous.::
(22:26:36) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: lies there motionless in the lower left of Smith's screen, mentally sending Wolfe support. It's all you, Major! ::
(22:27:00) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: Smith: Harper was wrong. I supported Vallero back in the day. He was a good man. I want to continue what Vallero started before he went all turncoat on Section 31. We want to join you, and I get command of Atlantis. An Akira- or Sovereign-class vessel is powerful on its own. But together? Unstoppable, sir.
(22:27:14) CO_CaptHarper: :: continues looking fearfully up at the screen, knowing that's what Smith wants to see, a cowering alien ::
(22:27:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: quietly, but loud enough to be heard over the comm :: CTO: Traitor!
(22:27:49) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: I trusted you!
(22:27:58) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: flinches away from a cuff from a nearby Marine ::
(22:28:00) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> Quiet your dogs, Major.
(22:28:31) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> Regardless, what you propose does intrigue me.
(22:28:32) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: Smith: You can see just how surprised they are, Admiral. :: nods to both of their captors ::
(22:29:17) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Marines: You're all a bunch of traitors! :: tries to bite one as he moves in to gag her ::
(22:30:21) MED_Ens_Tailor: ::ponders whether she should 'pretend' to flood the bridge with anesthizene gas..::
(22:30:30) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> I'll agree to your terms if—if you do me the favor of disposing of that Risan whore that started all of this trouble. Kill Captain Harper, and we're best friends.
(22:30:35) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: moves over to Wright, makes a really convincing kick to her gut that stops short within a millimeter, hoping she'll respond properly :: You heard our Admiral. Quiet.
(22:31:08) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: cries out in shocked agony and curls around her midsection, sucking air ::
(22:31:41) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: doesn't even blink. :: Smith: With pleasure, sir.
(22:32:19) CO_CaptHarper: :: really wonders how Wolfe is going to sell this :: No!
(22:32:47) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: still too busy sucking air in fetal position to do anything but sob quietly ::
(22:33:30) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: wills her ear that isn't pinned to the floor to stay still ::
(22:34:52) CO_CaptHarper: You will not get away with this! I was only doing my duty!
(22:35:42) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: lifts her head, apparently only just realizing what's going on :: Wait... :: whimper :: what...?
(22:36:21) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: walks over to Harper, picks her up off the floor and holds her up against himself. He thinks through his words very carefully, remembering some training he put his Marines through that, as long as they're on board, will work really nicely ::
(22:36:22) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: badly muffled by gag, but that's what it sounds like ::
(22:37:19) CO_CaptHarper: :: eyes the Major fearfully ::
(22:37:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: watches in horror was Wolfe picks up Kate and begins to struggle ::
(22:38:10) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: is alarmed by the sounds, her only solace knowing it's all just an act ::
(22:38:54) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: making plaintive noises from behind her gag and shaking her head, obviously pleading ::
(22:38:56) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> Do get on with it, Major. I've waited a long time for this.
(22:39:35) CO_CaptHarper: :: starts to struggle, quite earnestly ::
(22:39:44) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: panic making her tone shrill ::
(22:40:04) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: pulls Harper close in to himself, every move he makes having a meaning to his Marines. He lowers Harper to her knees, makes it look rough, catching her at the end as her knees begin to make contact with the deck, then pulls her back. To anyone not on his corps, it would look like a normal execution. ::
(22:40:04) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Captain Kathryn Harper... I've been waiting for this moment for a very long time. :: there's a bit of static on the screen, almost unnoticable ::
(22:41:09) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: shrieks in mournful dismay, screaming incoherently, tears streaming down her cheeks ::
(22:41:20) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Section 31 has found you guilty of the highest crimes, and for this you must pay... with your life. And I, as the new commanding officer of Atlantis, shall have the honor of carrying out your sentence.
(22:42:34) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: struggles to get up, to get closer, only to be shoved to the floor again ::
(22:43:41) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: from off-screen, another Marine hands him a phaser :: CO: And you know what's really funny, Captain? You trusted me. :: laughs :: CO: But now it is time. :: puts the phaser to Harper's head and turns to the screen :: Smith: Unless you'd like the honor.
(22:44:43) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: You are commanding officer of nothing! Section 31 is dead, and you will be hunted to the ends of the galaxy for this. :: with the phaser to her head, a defiant fire flares in her eyes :: All of you!
(22:45:05) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> No, quit wasting my time. Get it over with already; I tire of the theatrics.
(22:45:09) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: eyes locked on Kate, openly weeping ::
(22:48:04) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> :: sees the hesitation and knows that his suspicious were right all along :: I thought so.
(22:52:20) CO_CaptHarper: Smith> The hostage that you killed with this attempt to deceive me? Her name was Lieutenant JG T'Sek. She will be joined by Lieutenant Thran, to keep pace with the time you wasted with your little show. Neptune out.
(22:59:19) CO_CaptHarper: :: sees the screen go dark and stands up slowly, exhaling, the emotions of the scene having quickly turned very real ::
(22:59:51) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: falls back to one of the seats but misses ::
(23:00:36) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: attempts to pull herself together, looking at a Marine and hoping to be unbound and ungagged but unable to ask ::
(23:00:49) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: is totally exhausted. Fighting is easy. This... not so much. ::
(23:01:14) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Untie us. :: raises her hands behind her back and looks at Lexy with concern ::
(23:02:01) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: stands, and silently takes the restraints off Harper :: CO: I'm sorry, Captain.
(23:02:22) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: stays still, confused by what she's hearing and what is happening ::
(23:02:47) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: lays on the floor, bound hand and foot, gagged, sniffling and unable to even wipe her nose ::
(23:03:15) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: You did the best you could, Major. :: rubs her wrists, then kneels by Lexy's side and removes the gag, then works on the bindings ::
(23:03:22) XO_LCdr_Kuari: MED_Ens_Tailor> :: brings a medical crew to the Bridge and begins patching people up ::
(23:03:30) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Continues observing the scene quietly.::
(23:03:37) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: THANK you. :: stuffed nose ::
(23:03:39) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: silently moves back to TAC1. ::
(23:04:13) CO_CaptHarper: :: removes the restraints, then takes a moment to hug her ::
(23:04:51) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: wipes face and hugs back :: CO: If you could do your best to not be executed, I'd really appreciate it. :: quietly ::
(23:05:24) XO_LCdr_Kuari: MED_Ens_Tailor> :: favors Harper first, hovering over her with a tricorder and dermal regenerator ::
(23:05:32) CO_CaptHarper: :: as quietly :: CSO: I shall keep that in mind.
(23:05:56) CO_CaptHarper: :: sees Kuari still on the floor :: XO: Kuari, it is clear.
(23:05:59) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: briefly wonders about accelerating her timeline, the banishes the thoughts for later ::
(23:06:17) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: pops an eye open and gets up, looking around at what everyone is doing ::
(23:07:22) CO_CaptHarper: :: brushes away the attempt at medical help as she looks around the bridge :: All: That was a valiant attempt, and I understand that it was difficult. Thank you for trying.
(23:07:36) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: And thank you, Major, for not actually killing me to sell the illusion.
(23:07:54) CO_CaptHarper: All: But we have a job left undone, so back to it.
(23:08:04) CO_CaptHarper: ENG: Do you have the prefix codes for their shuttles?
(23:08:30) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: shakes his head :: CO: I hope it's apparent I would never do that. Just as I hope :: turns to Wright :: CSO: You felt nothing with that kick.
(23:09:28) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: takes the lifesign masking device from her pouch and switches it off, but slips it back in just in case she ends up needing it later. She moves in front of her console and sits on the floor, thinking ahead to the next plan. The clock is still ticking ::
(23:09:41) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: I was able to make some strides towards that during... ::Pauses, skipping a thought, then continuing.:: It will still take time.
(23:10:07) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: has gotten back to her feet and is brushing herself off, waiting her turn with the doctor :: CTO: No, it didn't connect. How did I do?
(23:10:17) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: Which is something we do not have in abundance.
(23:10:24) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CSO: You had me fooled, and concerned.
(23:10:37) CO_CaptHarper: CO: I know that, Major. ENG: Get it done, now. There is no time left.
(23:10:49) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:10:51) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:10:54) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM