Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Jan 24 20:57:10 2018 on CaptHarper@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:13:19) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:13:19) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:13:20) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:14:02) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: checks for an update from Engineering on her console before looking back up at the impressive sight on the viewscreen ::
(21:14:20) CO_CaptHarper: :: standing in the middle of the bridge, hands on hips, staring at the viewscreen and the tempting planet it displays ::
(21:14:31) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: silently considering her own argument, looking for alternatives ::
(21:14:50) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: runs through some computer models to see if any sort of probe fortifications might work ::
(21:15:50) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: also standing with her arms folded across her chest, looking toward the impossible planet on the viewscreen but not focusing on it as she considers and discards scenarios in her mind ::
(21:17:09) CO_CaptHarper: :: deflates a little and drops her hands to her sides as she turns to Wright :: CSO: And you do not think it feasible to recreate that high pressure environment in miniature?
(21:19:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks at Kate :: CO: That pressure is extreme, I'm not certain we could guarantee stability of the field and it would draw a great deal of power. Even if we could survive the radiation from briefly dropping the shields, I just don't think it's feasible, Captain.
(21:20:19) CO_CaptHarper: :: deflates a little more :: CSO: Alright. Let us get everything we can about this planet logged, since we have at the very least, proven the theory to be correct. Then we can direct our studies to the star.
(21:22:28) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: cranes her neck from Harper to Wright, choosing to believe in Wright's expert opinion as she has very little science experience herself, then looks again to the image on screen ::
(21:22:44) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: initiates thorough scans of the planet, gathering as much data as possible :: CO: As a scientist, I too regret that such a recommendation is necessary, Captain. But my team will compile a complete report to assist in the assignment of a science vessel as soon as possible.
(21:23:26) CO_CaptHarper: XO, CSO: I will be attaching a recommendation that they outfit a science vessel with quantum slipstream drive.
(21:23:52) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: nods to Harper ::
(21:24:04) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nods :: CO: I concur. Who knows how long this planet can remain stable in such an extreme orbital environment.
(21:25:24) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Given the short life of such stars, I would not wager that there is time to spare after having already evolved life.
(21:25:39) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Major, how are the shields holding against the radiation?
(21:26:10) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Shields are nominal, Captain. Much better than expected for this environment.
(21:27:39) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Given the radiation flux, would you say that the shields can handle a closer approach to the star?
(21:28:50) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: thinks a moment. :: CO: I believe we can get closer. Obviously, the closer we get, the shorter the time we can stay that close.
(21:28:54) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks to Wolfe hopefully ::
(21:28:55) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/CTO: The magnetic field will grow rapidly in intensity at locations closer than we are now. I do not recommend a closer approach. :: a note of caution ::
(21:29:37) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: I could also divert power from unnecessary systems.
(21:30:47) CO_CaptHarper: :: nods to Wolfe :: CSO: Sensor resolution of the star will also increase dramatically. Given the shield performance, I believe the risk is acceptable.
(21:31:28) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: purses her lips in a concerned sort of way, but elects to say nothing ::
(21:33:42) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks to Harper, for her ultimate decision ::
(21:34:15) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: transfers her maps of the magnetic field to Navarro's console :: NAV: I'm sending you the field map, so you can see which areas are weaker. Be advised, however, that the field may be somewhat unstable. And definitely avoid the poles.
(21:34:51) CO_CaptHarper: :: loitering between the Helm and Ops consoles, now facing the rear of the bridge, one hand resting on top of the helm as she looks to Ops :: CSO: Good idea.
(21:35:32) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CSO: Understood, Commander. :: looks over the field map ::
(21:35:49) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Major, prepare the shields to move in closer, and stand by.
(21:36:31) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Aye, Captain... Shields ready.
(21:37:21) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks down at her console, checking over systems as the Bridge Crew works to make it happen ::
(21:38:41) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::busy monitoring the radiation levels inside of the ship:: CO: Radiation levels holding for now, Ma'am.
(21:39:04) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: This is not meant to hurry the data collection on the planet, however.
(21:39:52) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: smiles to himself, noticing the Captain touching his console, but says nothing as he plots the safest course to approach the star ::
(21:40:15) CO_CaptHarper: CMO: Thank you, doctor. We will endeavor to keep them that way.
(21:44:41) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: watching her console :: CO: Scans will be complete in one minute, Captain.
(21:44:43) CO_CaptHarper: :: wanders back toward the center arc of seats, eyes lingering on the delicious science on display as she passes by Ops ::
(21:44:55) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks up from her console at the viewscreen, as if watching the image will give some insight as to what will come next ::
(21:46:19) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Scans complete, Captain.
(21:47:15) CSO_LCdr_Wright: SCI: Commander T'Lira, please begin compiling a complete report on those planetary scans for Starfleet to request an immediate dispatch of a slipstream-equipped Science vessel.
(21:47:31) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Thank you, Commander. NAV: Break orbit and take us closer to the star, coordinating with Major Wolfe for safety, but no closer than... 250 light seconds, for now.
(21:47:50) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: keeps the shields running at nominal. As they begin moving closer, he starts pulloing power from the replicators. ::
(21:48:37) SCI_LCdr_TLira: :: looks over from her station and nods, turning back to her station to begin compiling the report, pulling the sensor data and navigational data ::
(21:48:39) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: Aye captain, breaking orbit. :: throttles the impulse engines and begins a climb along a magnetic field line, to above 45 degrees above the local ecliptic ::
(21:48:53) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::keeps monitoring the radiation levels; they start creeping upwards, but still within tolerances. So far. ::
(21:49:06) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Put the star on screen.
(21:49:21) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: complies :: Aye, Captain.
(21:50:31) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> As we climb above the ecliptic, a grand display shows on the main viewer of the accretion disk of dust and gas around the star, and the flashing pulses emitting from the tiny star's poles are nearer and brighter.
(21:51:17) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: turns the sensor array toward the deceptively innocuous-looking magnetar ::
(21:51:55) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: settles at this angle and steers inward, staying in the weakest areas of the field while not getting too close to those pulses ::
(21:52:02) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: watches the main viewer with big eyes, as if committing the view to memory. She could always watch the recording, but still ::
(21:53:02) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Quite a sight, is it not?
(21:53:21) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CO: Yes, it is... :: awed voice ::
(21:56:02) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: 350 light-seconds...
(21:56:20) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::is busy alternating between staring at her console and staring at the amazing scene on the main viewer in fascination::
(21:56:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: jaw clenched tight as she looks from her console to the viewscreen, thinking about how that tiny terrifying beast could tear their atoms apart if they miscalculate ::
(21:57:17) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: 325 light-seconds...
(21:57:37) CO_CaptHarper: :: turns to glance at Wolfe :;
(21:58:09) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: notices some small fluctuations in the shields and compensates, though they are still handling better than he would have expected even when they were back in orbit of the planet. He sees Harper turn to look at him and gives her a reassuring nod. ::
(21:58:22) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: 300 light-seconds, still closing.
(21:58:44) CO_CaptHarper: :: gets the nod and turns back to face the viewer, enjoying the sight ::
(22:00:12) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: 275 LS...
(22:00:24) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: watches ::
(22:01:02) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The tiny star and its grandiose display loom noticably larger on the main viewer.
(22:02:34) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: throttles down :: CO: There, 250 light-seconds and holding, capitana! :: with some measure of pride in his voice ::
(22:03:04) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is able to get readings on the abnormal molecular chemistry apparent far more deeply in the incredible magnetic field, and studies them closely ::
(22:03:08) CO_CaptHarper: NAV: Well done. :: looks back over her shoulder :: CTO: And the shields?
(22:03:37) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Still nominal, Captain.
(22:04:02) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: smiles, as if in pride over their ship and its crew's capabilities ::
(22:04:14) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::keeps an anxious eye on the radiation levels, which are still creeping upwards towards the red::
(22:04:42) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: looks back at Wolfe in surprise, not comprehending how the shields could be simply "nominal" under this kind of intense magnetic influence ::
(22:04:54) CO_CaptHarper: :: turns around fully, taking a couple steps toward Tac :: CTO: Can they handle more?
(22:05:26) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: tries to catch Wolfe's eye and shake her head ::
(22:05:33) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: studies his console before answering, just to make sure, since he likes having his atoms in one general area :: CO: I believe they can.
(22:05:53) CO_CaptHarper: :: wheels to NAV :: Take us another 50 LS closer.
(22:06:28) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: Aye. :: throttles back up, following the field line over its peak and down on a slope toward the pole, which is still well ahead ::
(22:06:48) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: observes as the readings are just now passing what he had expected to see at the planet. ::
(22:07:47) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: closes her eyes and swallows :: CTO: There's.... surely there's strain on the shields, yes? Perhaps the magnetism is interfering with instrument sensors?
(22:08:14) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: tempers her smile somewhat, nervous and decides she would not personally take the risk in getting closer, but she trusts Harper ::
(22:08:29) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: 225 LS...
(22:08:51) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: continues down the slope that would ultimately end in oblivion at the hands of the pulsar's regular jets ::
(22:10:17) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Judging by our current readings, I believe that when we come to a stop, we will be able to safely maintain that distance for about twenty minutes. If it's not too much radiation, anyway.
(22:10:52) CO_CaptHarper: :: nods to Wolfe and turns back to watch the show on the main viewer :: CTO: Understood.
(22:11:31) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: cuts the engines and corrects :: CO: 200 light-seconds and holding, ma'am!
(22:12:23) CO_CaptHarper: :: beams proudly :: All: Excellent! We have fifteen minutes here, so get what you can, quickly.
(22:13:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: checking sensor data as it comes in, concerned that external instruments may be compromised ::
(22:15:01) CSO_LCdr_Wright: SCI: Commander, please include any stellar data you feel would be beneficial to your report.
(22:15:23) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: studies her console, watching what the crew is doing and concentrates on catching anything time-sensitive that could be overlooked between any one department ::
(22:15:37) SCI_LCdr_TLira: CSO: Aye, sir. :: has already included such data, feeling it would likely be necessary for further scientific evaluation ::
(22:16:50) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: pulls power from the holodeck system, leaving enough power to keep Lost Harbor running, diverting it to shields ::
(22:19:15) CO_CaptHarper: :: flitting about the bridge from station to station, watching over shoulders as the interesting data comes in ::
(22:21:25) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: Looking at the abnormal molecular chemistry again, and in a flash of insight, sends them over to the console where Dr. Tailor is sitting. :: CMO: Take a look at that, doc... the implications might interest you.
(22:21:57) CO_CaptHarper: :: happens to be by medical and peers at the data ::
(22:23:27) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::pulls up the data on her screen, skimming through it:: CSO: Amazing..
(22:25:15) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: peers up for a moment from her console, interested to know if she would understand findings from Science and Medical ::
(22:25:26) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: using the impulse engines to counteract gravity's attempt to pull them into the star, thus eliminating the need to orbit, resulting in actual station-keeping relative to the star ::
(22:26:24) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: begins placing graphical interpretations of data as picture-in-picture on the viewscreen overlay as they are rendered ::
(22:28:16) CO_CaptHarper: :: wanders back forward again, looking at the overlay with fascination, wishing she had been a better scientist in her day ::
(22:29:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: including a simulated magnified image of atoms stretched into rods deep in the field ::
(22:29:41) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: glances at the main viewer gratefully, but attempts to also keep watch on her console ::
(22:30:03) CO_CaptHarper: :: her eyes go wide ::
(22:32:33) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: That is simulated, yes? It must be. What are we getting?
(22:33:57) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Suddenly steps off of the turbolift, moving to his station.:: Geralt: I shall take it from here, Ensign.
(22:34:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: It's simulated, but only because we're too far away to get a direct picture... sensors show such structures exist. Those are atoms distorted by the magnetic field, much closer to the star.
(22:34:51) CO_CaptHarper: :: quietly :: CSO: Remarkable. These observations will be studied for years.
(22:35:26) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: <ENG_Geralt>::Looks really confused at the old man.:: ENG: But you're...
(22:35:37) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Captain. I have come up with some plans for a probe that I think could close half the distance between us and the pulsar before being crushed.
(22:35:57) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: I could have it ready in five minutes.
(22:36:13) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Geralt: Shhhh. ::Puts his finger to his lips, before he and the ensign switch positions. With him in the chair, and the young man standing up.::
(22:36:22) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Magnetars only exist for about ten-thousand years before becoming more typical neutron stars. And to have a planet with atmosphere and life.... This system is rare indeed.
(22:36:43) CO_CaptHarper: :: excitedly :: CTO: Do it!
(22:37:17) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: glances over at the engineering station, wondering briefly before being distracted by mention of a probe ::
(22:37:43) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Aye. :: sends a command to his team to get the probe made STAT. :: CO: My teams are on it. :: turns his station over to someone else and jumps to the turbolift to go assist in the torpedo bay. ::
(22:37:44) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Then let us hope they take the recommendation to equip a science vessel with slipstream drive.
(22:38:40) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Types a few commands into the console, whispering to the ship a moment.:: CO: As for ours Captain... it is operational again.
(22:38:41) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: I know a few influential people on the Science faculty at the Academy who would be quite interested and very convincing. :: smirks ::
(22:39:11) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: stands up from her station, watching Wolfe go, and resists helping. Security isn't her department anymore, and Wolfe has it covered. Reluctantly, she lies back down on her chair ::
(22:39:25) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: I hope so! :: turns to check tactical, and sees that the Major vanished ::
(22:40:16) CO_CaptHarper: ENG: Glad to hear it, lieutenant. We will be returning to slipstream when this stellar observation concludes.
(22:40:37) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: squeezes out the doors on Deck 11, and runs down the corridor, crewmembers almost diving out of his way. He arrives in the torpedo bay where it's already a bustle as a dozen Marines work at breakneck to get the torpedo converted into the strongest probe Starfleet has ever built. ::
(22:41:54) CO_CaptHarper: :: finally ends up back at her chair, and sits lightly on its front edge ::
(22:42:18) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: walks continuously around the torpedo and the Marines surrounding it, giving a hand here and directing someone the best way to attach a science device there. ::
(22:43:23) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks at Harper next to her ::
(22:44:06) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: <ENG_Geralt> ENG: But... Sir...
(22:45:03) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Geralt: You may return to engineering, my boy. ::Gives the ensign a strange look.::
(22:45:19) CO_CaptHarper: :: leans over to Kuari :: XO: Take the tactical station. That poor 2LT looks lost. When Wolfe's probe is ready, fire.
(22:45:27) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: finally has the last scanning device attached in the probe and ready to be launched to its doom. He seals the probe and his team pushes it into the launcher, not wanting to wait for the automated system. ::
(22:45:35) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: *CO* Captain, the torpedo, err, probe is in the tube and ready to fire. Have Commander Wright line it up for the best trajectory to make it last as long as possible.
(22:46:05) CO_CaptHarper: *CTO* Understood. :: looks forward :: CSO, NAV: Make that happen.
(22:46:58) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: doesn't hesitate and stands up on her chair, swiveling around and hops over Tactical's console, the 2LT getting out of her way ::
(22:46:59) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: <ENG_Geralt> ::Feels funny inside; before he turns about on the spot, and almost sprints into the TL.:: Self: This never happened... you're not crazy.
(22:47:09) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: hears this, stops for a moment, then turns to Navarro with a perplexed look on her face just before Kate's words.... then understands :: NAV: Your expertise in this matter would be most appreciated. Do you have input as to the trajectory?
(22:48:25) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CSO: Yes ma'am. :: displays the field map and their current position in holo above his console :: I think if we fire right along the line toward the pole, it will last until the jet obliterates it.
(22:49:07) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Hums to himself.::
(22:50:05) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nods thanks at Navarro and then consults her console for the timing, sending the final trajectory and timing data to the tactical console :: XO: There's our best guess, Commander Kuari.
(22:51:02) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: studies her console for a moment, then nods to Wright and looks to Harper :: CO: On your orders, Captain.
(22:51:48) CO_CaptHarper: :: stands :: XO: Fire.
(22:52:12) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: fires the probe in Wolfe's place ::
(22:52:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: watches it on sensors, and then the viewscreen :: CO: Probe away.
(22:53:33) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The torpedo-probe arcs away from Atlantis, and though its sensors are not as powerful as the ship's, the ever-dwindling distance to the star yields more and more data...
(22:54:35) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: double-checks that the data stream is being logged, uneccessarily ::
(22:55:32) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: watches on a viewscreen in the torpedo bay as the probe disappears into the pulsar, knowing he would not have made it back to the bridge. The viewscreen automatically zooms in to follow the probe. He and his Marines enjoy the moment that they were able to work quickly enough to make happen. He hears a few of them high-fiving each other, and even joins in ::
(22:55:43) CO_CaptHarper: :: takes a few steps forward as she watches the probe fly off toward the star ::
(22:56:46) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> A few minutes later, the probedo is obliterated by the jet of EM radation from the star's pole, but not before transmitting a never-before-seen dataset.
(22:56:57) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: diverts her eyes to a bleeping alert on her console :: CO: Captain...the shields can't take much more of this.
(22:58:00) CO_CaptHarper: :: hands go to her hips :: XO: Understood. NAV: Start backing us away. CSO: Do we have all the probe data?
(22:58:02) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Self, quietly: Thank you, brave little probe. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
(22:58:25) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: watches the shields closely ::
(22:58:38) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: Aye. :: comes about and begins opening the distance from the pulsar ::
(22:58:51) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: We're receiving the last of it now, Captain.
(22:59:44) CO_CaptHarper: NAV: Prepare for warp along our previous course, and stand by for slipstream.
(22:59:56) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Configure shield geometry for slipstream when safe to do.
(22:59:57) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: stands at Tactical, a position she hasn't had to utilize at a console since becoming Executive Officer, and she finds that she misses being on her feet once in a while ::
(23:00:00) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: watches the probe disintegrate, then looks around at his team, making eye contact with each of them in a shared moment of knowing they just assisted in changing the knowledge of the known universe, before looking around at the debris around the room of former torpedo. :: ALL: Get that cleaned up. Drinks are on me tonight. :: turns around and heads out the door toward the turbolift to get back to the bridge. ::
(23:00:05) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CO: Aye.
(23:00:53) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:00:54) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:00:55) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIMs