Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Mar 7 21:09:26 2018 on CaptHarper@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:30:04) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:30:05) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:30:05) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:32:13) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: stirs in her seat, her tail unable to stay still as she focuses on her console. There are many repairs to be done and she's studiously monitoring them all, but there's the promise of positive excitement on the planet below. How could she leave the ship in such a state, though? ::
(21:32:32) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: settles into standard orbit around the new planet :: CO: Orbit achieved, Captain.
(21:33:10) CO_CaptHarper: NAV: Thank you, lieutenant.
(21:33:17) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: What do we have, Commander?
(21:33:59) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Goes over repair reports from the filament incident, reservedly smiling at how lucky they were to survive one, let alone half a dozen.::
(21:34:07) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/XO: Further scanning shows that planet 4 is a rocky planet, slightly smaller than Earth. It has two small natural satellites. The magnetosphere is comparable to Earth, due to the molten iron core. Geological activity is typical. Four medium-sized continents, numerous islands of various size, stand by for climate details...
(21:35:01) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::is eagerly going over the lifesign readings coming from the planet below. Aquatic species.. a plethora of plant life, and a variety of land creatures as well::
(21:36:31) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Seems like a good place to stop for repairs, then.
(21:37:02) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/XO: ... axial tilt and wobble indicates typical rotation with a 19-hour day at the equator, seasonal weather. The southern hemisphere is in summer, near-tropical equatorial climate, extreme polar cold. On average, not quite as warm as Earth, but close.
(21:37:14) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks up to nod at Harper ::
(21:37:48) SCI2_Ens_Jude: CSO: That actually sounds nice.
(21:38:03) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Antennae start twitching at mention of extreme cold.:: Self: That would be nice.
(21:39:47) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: CSO: We should send a probe down there to get more readings on the life down there. Look at this.. ::sends over the sensor data from her console::
(21:40:20) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/XO: Oceans appear to be rather basic, pH 8.65.
(21:40:21) CO_CaptHarper: :: stands to go look at the science console, her curiosity getting the better of her ::
(21:41:12) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: stands, looking towards Science, waiting to hear the results but doesn't want to crowd ::
(21:41:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: puts the data visualizations on a slow loop in the PiP on the main viewer ::
(21:42:34) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: focuses on the main viewer ::
(21:43:08) CO_CaptHarper: :: getting the hint, she looks up at the viewer as an orbital sunrise happens on the screen ::
(21:44:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/XO: Life signs are numerous on every continent and in every ocean, and quite pleasingly diverse. Every biome appears to be populated with at least prokaryotic and simple eukaryotic life at a minimum.
(21:44:59) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/XO: The islands and archipelagos as well, of course.
(21:45:38) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::looks at the viewer and smiles at the both the beauty of the orbital sunrise and the new discoveries that await below::
(21:45:42) CO_CaptHarper: :: starts to grin, wanting to get down there :: CTO: Major, scan for any marker bouys claiming this planet or system.
(21:46:02) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Requesting permission for scientific away team for initial data collection, Captain, assuming it is unclaimed.
(21:46:14) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: grins, staring at the screen ::
(21:46:30) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is already thinking about science ::
(21:46:32) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: scans :: No buoys. Nothing saying that anyone has staked a claim here. No tech anywhere in the system, from what I can see.
(21:47:53) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: I was thinking more about a bit of shore leave, but why not both?
(21:48:23) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: One person's shore leave is another person's science field trip! :: grins ::
(21:48:47) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::grins at the possibility of shore leave/exploration ::
(21:49:04) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: turns her grin towards Harper, her ears poised. She was hoping she would say that! ::
(21:49:09) SCI2_Ens_Jude: CO: I'd be all in for /that/.
(21:49:37) CO_CaptHarper: :: smiling, she turns back to face the rest of the bridge, hands on her hips :: All: I thought you all might say that.
(21:51:28) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: There's a lovely cape off this southern continent that fades off into an island chain. Annnnnd orbital geometries indicate that it's in the path of a total solar eclipse in about four hours, which will be the early afternoon at that location.
(21:51:54) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: Self: Ooooh..
(21:52:16) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: turns to look at Wright in surprise :: CSO: Really?
(21:52:27) CO_CaptHarper: :: turns back around at the mention of an eclipse :: CSO: Perfect! Find us a nice spot to visit.
(21:53:38) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: The weather is clear, visibility is excellent. :: zooms in on a pinpoint location on the rocky beach of the cape that sweeps up into forested hillsides to the east and hilly, forested islands dotting the seascape to the west ::
(21:55:03) CO_CaptHarper: :: looks at the site ::: CSO: That will do. NAV: Take us up to sychronous orbit above that point.
(21:55:04) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks back to the main viewer, then back to her console to see if she missed anything. Of course, she hasn't, she's just micro-managing ::
(21:56:33) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Put together a shore leave schedule, commander, maximimizing who gets to be there for the eclipse. Engineering can spare a few people too, even with the repairs, I am sure. Everyone needs a bit of a break.
(21:56:49) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: turns towards Wright :: CSO: Permission to grab something from my room before we head down to the planet?
(21:57:20) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: Aye, Captain. :: raises Atlantis's orbit significantly, until their orbital period matches the planet's rotation above the targeted area ::
(21:57:52) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/XO: Current morning temperature is about 25C, climbing to about 32C for a high and down to 21C overnight. The days are short, nightfall will come quickly.
(21:58:14) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/XO: Correction... 31C for a high.
(21:58:41) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Nice. All: Casual warm weather attire is permitted.
(21:59:03) CSO_LCdr_Wright: SCI2: You'll have an opportunity before we depart, Ensign.
(21:59:23) SCI2_Ens_Jude: CSO: Gotcha.
(21:59:47) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: nods to Harper and gets to work on it right away ::
(21:59:48) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Constrain the shore leave area to that cape and those nearby islands. We do not want people scattered all over the planet this time.
(22:00:31) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: nods, updating the schedule parameters ::
(22:00:46) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: gives Kuari coordinates for a 30-square-kilometer area as described by the Captain ::
(22:00:55) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::has a flash of insight from one of her federation history classes:: All: Just don't go sniffing any flowers or picking any plants down there unless we scan them first..don't want any mishaps.
(22:01:28) CO_CaptHarper: CMO: Everyone knows not to breathe in spores on a new world. :: chuckles ::
(22:01:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: nods at the Doctor :: All: Probably wise for no one to be alone, as well.
(22:01:40) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: CO: I'd hope so.. ::grins::
(22:02:11) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: CSO: Good idea.
(22:02:17) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Agreed. XO: Have people take leave in at least pairs.
(22:02:41) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CO: Already doing so.
(22:03:42) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: looking at the alert, having just woken up, and begins searching the crew database for people with climbing interest ::
(22:04:32) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Excellent. All: Alright, once relief officers arrive, shore leave can begin. See you all down there!
(22:05:07) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Beta shifters file onto the bridge, looking grumpy.
(22:05:40) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> 30-60 minutes later...
(22:06:24) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: inputs the data, the computer automatically giving timing preferences to higher-ranked crewmen and accounting for normal operating shifts. Before long, it's complete and updates everyone's schedules they can access from any panel ::
(22:08:12) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: materializes on the planet and immediately takes flight. The people that materialize after her may wonder where she's gone ::
(22:08:42) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: has switched to a pair of khaki cargo shorts and a shirt that hugs his chest, which will be great for climbing later. As he materializes on the planet, at the beach. ::
(22:09:07) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: has all of her climbing gear, and is waiting impassively for her turn at the transporter pad, wondering where her impromptu climbing partner is ::
(22:09:42) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: Linxi had grabbed her climbing gear from her room before heading to transporter room and being beamed to the planet ::
(22:11:09) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: is wearing a bikini under her tactical science vest, with her sample kit carried by a strap across her body, sunglasses perched on her head with eclipse functionality ready ::
(22:11:55) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::arrives at the transporter room equipped with tricorder and padd at the ready; as well as the proper eclipse viewing gear and casual attire::
(22:13:11) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::and standard medkit, of course::
(22:16:05) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: takes a tour of the allowed perimeter, getting a good view of the layout, then comes in to land on the large island, mainland-side beach. Her landing is a bit rocky as her wings have tired out, throwing sand everywhere. Once she stops moving, she looks around to see if anyone was watching her ::
(22:16:05) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: in the transporter room in a Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses already on but not in eclipse mode, looking for someone to tag along with ::
(22:16:48) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::As is his custom, has forgone shore leave. Too much to fix. So simply flutters from station to station, deck to deck, looking for things to do.::
(22:18:30) CO_CaptHarper: :: with Lexy, wearing an emerald bikini, but has no science gear, just a bag slung over her shoulder with towels, swim fins, a mask/breather, etc ::
(22:19:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: has snorkel and mask tucked into the narrow strip of cloth at the hip of her bikini bottoms ::
(22:20:00) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: once she catches her breath, begins to walk on all fours with her nose to the sand, taking in the new scents. She is of course in her casual wear, which is nothing ::
(22:21:40) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> For those watching, the little red star is now missing a sliver from its right side.
(22:21:44) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: stands on the beach next to Kate, looking up and down, then across to the island, crouching to quickly collect a sample of ocean water ::
(22:21:58) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: looks up with his shade visors to see that the eclipse is beginning, right on time. ::
(22:22:34) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: Linxi heads towards the cliffy area, dipping hands in climbing chalk, looking around for Wolfe and Suzuki ::
(22:22:44) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: beams down near the rock face, finding a person there :: SCI2: You must be Jude.
(22:23:43) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Well? What's your pleasure?
(22:23:45) CO_CaptHarper: :: takes a deep breath of the fresh sea air :: CSO: Tell me it is safe to swim, because I do not think I can wait much longer.
(22:24:46) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: is already floating across the water towards Harper and Wright, unaware of their conversation ::
(22:24:56) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: analyzing the sample with her tricorder :: CO: Hmmm... Seems safe enough. Might disrupt your body's natural pH a bit, easily corrected.
(22:25:48) CO_CaptHarper: :: beams and puts her bag down up the beach a little, in case the tide comes in, and brings the fins/mask back with her ::
(22:26:44) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The eclipse is at about 25%.
(22:27:21) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: turns around :: Suzuki: Yup, that's me! Suzuki, I assume? :: squints at sky :: Suzuki: Maybe we outa wait until the eclipse is over?
(22:27:44) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: begins wading across the fairly shallow stretch of water that separates her from the island, about 50 meters away ::
(22:29:03) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: puts on her eclipse glasses and looks at the sun, then lifts them to look up at the cliff :: SCI2: I can make that ledge in time. Can you? :: deadpan expression ::
(22:29:06) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::looks around the transporter room awkwardly:: NAV: So.. need a partner?
(22:29:23) CO_CaptHarper: :: gaily splashes her way into the water and puts her fins on, then with a strong couple of kicks, catches up to Lexy and flips over on her back to float ::
(22:29:50) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CMO: Certainly, doctor. What did you have in mind?
(22:30:03) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: smirks :: Suzuki: Wanna bet?
(22:30:37) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: SCI2/NAV2: I vote we wait. Eclipses are... :: looks around slightly self-conscious about the word he's about to use :: neat.
(22:30:48) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: notices Harper and Wright now in the water nearby and stops, finally looking up, blinking and noticing the eclipse has started. Carefully pulling out her custom lenses from her belly pouch, she shakes the water off them and puts them on, staring up at the sky ::
(22:31:10) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: NAV: Eclipse, and cataloguing some of the lifeforms down there ::holds up her eclipse glasses::
(22:31:52) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CMO: Lead on, then. I'm no scientist, but it's an excuse to get outside. :: grins ::
(22:32:35) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: glances at Wolfe in surprise, not knowing he was coming, then shrugs :: SCI2/CTO: Sit and watch a slow covering, or climb to see the totality from a higher vantage point... easy decision, for me. But we'd have to go now.
(22:32:47) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::nods, turns to the transporter chief:: Chief: Two to beam to the eclipse site, please.
(22:33:00) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: steps up on the pad ::
(22:33:36) CO_CaptHarper: :: taps the side of her mask, putting the glass into eclipse mode, and checks the sun ::
(22:33:44) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: NAV2: Fine. :: grabs a rock and prepares to hoist himself up. :: This a race, or what?
(22:33:59) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The eclipse is at about 40%.
(22:34:13) SCI2_Ens_Jude: CTO/Suzuki: Totally. Ready, se- :: suddenly begins climbing, before saying go ::
(22:35:05) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: her surprise was so slight that they probably didn't notice :: CTO: A race against the sun. :: claps the excess chalk off of her hands, and begins free-climbing, methodically pulling herself up the cliffside with muscular grace ::
(22:35:44) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: stops, backs away from the wall a second and smiles ever-so-slightly at the gumption. Then, having given Jude a chance to get a nice little head start, he begins climbing, using his wingspan to catch up. ::
(22:36:15) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::Tailor and Navarro beam down near where the other crew are watching the eclipse::
(22:36:19) CO_CaptHarper: :: languidly backfloats next to Lexy, keeping up with an occasional flick of her fins ::
(22:36:39) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: looks around, and taps his glasses then checks the star ::
(22:36:49) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: pays no attention to the competitiveness of her companion, and simply scales the cliff with calm efficiency ::
(22:36:58) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CMO: I would say it's at 40% or so.
(22:37:10) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: Linxi uses her leg strength to practically jump from hold to hold, using her arms to maintain balance and body positioning ::
(22:37:30) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: floats very still, watching the speed eclipse ::
(22:37:43) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: gets up next to Jude, just a bit above, then stops to look over and smile at her ::
(22:37:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: moves through the chest-deep water with wide sweeps of her arms, the waterproof sample case bulky and unwieldy ::
(22:37:57) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Is currently in a jeffries tube, completely oblivious to the eclipse; listening to Barry Manilow, whilst restoring power to a junction.::
(22:38:32) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::nods at Navarro and puts on her eyewear in the dimming light, then looks at the sun; which seems as if there's a large bite taken out of the side::
(22:39:08) SCI2_Ens_Jude: CTO: Oh hush. :: she continues to climb, occasionally dipping her hands in chalk before they get too sweaty ::
(22:39:15) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: sighs with relief when the water finally begins to grow more shallow ::
(22:39:30) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: flips the glasses back to regular mode, then takes them off :: CMO: This reddish sunlight is remarkable.
(22:39:50) CO_CaptHarper: :: notices a deeper area off to the right :: Lexy: Back in a few, love.
(22:40:26) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: keeps climbing, until he realizes that there's no way up where he is now. As he moves sideways, he realizes that Jude just might make it to the top before him ::
(22:41:12) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: takes her lenses off and spots Wright closest and calls out :: CSO: Do you both see it?
(22:41:26) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: has entered the meditative state of flow she often finds while climbing, the very first beads of sweat beginning to raise on her brow, quickly dried by the breeze as she moves ever higher ::
(22:41:34) CO_CaptHarper: :: pulls down the mask's breather, puts it in her mouth, and dives, disappearing in a few graceful kicks ::
(22:41:50) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: NAV: Certainly not as bright as we're used to. Reminds me of Q'onos..
(22:42:00) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: she rips the moss off holds above her before continuing ::
(22:42:09) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: finally finds the right path and begins to catch up to Jude ::
(22:42:22) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CMO: I've never been, but it is definitely dimmer. Casts a beautiful light, though.
(22:42:42) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Have fun, darling. :: glances at Kuari and pulls down her glasses, tapping them to activate eclipse mode before looking up :: XO: Wow! Won't be long now. Say, can you help me get this sample case to the beach?
(22:43:32) CO_CaptHarper: :: dives down to about 11 meters, looking at scores of fish and aquatic plants ::
(22:43:55) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: puts her head down and busily starts fish-swimming towards Wright. It's not fast enough, so she flaps lamely until she's close to Wright and slows down ::
(22:44:30) CO_CaptHarper: :: hears the splashing above and sees Kuari ::
(22:45:32) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::spots Wright and Kuari in the water, more from the splashing sounds than being able to see them:: CSO/XO: Hey guys.. ::waves::
(22:45:50) CO_CaptHarper: :: shoots for the surface and comes up right by Kuari and Lexy ::
(22:46:57) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: hears Dr. Tailor calling out from back on the beach at the cape and turns, waving at her across 30 meters or so of water before calling back with her cupped hands :: CMO: Hey, Doc!
(22:47:23) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: turns her head towards Tailor :: CMO: Hey!
(22:47:38) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Hi! :: shaking the water off her head and turns to see who they are yelling at, waves at Tailor and Navarro ::
(22:47:43) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: notices Harper and starts ::
(22:48:14) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: sees the top of the cliff getting closer and does everything he can to speed up, Jude just half a body length behind him... much closer than he would like. ::
(22:48:16) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: is pulled from her flow when she puts her hand on the ledge and pulls herself up, turning in a swift motion to sit on the ledge and flick on her glasses ::
(22:48:42) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The eclipse is at precisely 66.6%.
(22:49:03) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: makes for the beach, now somewhat anxious about getting there in time ::
(22:49:14) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CO: Hi! You surprised me!
(22:49:33) CO_CaptHarper: XO: You usually do that to others in the water. Got you. :: grins ::
(22:49:33) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: notices Wright swimming away :: CSO: Hey, wait!
(22:49:39) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: Linxi shortly follows Suzuki up the edge of the cliff, and she pulls herself up :: Self: Damnit.
(22:49:53) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: catches up to Wright :: Didn't you need help?
(22:49:55) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: waves at the distant waterbound party ::
(22:50:07) CO_CaptHarper: :: backfloats along, kicking to keep up ::
(22:50:25) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::goes back to looking at the eclipse. The air around them is starting to cool, and the other planets are beginning to show in the dimming light::
(22:50:37) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: pulls himself up just a neck behind Jude. He'd like to cuss, but instead he puts on his goggles and starts staring at the eclipse. ::
(22:50:46) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: stops :: XO: Oh... I didn't know if you could handle this case any better than I can. :: pulls it off across her shoulder and extends it to Kuari with a quizzical expression, shivering a bit in the colder, dimmer light ::
(22:51:00) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: takes the case :: CSO: I've got it!
(22:51:08) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: she pulls the eclipse glasses from her back pocket and puts them on ::
(22:51:24) CO_CaptHarper: :: taps her mask to check the sun, sees it quickly waning ::
(22:51:31) CSO_LCdr_Wright: XO: Thanks! :: looks at her with relief and decides to abandon pretense of science until after the eclipse ::
(22:51:42) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: puts the case on her back and swims alongside Wright ::
(22:53:00) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: crawls up the beach and sets the case down, out from where she thinks the water can reach it. She then dog-shakes the water off, most of it having slid off her watertight short fur, and flaps the excess off her wings ::
(22:53:23) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The eclipse is at 75%.
(22:54:10) CO_CaptHarper: :: floats up onto the beach and takes off her mask and fins ::
(22:54:39) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: makes it up onto the beach as well plops her bum down on the beach, and looks up at the red crescent of the sun set up against the backdrop of the cliff on the opposing coast ::
(22:54:46) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::sees out of the corner of her glasses, a few bat-like creatures flitting across the darkened sun, and excitedly pulls out her tricorder to get a reading::
(22:55:11) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: gets anxious with an idea, looking up to the sky :: CO/CSO: Sorry guys, I gotta see this from the air. Be back soon!
(22:55:22) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Have fun!
(22:55:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: XO: Be safe!
(22:55:40) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: takes off, hurriedly going for altitude ::
(22:55:43) CO_CaptHarper: :: tucks the fins under her arm, then she remembers that she left her bag with the towels in it on the opposite coast ::
(22:56:05) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Yawns and stretches on top of a blanket by the water, gazing up lazily::
(22:56:41) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The eclipse is at 85%.
(22:56:42) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> SCI2/CTO: Nice to see that you both won the race as well.
(22:57:21) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: strives to climb higher than a nearby cliff, wanting to see everything from above. She can already see the shadow passing over trees ::
(22:58:18) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: cuddles up with Kate, since they're alone on the beach ::
(22:58:48) CO_CaptHarper: :: grins at Lexy :: CSO: Who needs towels anyway?
(22:59:01) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: lifts his spectacles to look around at the phenomenon going on on the planet, and sees something flying toward the group atop the cliff ::
(22:59:02) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The eclipse is at 95%.
(22:59:04) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: makes a dragon-shaped shadow in the slice of light left, for those at the right angle ::
(22:59:39) CO_CaptHarper: :: puts her mask into automatic and looks at the sun ::
(22:59:50) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: My thoughts exactly. :: gives her shoulder a quick kiss then returns her gaze to the dwindling sun ::
(22:59:55) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: sunglasses on, he's checking out the eclipse ::
(22:59:57) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: climbs higher and puts her glasses on and looks at the sun, making sure there's open sky in front of her ::
(23:00:00) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: suddenly realizes what he's seeing, and since he's not sure his voice will carry, he loudly whistles without any warning at the thing flying toward his group ::
(23:00:08) CO_CaptHarper: :: pulls Lexy close as the sky darkens ::
(23:00:30) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::sees the creatures continue to careen across the sun's path; they're barely close enough for a reading, but she manages to get some data. Kuari is visible following closely behind.. but she's focusing more on the diamond ring which is now visible on the edge of the sun::
(23:00:37) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The eclipse becomes total. The sky darkens, stars are visible, and nighttime insects begin to sing. The wind picks up as the temperature noticably drops.
(23:01:25) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: stares raptly at the corona, hitting her tricorder without looking to scan the area while in totality as an afterthought ::
(23:01:32) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: removes his goggles and gazes at the corona ::
(23:01:33) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: calls out in a raptor voice as loud as she can, celebrating the event, only hearing her echo off the nearby cliff ::
(23:01:39) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CMO: That -never- gets old.
(23:01:56) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::removes her eyewear and looks in awe at the totality of the eclipse, shivering a little in the cooler air:: All: Beautiful..
(23:01:59) CO_CaptHarper: :: lifts her mask to see the corona without a filter ::
(23:02:04) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: takes off her lenses and stares up ::
(23:02:24) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: NAV: Absolutely never..
(23:03:08) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: sheds the glasses, marveling at the "night" sky ::
(23:03:19) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: slips off glasses :: Self: Well damn. That's pretty.
(23:03:53) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Shivers, missing the warmth, but admiring the beauty of the eclipse. His eyes dilate to take in the sudden lack of light and he grins::
(23:04:07) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: slowly perches the glasses back atop her head, her eyes drawn to the wrongness of the hole in the sky, blacker than black, mesmerizing and terrifying ::
(23:04:22) CO_CaptHarper: :: hears Kuari's call, and it takes her a moment to realize what it was ::
(23:05:07) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: it's all she can do to keep aloft and soar in a wide circle, her wings tired form her rapid ascent and lack of general use, thinking it dangerous to land right now until the light comes back as her eyes haven't adjusted ::
(23:05:16) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Totality begins to fade away, with the diamond ring reappearing.
(23:05:38) CO_CaptHarper: :: puts her mask back on and quickly holds her engagement ring up to the sky, peering at the diamond ring through a diamond ring ::
(23:05:45) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: slips glasses back on ::
(23:06:03) CO_CaptHarper: :: wiggles the ring, admiring the brilliant scintillating light ::
(23:06:13) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: drops the lenses back over her eyes, but not before she sees what Kate is doing, and blushes, squeezing her arm ::
(23:06:33) CO_CaptHarper: Lexy: That is so beautiful!
(23:06:55) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::puts her glasses back on also.. can see the bare edge of light as the moon slides to the opposite side of the sun's disk::
(23:07:01) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: puts the shades back on, too cool for school ::
(23:07:22) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: drops his goggles after enjoying the final moments of totality. ::
(23:07:47) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Stares up, his other protective eyelids taking the role of glasses, studying the sky above him::
(23:08:46) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: smiles, knowing Kate can't see her :: CO: Beautiful... and terrifying. Not the ring, obviously, :: as an afterthought ::
(23:09:06) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: gets enough light to land by and carefully flares and reaches out towards an outcropping at the top of the cliff, not far from Wolfe, Jude and Suzuki ::
(23:09:22) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Even with all the exploration we have done, if such a sight as that ever becomes too common to bother with, then we know it is time to give up.
(23:10:01) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::happens to look over to a few nearby trees as the moon glides further, and sees small sun slivers in the tree shadows::
(23:10:53) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks to the party, exhausted but excited :: CTO/SCI2/Suzuki: Wow, hey! I didn't know you were here...*pant*...until Wolfe called to me. That was amazing!
(23:11:19) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Indeed. It is not so common in the universe that one should ever dismiss it. I always think of what it must be like for primitive intelligent creatures to witness. What must they think of such a thing? It's mind-boggling.
(23:12:08) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> XO: Your flight is skillful, Commander. Pleasurable to watch.
(23:12:37) CO_CaptHarper: :: nods, still looking at the sky :: CSO: It is easy to understand why they might ascribe it to supernatural origin.
(23:13:39) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: It strikes me with such wonder that it's difficult to imagine how they would have ascribed it to anything else.
(23:13:44) XO_LCdr_Kuari: Suzuki: Thank you, although, I'm out of shape. :: still breathing heavily ::
(23:13:46) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: XO: Welcome. It was beautiful.
(23:14:17) CSO_LCdr_Wright: Suzuki> :: offers the panting Rucara a pouch of water from her belt ::
(23:14:37) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: takes it gratefully ::
(23:15:17) CO_CaptHarper: :: turns away from the sky to Lexy :: CSO: We should not lose ourselves in rational analysis of such a wondrous sight, either. :: kisses her under the eclipse, still close to totality ::
(23:15:25) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: she just silently nods at Kuari ::
(23:15:55) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: melts, lingers in it, and then murmurs with a soft smile when she is free to speak :: CO: There is a time for losing oneself in rational analysis... but even *I* know that it's not now.
(23:15:58) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:15:59) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(23:16:00) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM