Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Apr 11 20:58:00 2018 on CaptHarper@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)
(21:15:27) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:15:28) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:15:29) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:16:02) CO_CaptHarper: :: still tweaking the universal translator, head inclined and looking a bit off to one side as she listens to the output of her adjustments ::
(21:16:10) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: eyes widen as the word "distress" comes through, anxiously watching Kate work at her console ::
(21:17:41) CO_CaptHarper: :: quietly :: There we go... :: dials in on a few more things she notices and gets more words to come through ::
(21:18:17) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Wonders if he can be of any assistance to the captain, in the translation, but continues monitoring power flow; getting as much to the sensors as possible whilst maintaining the necessary level in other major systems.::
(21:19:03) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: she is attempting to use her telepathy to see if she can identify where, if not who, is in distress, but is blanking out ::
(21:19:04) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: watches Harper from her seat intently, unable to help, but continues to listen closely ::
(21:19:23) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The message clears up a bit: ...SHIP IN DISTRESS... POWER LOST... NEAR... HOLE
(21:19:58) SCI2_Ens_Jude: All: They may be falling into the black hole! Whoever 'they' is.
(21:20:27) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: All: That would be an unfortunate predicament.
(21:20:33) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: since her station is occupied, attempts to locate the origin of the call from a nearby auxiliary science console ::
(21:22:07) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: scans in the direction the signal appears to be coming from ::
(21:22:20) CO_CaptHarper: :: continues her adjustments and notices Lexy at another console :: CTO/CSO: Can either of you get a fix on the signal's source yet?
(21:23:10) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Still working on a less-than-general direction. There's just too much interference from the hole and surrounding space.
(21:23:54) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Agreed. It's really noisy out there.
(21:24:24) CO_CaptHarper: CTO/CSO: I have noticed. Part of the difficulty in cleaning this up is the signal quality.
(21:26:40) SCI2_Ens_Jude: CO: I am having a hard time getting anything, besides sheer panic.
(21:26:48) CO_CaptHarper: :: tweaks a final setting and emphatically applies the correction ::
(21:27:07) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: All I can tell is that the signal seems to be originating closer to the event horizon than we are at present, Captain.
(21:27:16) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: I believe the only way to zero in is to get closer.
(21:27:38) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> :: the crackling static finally parts and the alien words clear up into to play the full message :: THIS IS THE MESMIR, SHIP OF THE POKRA. SHIP IN DISTRESS, ALL POWER LOST BUT LIFE SUPPORT, IN STABLE LOW ORBIT NEAR BLACK HOLE. PLEASE HELP.
(21:30:45) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: stands up, absorbing the distress call, thinking through the implications and looks to Harper ::
(21:31:40) CO_CaptHarper: :: stands and turns back toward Kuari, her job at the front console complete :: XO: I wonder how low "low orbit" is.
(21:32:21) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: No results on the name of the race or ship. Shall I attempt to send an acknowledgement, Captain?
(21:32:22) XO_LCdr_Kuari: CO: Considering how much interference is between us and them...I'm guessing pretty low.
(21:33:55) CO_CaptHarper: :: nods to Lexy :: CSO: Try. And thank you for the use of your station. :: gestures at it ::
(21:34:00) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: continues scanning to little avail ::
(21:35:26) CO_CaptHarper: NAV: Begin shrinking the radius of our pseudo orbit, but stay well out of significant time dilation.
(21:36:46) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: Aye, capitana. :: begins spiraling the Atlantis inward ::
(21:38:03) CEO_LtQuinn: :: Sits at a station in main engineering, running a scan of the outer hull to help ascertain the current level of radiation bleed through the shields. For the moment, all signs point to "acceptable levels". ::
(21:38:49) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: moves back to her station and thinks for a moment before transmitting a powerful, broad signal toward the singularity :: MESMIR> Mesmir, this is the Federation starship U.S.S. Atlantis. We are attempting to locate your vessel to provide assistance. Can you advise as to your location? Message repeats..."
(21:39:03) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: sets message to repeat until reply is detected ::
(21:40:29) CEO_LtQuinn: ::In the course of running said scan, of course, his screens register a gradual but definite uptick in radiation. It's a literal moment's work to identify the cause as a change in the ship's position. ::
(21:41:08) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: I'm detecting no reply, Captain, but I'll continue to home in on the signal. Or try, at least.
(21:41:56) CEO_LtQuinn: :: Frowns. :: +XO+ Engineering to bridge?
(21:43:14) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: I'm also keeping an eye out for anything that might have caused that power drain. *CEO* Bridge here, go ahead Lieutenant.
(21:43:15) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: attempts to use the signal Wright is sending as a ping, to see if he can detect it bouncing off anything with a synthetic hull ::
(21:44:09) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> As we spiral closer to the black hole, the sensor resolution does improve, cutting through the significant interference.
(21:46:54) CO_CaptHarper: :: sits down in her chair, nodding with satisfaction that her crew has this in hand ::
(21:47:09) CEO_LtQuinn: *XO* My instruments show we're spiraling decidedly closer to the singularity, Commander. If that's NOT a malfunction, and it's deliberate, may I ask just how close you're planning to get?
(21:49:48) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: pushes a bit of power around and gets both the science and tactical sensors working at peak performance, giving a noticeable increase in sensor resolution and strength. ::
(21:53:22) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::is at the medical console on the bridge, trying to find out if there are any lifesigns in the area, and whether any of them are in distress::
(21:54:50) XO_LCdr_Kuari: *CEO* It is deliberate. we're responding to a distress call and are attempting to get within effective sensor range so we can determine just that.
(21:56:40) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO/NAV/CTO: Given improved sensor resolution, I can narrow it down to a quadrant... :: sends the information to the command stations, the nav console, and the tac console ::
(21:57:09) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: keeps an eye on their effective clock rate and sees that it has barely moved ::
(21:57:57) CEO_LtQuinn: *XO* That's...that's not good. I know nobody up there needs any reminders from me about how much we do NOT want to get too close to that monster.
(21:58:17) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Well done. Any thoughts what caused their power failure yet?
(21:58:30) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: gets the data and adjusts their trajectory ::
(21:59:33) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: turns the tactical sensors to the quadrant indicated by Wright. ::
(22:00:07) XO_LCdr_Kuari: *CEO* Agreed. Our crew's safety takes priority, but if we can respond with what the captain says is acceptable risk, we must.
(22:00:47) CO_CaptHarper: :: nods in support of Kuari's response ::
(22:03:31) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: I have some worries about it being related to things we don't know about being this close to a supermassive black hole, but I don't have anything concrete.
(22:04:40) CO_CaptHarper: :: bites her lip for a moment :: CSO: Until we have solid evidence, then, we must proceed.
(22:05:54) CEO_LtQuinn: *XO* I understand. Call if you need me. Quinn out.
(22:06:19) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Both the tactical and science consoles finally locate the Mesmir, orbiting fairly close to the black hole, at an inclination of 30 degrees. We see it as it emerges from the accretion disk.
(22:06:42) CEO_LtQuinn: :: Takes a few deep breaths, shrinks the hull analysis in favor of a warp core diagnostic, and starts typing equations at a mile a minute. ::
(22:06:43) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: glances at Harper after Quinn cuts transmission, then checks her console ::
(22:06:58) CSO_LCdr_Wright: All: I've got it. :: puts a magnified image on the main viewer and begins scanning for life signs ::
(22:06:58) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Found it.
(22:07:14) CEO_LtQuinn: Ooooookay. Gravity, warp fields, gravity, warp fields...let's see what you can pull out of your ass this time, Quinn.
(22:07:39) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Project its orbit on the main viewer.
(22:08:50) CO_CaptHarper: :: squints at the magnified image, still too blurry to see anything useful ::
(22:09:30) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks up at the viewscreen ::
(22:09:33) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Aye. :: complies, and the Mesmir appears on the screen, the ship little more than a speck on the screen ::
(22:09:54) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> A little dotted orbit appears around the black hole, quite close, but not beyond the event horizon.
(22:10:20) SCI2_Ens_Jude: Self: Oh man.
(22:10:27) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: cancels old message and transmits new, focused message :: *MESMIR* Mesmir, this is the Federation Starship Atlantis. We have located your vessel and are attempting to reach you safely. Please respond.
(22:11:07) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Commander... at that distance from the singularity, can you calculate the time dilation?
(22:11:37) SCI2_Ens_Jude: CO: I can sense life forms on the ship. I'd say around two hundred or so.
(22:12:52) XO_LCdr_Kuari: *Atlantis* Mesmir to Atlantis, we hear you! Ship power is down. We cannot ascend. Please help us!
(22:13:06) Cpt_Jaspir: *Atlantis* Mesmir to Atlantis, we hear you! Ship power is down. We cannot ascend. Please help us!
(22:13:10) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: glances at Jude :: CO: Scans indicate approximately 203 life signs.
(22:15:07) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::listens to the distress call with bated breath:: CSO: 203.. that's alot.
(22:15:29) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Time dilation at their orbit appears to be approximately six months to each hour for us.
(22:16:16) CO_CaptHarper: :: she leans forward and pinches her chin :: CSO: 203 of them and I wonder how long they have been there. Whatever did this to them could have happened hundreds of years ago.
(22:16:38) CO_CaptHarper: :: stands and Picard-manuevers even though the comm is audio-only :: *Mesmir* Acknowledged, Mesmir. This is Captain Kathryn Harper of the Atlantis. We are evaluating rescue methods at this time and will assist. Please stand by.
(22:19:15) SCI2_Ens_Jude: CO: I'm going to guess that we are just a /tad/ far to tractor beam them out.
(22:20:13) CO_CaptHarper: SCI2: From here, yes.
(22:20:51) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks to Harper :: Can we get close enough?
(22:21:11) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: rests elbows on console, racking head to figure out how to pull them out, without getting too close to the black hole ::
(22:22:06) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: CO: Do you want me to set up a triage center for them, in case we get them out of there?
(22:22:29) CO_CaptHarper: XO: They are in a stable orbit, so yes. It is just a matter of how fast we can do it.
(22:23:11) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::ponders, thinking we know nothing about their physiology. or even what type of air they breathe..::
(22:23:33) CO_CaptHarper: CMO: It may be a good precaution. They did not mention injuries, but be prepared for them.
(22:23:45) SCI2_Ens_Jude: All: Subspace tractor beam?
(22:23:56) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::nods at Harper::
(22:25:01) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: As I am sure you are aware, we cannot warp in. However close we need to get, the flight in and out will cost us time.
(22:26:16) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Aloud, idly.:: Self: We could erect a subspace bubble around the ship.
(22:27:28) SCI2_Ens_Jude: :: suddenly stands up straight :: ENG: Ooooh, you a genius!
(22:29:04) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: ENG: I don't think it would stay stable, sir. The same local conditions that prevent the use of warp speed would destabilize it.
(22:29:57) SCI2_Ens_Jude: NAV: Could we somehow modify it though, so it stays stable?
(22:29:58) CO_CaptHarper: :: listens to her crew banter about their ideas ::
(22:30:26) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: looks from one to another as they speak ::
(22:31:57) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: SCI2: I don't know. Solve that problem and you have solved the warp problem as well, and potentially time dilation itself.
(22:32:23) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: chuckles good-naturedly, hoping it's possible ::
(22:32:29) SCI2_Ens_Jude: NAV: Some modified tractor beam? Something?
(22:32:39) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: wonders about the possibilities of using probes as hops, mind wanders to tunneling slipstream tunnels... ::
(22:34:50) CO_CaptHarper: :: hands on her hips, she asks the question it seems people are trying to avoid :: NAV: How long would it take to fly in at full impulse and tractor them out? CSO: If the tractor beam will not work there, then how long to transport them all aboard?
(22:35:47) SCI2_Ens_Jude: CO: But what would the time dilatation be like if we did that?
(22:36:10) XO_LCdr_Kuari: :: frowns ::
(22:36:12) CO_CaptHarper: SCI2: That is why I am asking, Ensign.
(22:36:12) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: Self: It would not be stable for long. NAV: It would need precise subspatial geodesic manipulation. Perhaps using the systems from the QSD.
(22:36:25) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: How long in time away from the event horizon, or perceived duration?
(22:37:05) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::contemplates the best place on the ship to set up a triage center with proper habitat(if needed) for this new species. Holodeck probably.. ::
(22:37:13) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Elapsed time from this reference frame. We can extrapolate into what is... normal from there.
(22:37:37) SCI2_Ens_Jude: ENG: Could we send something /out/ that would help stabilize a subspace bubble or enhance a subspace tractor beam? Anything?
(22:37:45) CSO_LCdr_Wright: :: crunches numbers ::
(22:37:48) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: runs a few quick calculations ::
(22:38:34) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: 30 minutes. Maybe 45. If the tractor beam works, we could be back out in 45 minutes, maximum... in this reference frame.
(22:39:49) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Hums for a moment.:: SCI: Possibly.
(22:40:36) CO_CaptHarper: :: nods :: All: Three to four months to everyone else. It is not the worst option.
(22:41:22) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: SCI: Like early slipstream attempts, we could use a shuttle. But a shuttle would run the risk of having its engines overloaded.
(22:42:20) CO_CaptHarper: ENG: If this subspace bubble is unstable and collapses, what would be the risk to Atlantis?
(22:43:53) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: We would be exposed to a similar gravimetric, radiological, and possibly even temporal distortions they are experiencing on the alien vessel.
(22:44:02) CSO_LCdr_Wright: CO: Transports would take... 6-10 minutes in perceived time, assuming no problems or delays.
(22:44:20) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: We would not want it to collapse.
(22:46:07) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Possibly adding another month to our lost time, then. If the tractor beam works, then it is our quickest option.
(22:49:10) CO_CaptHarper: ENG: This subspace bubble—what would it take?
(22:52:39) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Smiles.:: CO: Similar to warp, we would need a large amount of power, the slipstream sensors to properly shape the bubble.
(22:53:53) CO_CaptHarper: ENG: Are you certain you can stabilize it?
(22:55:57) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: I believe I can. ::Fails to mention that he's only ever done it on a small gravimetric anomaly, and that was a fluke.::
(22:55:58) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(22:55:59) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(22:55:59) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM