Conversation with #st_missionroom1 at Wed Oct 3 20:59:34 2018 on CaptHarper@chat.startrekengage.com (irc)

(21:20:25) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:26) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:27) CO_CaptHarper: BEGIN SIM
(21:20:54) CO_CaptHarper: :: in the ready room, reading the limited information available on this situation ::
(21:21:19) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: :: turns to Kuari :: XO: Commander, we'll be exiting slipstream in five minutes.
(21:22:14) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: is at TAC1 observing the shields as they fly. ::
(21:24:04) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: from her chair on the Bridge, acknowledges Navarro :: NAV: Thank you.
(21:24:07) CO_CaptHarper: :: notes the time and, recalling their original ETA, stands and makes for the door ::
(21:24:11) MED2_Ens_Acacia: :: stands on the bridge, running some calculations on a console near the back. She doesn't draw attention to herself, but she's on alert as she has a bad feeling ::
(21:26:15) CO_CaptHarper: :: exits onto the bridge, slightly frustrated at the lack of information :: XO: Status, number one?
(21:26:53) XO_Cdr_Kuari: CO: Exiting slipstream in five minutes. :: cranes her neck to look at Harper, her head cocked forty-five degrees ::
(21:27:24) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: XO: Less than a minute now, actually, ma'am.
(21:28:27) CO_CaptHarper: :: takes her seat and nods to Kuari ::
(21:28:52) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: proceeds with the usual shipwide notifications of impending slipstream exit ::
(21:29:24) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: Normal space in ten, nine, eight...
(21:29:39) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: prepares the shields for exit ::
(21:29:42) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Glances up from his desk in Medbay at the notification::
(21:29:51) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Atlantis pops out of slipstream into the system housing Trondheim.
(21:30:27) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: Normal space achieved, drift... 1543 light-seconds.
(21:30:33) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: scans for bad things to test his new phaser bank ::
(21:30:54) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: sends a brief notice of arrival to Trondheim colony, as per usual ::
(21:31:07) CO_CaptHarper: NAV: Take us on in, lieutenant.
(21:31:59) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: Aye. :: pops up to warp speed to close the drift in a few minutes ::
(21:32:15) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: initiates a cursory system scan ::
(21:32:30) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: doesn't find anything bad, but... :: CO: Detecting another Federation ship already at the colony.
(21:32:56) CO_CaptHarper: :: perks :: CTO: Oh?
(21:33:04) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: And that ship is... the Discovery.
(21:33:12) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Sits quietly at his station, working away at something.::
(21:33:54) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: perks her ears upward in surprise, looking from Wolfe to Harper ::
(21:34:23) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: And Discovery is in combat, Captain. Permission to raise shields? :: hovers over the big red pad ::
(21:34:25) CO_CaptHarper: Hm... XO: They must have answered a request from the colony for help.
(21:34:45) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Combat? With whom? Red alert.
(21:34:53) TAC_LCdr_TLira: :: is checking the targeting algorithms ::
(21:35:02) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: goes to Red Alert. :: CO: Unknown at this time.
(21:36:36) SCI_LtJG_Jude: :: she scrunches her eyebrows in confusion, fingers hovering over her console ::
(21:36:37) NAV_LtJG_Navarro: CO: Arriving at Trondheim, Captain.
(21:36:40) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: peers at her console, wanting to know all the tactical data ::
(21:37:00) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: wondering why no hailing is happening on any side ::
(21:38:06) SCI_LtJG_Jude: :: coughs :: CO: Erm... Perhaps we could, I don't know... hail them?
(21:38:23) CO_CaptHarper: SCI: After the combat. NAV: Stand by for evasives. CTO: Be ready to join the fray as soon as we exit warp.
(21:38:31) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Aye, Captain.
(21:38:31) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: TAC: We have a new phaser bank that I'm not happy with the calibration yet. I want you to use it when you can, and tell me how far off you are. Prepare for combat testing.
(21:39:20) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: looks askance at Jude for speaking directly to the Captain, despite low-key agreeing ::
(21:39:27) TAC_LCdr_TLira: CTO: Aye, sir. :: pulls up the new bank’s readings and readies it for combat ::
(21:39:38) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: begins pre-aiming phasers and torpedo cannons, this being his first time dancing with T'Lira at the other console.
(21:40:07) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Atlantis exits warp to find Discovery in combat with a small, but heavily-armed frigate that's surrounded by a network of drone fighters.
(21:40:49) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: stares at the main viewer ::
(21:41:01) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: scans the frigates and drones to determine their make ::
(21:41:27) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Fire at will, Mr. Wolfe. :: frowns ::
(21:41:50) MED2_Ens_Acacia: :: bristles, turning to watch ::
(21:41:52) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Aye. :: begins firing, and directs T'Lira to do the same.
(21:42:23) TAC_LCdr_TLira: :: fires the new phaser bank and monitors the readings, making mental notes of adjustments to make ::
(21:43:41) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Shortly after Atlantis joins the fray, the frigate recalls its drone fighters and warps away.
(21:44:04) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: fires a shot after the now-warped frigate ::
(21:44:40) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: nods curtly, satisfied at this expected outcome ::
(21:45:04) CSO_Cdr_Wright: CO: Scans show hostile vessels are not in the database.
(21:45:04) CO_CaptHarper: Well then. CSO: Thank you. Hail the Discovery, please.
(21:45:24) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: hails the Discovery ::
(21:45:58) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> Captain David Santiago, veteran captain of the Discovery, appears on the screen.
(21:46:35) CO_CaptHarper: CaptSantiago> :: smiles :: Captain Harper, good of you to come all the way from the galaxy's center to join us.
(21:47:31) CO_CaptHarper: :: stands and addresses the more experienced captain with respect :: Santiago: Yes, Admiral Blackthorne sent us to investigate a border dispute here... but it would seem that the dispute escalated.
(21:49:13) CO_CaptHarper: CaptSantiago> Yes, indeed it did. Trondheim sent a distress call, and since you are not the Enterprise and therefore the only ship in the quadrant, we were able to respond. :: chuckles ::
(21:50:14) CO_CaptHarper: Santiago: So... who are they?
(21:51:10) CO_CaptHarper: CaptSantiago> We do not know. I hailed them when we arrived, was answered by a stout, stocky-looking fellow who simply grunted at my salutation and then cut the comm.
(21:52:29) CO_CaptHarper: Santiago> Even the colony's administrator says they have not identified themselves, just telling them that they're in violation of borders.
(21:53:58) CO_CaptHarper: :: finds this just as frustrating as the lack of information in the briefing :: Santiago: That makes diplomacy challenging.
(21:55:07) CO_CaptHarper: CaptSantiago> Indeed. I recommend we analyze our scans of their tech and collaborate to improve our defenses against them. All of the telemetry from our encounter is available to you.
(21:56:47) CO_CaptHarper: :: nods :: Santiago: Agreed. Atlantis out.
(21:57:13) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: closes the channel and nods back at the Captain ::
(21:57:56) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: See if they send over the picture of the fellow he described in the telemetry, and if not, ask for it.
(21:58:35) CO_CaptHarper: :: turns to Kuari :: XO: Not much to work with here in solving this peacefully, aside from just leaving.
(21:59:52) XO_Cdr_Kuari: CO: Not if they won't respond to a conversation, no.
(22:00:08) CO_CaptHarper: XO: Then why answer the comm at all, though?
(22:00:38) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: shakes her head, thinking ::
(22:00:51) MED2_Ens_Acacia: :: thinks out loud :: CO: To get a look at you?
(22:01:52) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: receiving the data :: CO: They did send along the picture, Captain.
(22:02:22) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::steps out of the 'lift onto the Bridge, after handing off chick watching duties to a random SCI officer::
(22:02:23) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Put it up. :: stands ::
(22:02:33) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: puts it on the main viewer ::
(22:03:37) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> A stout humanoid appears on the screen, with a magnficient shock of gray hair surrounding his rugged face, which bears several ridges on the cheeks.
(22:04:04) CO_CaptHarper: :: looks around the bridge :: Anyone recognize this species? Ilaihr?
(22:04:55) CSO_Cdr_Wright: CO: Perhaps something about the appearance of the Discovery bridge crew made him turn aggressive? :: snorts :: Maybe they only respond to beards.
(22:04:59) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::shakes head, peering curiously at the humanoid::
(22:05:01) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Looks up as he hears his name, putting on his spectacles, giving the viewscreen a long stare.::
(22:05:08) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: shakes her head ::
(22:05:16) MED2_Ens_Acacia: :: slowly shakes her head, though she stares, having a feeling she must know ::
(22:05:26) SCI_LtJG_Jude: :: she also shakes her head ::
(22:06:27) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: CO: I am... uncertain.
(22:06:57) CO_CaptHarper: :: figures if Ilaihr hasn't run across them, no one has ::
(22:07:18) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Sighs.:: CO: I believe it is something new. ::Turns back to his console.::
(22:08:13) CO_CaptHarper: ENG: Thanks anyway. CSO: Star chart, please.
(22:08:36) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: puts the star chart up on the main viewer, replacing Beardy McBeardface ::
(22:09:04) CO_CaptHarper: :: pondering the "maybe they only respond to beards" point, but not literally ::
(22:10:04) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Maybe not beards, but perhaps it is how they were greeted. :: stares at the star chart, looking at the nearby space ::
(22:10:38) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: also peers closely at the star chart, studying it ::
(22:10:48) ENG_Lt_Ilaihr: ::Nods.::
(22:11:25) CSO_Cdr_Wright: CO: I was thinking, perhaps the hair is some sort of status symbol, or is phenotypical of a prominent gender dysmorphia.
(22:13:17) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: It is possible. Santiago is clean-shaven, after all.
(22:14:29) CO_CaptHarper: :: smirks and nods at the star charts, then turns back to Kuari :: XO: The Free Fleets are the closest... relatively allied power. Perhaps they have run across this species before.
(22:15:37) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: nods to Harper :: CO: It's possible.
(22:15:41) MED2_Ens_Acacia: :: has an idea and perks up a bit, but second guesses herself in blurting it out and watches to see if anyone says anything ::
(22:17:31) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Put together a packet of everything we have so far and send it to Venya Kashar at Refuge, asking if she knows anything. I am sure that if she does, I will owe her a favor, but Refuge would be the place to start.
(22:18:17) CSO_Cdr_Wright: CO: Aye, Captain. :: begins compiling the data and packaging it for subspace messaging across the void to Refuge ::
(22:19:27) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: ::has no idea what is going on, and settles into working on her daily reports instead::
(22:19:38) CO_CaptHarper: XO: In the meantime, who aboard has the most impressive hair? We may have to send for Admiral Riker. :: chuckles ::
(22:21:07) CSO_Cdr_Wright: CO: A Klingon, perhaps.
(22:21:30) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: cocks her head, thinking ::
(22:21:32) MED2_Ens_Acacia: :: finds someone she can say the thing out loud to and sidles over to Tailor, not realizing she's out of the loop :: CMO: Hey, what if.. what if these people communicate with some sort of gestures? It would explain why they opened a video feed and then just grunted at Santiago.
(22:22:12) XO_Cdr_Kuari: CO: Well if hair all over counts...I would say Velekh.
(22:22:55) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: MED: Hm.. Maybe. ::types in another paragraph about dietary requirements of the alien pterosaurs:: Sounds like a good theory.
(22:22:56) CO_CaptHarper: :: nods in agreement :: XO: Get him up here. It is worth a shot.
(22:23:55) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: looks around the Bridge and spots Tailor, judging to see if she overheard ::
(22:25:42) MED2_Ens_Acacia: :: stands up a bit straighter, making her way over to pitch her idea to the science team :: CSO: What if we're trying to communicate the wrong way? If they communicate with some sort of hand gestures or something it would make sense that they open a video feed and then get confused.
(22:27:41) CSO_Cdr_Wright: MED: Mm, yes, non-verbal communication is a possibility as well. I'll see if Discovery can provide us with a video recording of the entire connection. :: sends off her subspace message to Refuge before reaching out to Discovery for the video ::
(22:28:38) XO_Cdr_Kuari: CMO: Doctor Tailor, can you contact Doctor Velekh to come to the Bridge?
(22:29:16) MED2_Ens_Acacia: :: smiles at Wright, making her way back to the console where she first quietly sighs with relief, then resumes the calculations she was working on, her ear tuned to the action ::
(22:29:56) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: XO: Sure. ::sends the message to sickbay to summon Velekh::
(22:30:53) CSO_Cdr_Wright: CO: Message sent to Refuge. Additionally, I now have the full video of the interaction from Discovery, if you'd like to see it.
(22:31:31) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Put it up.
(22:31:38) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: puts it up ::
(22:31:40) MED2_Ens_Acacia: :: turns to watch ::
(22:32:23) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The video on the screen shows Beardy McBeardmane crossing his arms as Santiago talks, grunting in reply, then cutting the comm.
(22:33:25) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: watches the video with curiosity ::
(22:34:12) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: looks at it, perplexed :: CO: Permission to replay?
(22:34:12) CO_CaptHarper: :: takes her hair out of the captainly updo and fluffs it out ::
(22:34:18) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Granted.
(22:34:33) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: replays the video, watching carefully ::
(22:35:33) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Captain, I have two ships incoming hot.
(22:36:18) TAC_LCdr_TLira: :: checks that her new targeting algorithms for the new phaser banks are ready and implements them in time for a possible field test ::
(22:36:55) CO_CaptHarper: CTO: Sound red alert again, stand by weapons.
(22:37:27) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: CO: Aye. :: takes Atlantis to Red Alert ::
(22:37:31) CO_CaptHarper: :: fluffs her hair out some more, just in case, in preparation to attempt a hail ::
(22:39:42) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: watches her console ::
(22:39:59) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The two ships exit warp and begin to close, launching their drone ships.
(22:40:45) CO_CaptHarper: CSO: Hail them. :: stands and faces the viewer ::
(22:41:04) MED2_Ens_Acacia: :: grips the console, watching the viewscreen intently ::
(22:41:12) CTO_Maj_Wolfe: :: has all weapons ready to go. ::
(22:41:17) CSO_Cdr_Wright: :: hails them ::
(22:41:38) CO_CaptHarper: ACTION> The same fellow appears on the viewer.
(22:42:07) XO_Cdr_Kuari: :: looks up at the main viewer, wondering to herself if she should put on her mean face ::
(22:42:21) CO_CaptHarper: Beardy: I am Captain Kathryn Harper of the Federation Starship Atlantis. We would like to open diplomatic relations with your people to see if a peaceful resolution can be found to this border dispute.
(22:42:32) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: *MED*: Velekh, Tailor here. You're wanted on the Bridge please.
(22:42:34) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Steps out onto the side of the bridge, bag slung over his shoulder and a concerned look on his face.
(22:43:01) CO_CaptHarper: :: sees Velekh and gestures him over :::
(22:43:05) CMO_LtJG_Tailor: MED: Good there you are. Report to the captain please.
(22:49:17) MED_Ens_Velekh: ::Follows instructions with a nod and heads over to the Captain:: CO: Captain?
(22:49:43) CO_CaptHarper: :: offers a pleasant smile as the Caitian joins her, and searches for any sort of reaction on the screen :: Beardy: This is one of our ship's doctors, Velekh.
(22:49:53) CO_CaptHarper: Beardy> :: crosses his arms, seeming to think a moment as Velekh enters the frame to stand next to Harper, but then grunts and cuts the comm ::
(22:50:10) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(22:50:11) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM
(22:50:12) CO_CaptHarper: PAUSE SIM