Backtrack

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 During my elementary (grade school), I had a female best friend that I'll hide behind the name "Breezy". She led me and her other friends to lots of fun adventures [smirks in amusement], which included a fair amount of trouble (that thankfully weren't made known to our parents).

 Breezy smiled a lot and she shared a lot of my hobbies such as reading and watching cartoon TV shows as we approached our teens. She gave me a book when we graduated on the 6th grade since we were going to different High Schools. Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe wasn't a first in the genré since I was given an abbreviated portion of part of Le Morte d'Arthur when I reached the 3rd grade. However, Ivanhoe opened a lot of doors as it had a lot of "thee" and "thou" while introducing new concepts that I was only able to appreciate years after.

 Breezy and I kept in touch during the first two years of high school. I'd ride my bike to her house, we'd exchange stories and be ourselves. She gave me another book, Robert McKinney's Homecoming (4th in the novel adaptation of the Macross saga). Of course, since she attended a Science High School, the academic pressures prevented further interaction until we met again while we prepared for the College Entrance Exams.

 I was happy to see a familiar and friendly face in those preparatory classes. We made a mutual friend (who sadly didn't make it into the University of the Philippines like we did), re-affirmed bonds and learned. [tilts head to the right] Well, I learned more than she did since most of the topics covered in the classes have already been discussed during her classroom hours.

 Upon getting admitted to the University of the Phillipines-Manila (hers was direct while mine was more circuitous), we managed to keep in touch. Sure, her course was taxing as it was the accelerated Medical Course (designed to turn you into a doctor within seven years, provided you don't go mad or depressed along the way) but she managed. I, however, had to leave the University as my skills weren't up to the task.

 A year passed in the school that I transferred to. I was walking home with my first girlfriend when I met her on Padre Faura. I introduced my girl to her then I was surprised that she rebuffed me, saying that it's all fine and dandy but I forgot that the day was also her birthday.

 At least a decade has passed since that event. True, the sting has passed. I still am confused that she was annoyed that I didn't remember her birthday when she didn't bother to greet me on any of mine before that occasion. I mean, you forgot mine so shouldn't it be fine that I forgot yours when both of us meant no malice [tilts head to the right]?

 Anyhow, ever since the social networking websites have taken root (which would be after that incident), I've taken to hiding my birthday. When Friendster was in vogue, I would move my birthday a month behind whenever it approached. Now that Facebook is the rage, it took some time but I eventually found a way to hide my birthday.

 Just recently, only my blood family and some of my adopted sisters were able to greet me. It was satisfying [smiles like a well-fed cat].

 So, yeah, if Breezy crosses my path again, what would I do? On the spot (while I'm writing this), I've decided to greet her with a genuine heartfelt smile. She was my best friend then. Should she want to leave things in the ditch, my hands would be clean.

Over before it really started

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=~=~=~=Location: Inside the Samurai - Heavily modified Pellaeon-class Imperial Star Destroyer, currently traversing Infinity

~==~==~Dramatis Personae:

Bridge Crew:
Commanding Officer : My self
Executive Officer : Hannibal Lecter, MD
Weapons Officer : Teletha Testarossa
Launch Officer : Lisa Hayes
Tactics Officer : Lacus Clyne
Intra-ship AI : ANNA


CIC (Combat Information Center)

CO: Plans, anyone?

AI: Well, Nii-chan, that blank scroll you've handed may or may not provoke any replies.

LO: [frowns] If I received that, I'd give you a good talking to.

XO: That, Ms. Hayes, is because you're confrontational when it comes to such scenarios, is it not?

WO: With the little we know of Thyferra, we've precious little to use [sighs as she plays with her ponytail while she looks at her screens]. So, provoking a response using non-violent means is one of the very few methods we've open to us.

TO: Too bad we can't send any of our mecha squads.

CO: Were it a simple SaD mission, I'd have sent Lt Do'urden on his Dawnbringer with the squad mounting IWSPs [sighs and cups chin with left hand]. Or maybe a mix of Blast and Sword Silhoutte packs.

AI: But the most you can do is send probes and survey teams, which annoys you to hell, doesn't it? You're itching to use your usual forceful methods. [smiles] And we all know how that turns out, don't we, jii-chan [peers up to the XO]?

XO: [smiles]

TO: Add the fact that the MENTAT Engine's prognostications demanded more data if it were to provide usable projections.

WO: Which only means we're at an impassé.

LO: Which means we wait.

~~~Time Passes

TO: This just in. Thyferra raised shields and demanded that the Samurai change her current course.

AI: Just when I was starting to like its weather and beaches [makes a sad face].

XO: [sighs and picks up ANNA's solido-hologram to cradle her in his arms] It could have been worse, Captain.

CO: [sighs] True, that. At the moment, we will comply with the planetary government's wishes. We've much to lose if we were to push. The Samurai's resources will be jeopardized if Thyferra decides to take offense.

LO: Aside from pulling our troops out [taps keys to issue orders to the various squads] ...

TO: And changing course [taps images on star map holograms] ...

WO: And giving the impression that we're powering down [glances over power systems and initiates stealth subroutines with her left hand] ...

XO: [puts down ANNA] What are your other orders, Captain?

AI: [places her left hand on the CO's right hand resting on the chair's armrest]

CO: Thanks, ANNA. [takes a deep breath] To mundane tasks, first. We've need to define and streamline our usage of incoming resources over the next few months. Doctor, please see to the software upgrades. Tessa, schedule dry-dock time and required equipment. Ms. Hayes, see to the mechas, hangars and logistics.

AI: [moves from the chair's side to sit cross-legged at the CO's right foot]

CO: Lacus, coordinate with our good doctor to develop effective tactics. Everybody, chip in for strategy when able.

LO: The fact that you've yet to decide on which Veritech we'll use means that training is hampered. Of course, [smirks] whatever the case, Flight Officer Koiso won't let up with the "I don't like pink" memos to the bridge.

AI: She gives out all those pink hearts whenever she's with Doctor Kitano so why does she complain [peers up to the CO]?

CO: [shrugs] Beats me. Yes, Tessa?

WO: We have to pass-by the dry-dock and get their list. Then all three of us have to pound on you every time it's time to go.

CO: [smirks sheepishly] Got that.

AI: Lazy nii-chan [smiles]. I'll add some cuteness to the mix, maybe that'll help?

LO: [snorts] You wish.

TO: Well, at least the blank scroll provoked a response [taps system icons].

XO: And we were lucky enough that it was just shields and a demand for a course change.

WO: Were it war-shot, the Samurai would have been severely damaged since our orbit exposed the ship's belly [shakes head].

AI: [puts her head against the CO's right knee] Will you permanently stop the operation on Thyferra?

CO: Time will tell. However [taps the console at his left armrest], a short run of the MENTAT Engine indicated that Thyferra is unlikely to change its stance. The Samurai only has to hold its course ...

XO: AND stay incognito [glares at the Captain].

AI: Specially that, nii-chan.

WO: I'll create subroutines that'll ring alarms in the Samurai whenever it starts activities that will disengage its stealth and camouflage systems [taps keys with her left hand as she plays with her braid with her right].

TO: Taichou, you'll have to do the strategic lay-outs ASAP. Doctor Lecter and I would end up wasting energy if we don't have a basis for the tactics you require.

CO: [squints in thought] That, too. The good thing about Operation Thyferra going belly-up is that I'll have the time for these. Of course, the stealth systems and associated subroutines will use up some energy BUT the fact we use a lot of silent running systems will attenuate the energy loss.

XO: Before we forget, you've yet to decide on the suit that will hold MAGENTA. The sooner you have it done, along with the decision on what Veritech to use; the better for the ship.

AI: You might as well ask for snow-fall at the Gobi, jii-chan. [smiles] He'll get to it, when he has it ready.

LO: If anything, if it can be created or made to happen, our Captain does it [gives one of her rare smiles]. If he didn't, I'd have left long ago.

CO: And where would the Samurai be without your cheer and good-will, eh, Ms. Hayes [smiles teasingly]? At any rate; standing orders for Thyferra are stealth and basic diplomacy in response to the improbable unlikely hail. Intership communication will proceed and be handled as before. There's still the aftermath to watch out for so keep everyone that's on duty on Yellow Alert.

Engine's running

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=~=~=~=Location: Inside the Samurai - Heavily modified Pellaeon-class Imperial Star Destroyer, currently traversing Infinity

~==~==~Dramatis Personae:

Bridge Crew:

Commanding Officer : My self

Executive Officer : Hannibal Lecter, MD

Weapons Officer : Teletha Testarossa

Launch Officer : Lisa Hayes

Tactics Officer : Lacus Clyne

Intra-ship AI: ANNA

CIC (Combat Information Center)

CO: Ms. Clyne, please bring up the MENTAT Engine.

XO: That you use that now speaks of your thoughts. Even when you were faced with financial hardship, you didn't even bother to run a basic prognostication.

WO: Winging it almost all the way, Taichou. That was dangerous.

CO: [nods] It was dangerous. But the results were satisfactory, is it not?

TO: Tis not my place to critique, Taichou, but you do know that it only required ONE thing to go awry for this state of affairs to not come to pass? [taps keys to bring up the Engine]

CO: [cradles chin in left hand] Well, that certainly came to mind. It's not that I don't consider the Samurai's well-being. Suffice to say that I had faith in its abilities, even in its current state.

AI: So, Nii-chan, why the need for the software?

XO: [picks up ANNA to carry her in his left arm] Our Captain has found another Celestial Body worthy of attention. Coruscant was a total loss because of several reasons. Thyferra, he hopes, will be much different and be worthwhile.

TO: Engine is hot and ready.

MENTAT Engine ...

Running

... . . .

Prognostication for Operation Thyferra: -All subsequent interactions dependent on overcoming extant resistance -Resistance assessment requires more data -Current (1213H 06/28/2010) data on resistance --Inconsistent and may be interpreted as failure of current mission --Likely affected by extant condition --Requires more observation -Succeeding missions reliant on established communication --Communication reliant on currently unpredictable nature of target --Counters require more research ---Alternative sources of data? ---Fallout? -Effective Methodology subject to R&D and, sadly, trial and error -Currently, Papyrus' result is pending -SMS and others to be explored as immediately applicable. -Orbiting satellites, upon discovery and analysis, will be treated accordingly --Discovery of satellites reliant upon more data --Satellite discovery will influence progress of all extant and future phases -Pending Resistance Resolution: --Logistics will dictate applicable activities after pertinent discussions are concluded ===Self-preservation trigger? Define trigger required to stop further resource usage

Star-gazing

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=~=~=~=Location: Inside the Samurai - Heavily modified Pellaeon-class Imperial Star Destroyer, currently traversing Infinity

~==~==~Dramatis Personae:

Bridge Crew:

Commanding Officer : My self
Executive Officer : Hannibal Lecter, MD
Weapons Officer : Teletha Testarossa
Launch Officer : Lisa Hayes
Tactics Officer : Lacus Clyne

CIC (Combat Information Center)

LO: [taps screens] There we have it. We're expecting definite supplies by mid-June and another, a probable, tomorrow.

CO: Lisa, you don't have to hide that frown. I know that my decision to put the Samurai on the edge, right between Life and Death is grating on your nerves.

TO: I'm of two minds here, Taichou. The Samurai's capabilities are beyond question and I can easily see that such a course of action isn't suicidal. However, we've need to consider the station supplying us and the ships that we're going to interact with.

XO: That we've just re-established a source of supply is a relief. That the source is tenuously connected, as are those that we've just contacted, is something to seriously consider.

AI: As of now, the tender ship Ciel's crew is of mixed opinions. Some of her people are awed and approving of the Samurai's capabilities. Of course there are some that are put-off by some of our crew's hyper-active personalities.

WO: [sighs] Anna, you do tend to unsettle others with your precocious and lively nature

CO: Well, there's joie de vivre for you. For an AI, she captures the essence of the character she's based on. [shrugs] Besides, the Samurai's crew loves her. That's the only thing worth considering.

XO: That you're adding more females to our crew leads to more people being enamored with Anna. [waves with his left hand to produce a hologram of diagrams and lists] We've got Nanoha Takamichi, Fate T. Harlaown and Yagami Hayate arriving the moment their posts and responsibilities are finalized. [smiles in gentle praise while reaching down to carry ANNA] You're a cute devilishly endearing munchkin, are you not?

AI: [smiles back] And that's why you love me, right, Uncle?

CO: [smiles] That she totally loves you for who you are just makes you warm, doesn't it? [settles into my chair and gazes out with steel and resolution] If the Ciel's crew doesn't like Anna then they don't. We do have to cooperate with the Ciel so we'll keep Anna away from them. It would limit our exposure but the possibility of surprising others to gain the upper hand during critical moments has risen exponentially.

LO: And are we going to do as you plan with our resources, Captain [raises an eyebrow with disapproval shining from her brown eyes]?

CO: Yes, we will [waits for Ms. Hayes' eyes to glare in annoyance]. [smirks teasingly] But since you've objected to it since I've voiced it, I'll modify it to accommodate your proposed fail-safe programs.

WO: [smiles in reproval] You shouldn't tease her so, Taichou. Her concern for the Samurai is well-placed. At any rate, we're still considering the addition of the Fairlions and their pilots, Sheryl Nome, Ranka Lee and Latooni Subota. I've uninstalled MAGENTA from the Strike Rouge's frame and moved her into a portable interface so we can easily transfer the OS from one mobile suit to another.

CO: Then, it's settled. We're good to go. [pats Anna's left hand that she placed on my right shoulder] We'll keep you hidden, little angel. Doctor Lecter, please continue to assist Ms. Hayes with the Ciel and the second tender ship until we sortie. Tessa, continue drilling our troops and pass on recommendations for those who'd be great additions to the Samurai's roster. Lacus, coordinate with Tessa and produce the battle plans that we'll be needing.

Upheavals and recovery

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=~=~=~=Location: Inside the Samurai - Heavily modified Pellaeon-class Imperial Star Destroyer, currently traversing Infinity

~==~==~Dramatis Personae:

Bridge Crew:

Commanding Officer : My self

Executive Officer : Hannibal Lecter, MD

Weapons Officer : Teletha Testarossa

Launch Officer : Lisa Hayes

Tactics Officer : Lacus Clyne

  CIC (Combat Information Center)

CO: [peruses the clipboard held at the left hand] You've seen the changes in the Roster, Ms. Hayes?

LO: [taps the holograms in front of her] Command of the Attack mobile suit squad has been handed to newly-commissioned Liutenant Drizzt Do'urden as per your orders and will sortie in the modified 00 Gundam christened "Dawnbringer" and it's supporting mobile armor 0 raiser will be slaved to the 00 Gundam's controls.

TO: Lady Pendragon has been removed from the post?

XO: Our captain has decided that since Ms. Pendragon has no mobile suit that will fully complement her capabilities, it would be best if we were to replace her with someone who has a mobile suit that does.

CO: [shrugs] Besides, she's a competent swordswoman. She's still one of ours. She'll be using the available time teaching weapon-based martial arts to those who're interested of those who're in the units that use melee weapons.

LO: There's also the fact that we've had to severe our relations with our pecuniary supplier [pecks at the holograms in irritation]. They're the stupidest bunch of morons that I've ever met [fumes]! They knew that the Samurai brings more than its fair share of kills but they still thought badly of it because we do better than they did. Now, we're almost dead in the water thanks to those envious Neanderthals! 

TO: [taps at her own holograms] Such an event has placed the Samurai at dangerous levels of dependency. We've need to find another pecuniary source within the week if we hope to continue as we are. Putting most of our crew into stasis chambers has helped but we can't do that for long.

WO: [plays with her braid while she picks through her own displays] We can maintain our functional status for another week before we have to put 80% of the Samurai's systems into hibernation. [frowns in concentration] We do expect some resources in the form of the severance package from them, but Lecter-sensei advised that it would be wise not to depend on such.

CO: [looks on at bemused contemplation] Truth be told, if it weren't excessive, I'd have pointed our positron cannons at those dirt-bags. One less problem for the universe to handle, is what I think.

 XO: [puts a hand over my left shoulder] We're capable and others recognize our ability. We've much to face, but we've our resources to meet adversity. [looks toward the stars outside the Samurai] Talga vassternich, was it not, Captain?

CO: [exhales in quiet determination] Yes, those were the words that I've chosen to live by.

2009

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[tilts head to the right] I've need of my Physical Therapy books. I've need of my sticks. That I've had to leave my books and that I forgot my sticks during my flight annoy me to no end. I've treated a patient today and I'm currently experiencing muscle fatigue on my left shoulder and arm caused by an abject lack of exercise. I'm going through the solid aspects of my memory palace and I'm decrying the lack of infrastructure that would have helped me satisfactorily analyze my patient's condition. That I've been able to treat more than half of my patient's complaints do little to assuage my pride as a professional. It annoys me that I've been unable to meet my standards. Though said standards are ideal at the worst, those standards were set so I'd be able to satisfy my self. I'm an agent of a service industry, a health-care service industry.

At any rate, things are going more or less according to plan. There are expected necessary expenditures and then there are expected whimsical expenditures. As of now, the whimsical expenditures are expected to happen by the middle of this year, which is the projected third month of my being a regularized employee. That gives me time to carefully consider those whims, which may translate to greater revenues if said whims have been determined as unable to fulfill acceptable goals.

I'm going to retrieve my books and sticks if such an operation will be relatively immune to Murphy's Law. My ability to freely rationally determine my course of action is of utmost importance to me. The fact that I can earn money while being able to continue my practice as a Physical Therapist is a treasure beyond compare.

I owe a lot to my close friends. Those who call themselves my friends are worth mention, at least. My acquaintances are given their due.

Wizard's Ninth Rule

NOTE: I do NOT own the copyrighted characters or licensed materials. Standard disclaimers apply.






What is, is.

~~~Location: Inside the Samurai - Heavily modified Pellaeon-class Imperial Star Destroyer, currently traversing Infinity

~~~Dramatis Personae:

Bridge Crew:

Commanding Officer : My self
Executive Officer : Hannibal Lecter, MD
Weapons Officer : Teletha Testarossa
Launch Officer : Lisa Hayes
Tactics Officer : Lacus Clyne

CIC (Combat Information Center)

CO: [sighs as I plunk down on the command seat] Nothing new, is there?

XO: Event "Third Impact": Coruscant has come to pass, Captain.

CO: So it has [slumps in weary relief]. That's one less thing to stress about. That one went out with a whimper of a bang. [smirks in annoyance] That one was almost a waste of time, wasn't it?

XO: If not for the lesson learned & the reinforcement of a previous lesson about avoiding specific entities, it would've been a disappointing waste.

CO: Anything else?

TO: The Quest's current Target is a "non-responsive", Taichou.

CO: [nods in acknowledgment] Let's hold our current status. At the moment, we've got a lot of time to burn & rushing or forcing the issue is moot. The target's reaction, or lack of it, will state what subsequent action is most apt.

TO: The Mentat Engine predicts that the Quest's Target will maintain status quo.

XO: [snorts in a dignified manner] Just goes to show that when pushed, some people raise their defenses out of fear of the unknown.

CO: We're not exactly better, sometimes, are we [makes a sidelong glance towards the good doctor]?

XO: We make occasional & scheduled calculated risks towards the unknown to make substantial gains. That's hardly what I can call raising our defenses when pushed.

WO: That's because we go in with our defenses ALREADY raised, Lecter-sensei.

CO: Touché, Doctor.

XO: The safety of this ship is paramount. We're responsible for lives beyond ours, sir.

CO: [looks to the stars at the main screen, pondering] So we are, so we are.

LO: [taps her screens] Your personal mobile suit is about to arrive, sir.

CO: My Strike Rouge's coming? [grins as if Christmas came early]

XO: [snorts, again in a dignified manner] Your predilection towards pink is appalling. I'm still wondering why I agreed to serve in a PINK warship.

LO: The Samurai is privately owned & if the owner, who also happens to be the commanding officer, wants it pink, then it'll be pink. The Veritech squadrons & mobile suit squads have no complaints about launching from a pink warship. [taps keys to bring out a form] Of course, Flight Officer Koiso Ryoko continues to submit daily protests on the Samurai's color scheme, which this bridge humors.

CO: [grins cheekily] We've yet to slap her down with a punishment for insubordination, haven't we? How about we let it get around that her complaints will earn her a HOT PINK veritech as her personal ride?

LO: [smirks in amusement] Noted, sir. I'll pass it on to Major Miriya Sterling.

CO: Doctor? The Samurai's not pink. It's painted in old rose.

WO: You already have a name for your personal mobile suit, don't you?

CO: MAGENTA is what she'll be named, as is her OS.

TO: We'll begin installing the necessary software ASAP so you can coordinate your actions within MAGENTA with the Samurai's operations [taps her schematics].

XO: Why would you want to go out in a personal mobile suit when you're safer & more powerful inside the Samurai?

CO: For the rush, Doctor, what else? Besides, having a wild card in a game has the ability to swing the odds to our favor. The opposition doesn't have to know we've got ANOTHER mobile suit that we can throw against it, does it [grins evilly]? Since MAGENTA can go out using any of the Striker packs, we can throw any surprises we need, yes? Also, I'll personally be able to access two POVs nigh-simultenously, from up-close with the mobile units & from afar through my link with the Samurai. I can always dock with the Samurai if there's need.

TO: We'll have to time your launch so we'll get the most out of the maneuver.

LO: Any of the egress ports & launch catapults will meet MAGENTA's needs.

WO: I've already set up MAGENTA's upgrade from battery-powered to nuclear-driven.

XO: To maximize our gain from your use of MAGENTA, I'd suggest we leave no survivors in any encounter whenever you launch, Captain.

CO: [nods] True. We can't have news leaking out that we've a wild card. That'll be the SOP unless there are circumstances that supersede it. [taps chin with right index & middle fingers] We'll leave a survivor if we need someone to spread terror or if we're going to capture & turn the survivor/s.


0846H 08/27/08 (GMT +0800)


TO: Taichou [taps various holograms], sensors indicate that the Quest's current Target has reacted. Bringing it up on the main screen.

XO: The reaction is significantly delayed. It's also remarkably erratic.

CO: [steeples fingers as I sit on the command chair] The reaction is still within the predictions of the Mentat Engine, though. Weaps, Tac-O, speak up.

WO: We've executed the appropriate counter within seconds of intercept.

TO: Target has reacted with a very short burst of information & has yet to react to our succeeding counter-volley.

LO: Attack MS squad Officer Sagara requests that his unit be allowed to sortie & attack, request approved by Squad Commander Pendragon.

CO: [leans forward on chair, squints in thought, left fingers tap armrest it's on & right hand cups chin] Yes, we could go on the offensive on this one. Unfortunately, the Target's reactions are almost always delayed & we've already spent a reasonable amount of time on it. I say we remove it from our sights, pull anchor & put it out of our minds. [shrugs] Seems we'll have to look again.

XO: Setting the Samurai on a course away from the current Target as I speak.

TO: Setting the Quest's sensors to passive acquisition mode as I speak.

WO: My sympathies, Taichou.

XO: At least we didn't get another Third Impact. That would've been unacceptable.

CO: True, that. Lacus, what's next on our list?

TO: [taps holograms] We've an appointment with a probable source of usable Credits.

LO: Attack MS squad will launch minus the units equipped with the Aile & Launcher packs. Defense MS squad will be on standby, with the remaining units from the Attack squad.

WO: Tannhäuser cannons ready for use, Taichou. We've got 50% output & its good for [taps screens] at least seven volleys. Scottie says he can give you an additional three if you can buy him 15 minutes. He'll use the time to replace the parts we'll vaporize with the last & seventh volley.

CO: Very well [nods]. All hands, stand down until 1100H. We'll use the time to recalibrate & recuperate. Those who wish to run drills or play in the simulators are allowed to do so but will rest at 1000H. Our battle standard will arrive on 09/07/08 & will be usable a day after. We'll begin our recon for Credits on that same day. Doctor Lecter & Ms. Clyne will acquire whatever information that'll be useful for our recon. Ladies Hayes & Testarossa will perform simulations for those recon runs & will pass on the approved plans to the concerned mobile units.