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

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.

Turning points and foci

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I've done some counting and it'll take a fair bit of juggling if I wish to complete my goals by year's end. Of course, there's the usual problem with logistics, but I guess that's part of Life whichever way you productively live it.

Being who I am means that I'll have to contend with a lot of things while keeping a good amount of things secret from those who will misjudge me out of ignorance. Given that I can eventually reveal said secrets when the time is right, the fact that integral parts of my person have to be hidden grates against something fundamental I'm having trouble identifying. Perhaps it's annoying me because I'm naturally proud of what I am, because even my negative aspects (that of my upbringing and character) serve my goals and purposes. That others cannot appreciate those parts because they refuse to see those aspects' relevance.

I've goals. I'll achieve those goals because I know those goals are moral and even if they're primarily selfish goals, those goals will serve others just as well. I will be a practicing knowledgeable effective Physical Therapist because being less than that is an unacceptable embarrassment.

There are steps to be made, decisions to be carved into stone and a dream to turn into reality. There's much to be done, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy so I'm going to use every resource at my disposal.

I wield Freedom & Destiny.

The Samurai takes no prisoners. It fights to uphold and defend what I consider mine and right.

Mixed bag of goodies

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2005H 12/03/08 (GMT +0800H)

Well [blinks], status quo and all that hoop-la do not merit a blog entry.

 ~~~ 

 I'm irritated with a senior tenured colleague of mine because said colleague is a SLACKER! What do I have against slackers? Slackers pretend to work while they pass off some of their professional duties, duties they dislike, to others. Said slacker passed a responsibility to me EVEN if I was nearly incapacitated with hunger. How did it go? Like this: I had my first patient yesterday at around 1300H, prior to my lunch. While I was giving the first modalities to that patient, my regular Tuesday patient arrived (the one who gave the Batmobile). His arrival meant that by the time I finished with my first patient, he'd be done with his round with our department's Occupational Therapist, which meant I'd be treating him immediately after without eating my lunch. I didn't mind having to treat my regular patient right after my first patient of the day since my morning meal could provide me energy equal to a brunch. So, sans lunch, I treated my regular patient until 1700H. We were delayed because we had to wait for some equipment to be available. During our treatment session, I noticed that a patient (one that I administered the initial treatment to) was waiting for someone to treat him even if the slacker was available/without patients to treat. I noticed that patient approximately 20 minutes before I finished my gig with my regular patient. Guess what? He was still waiting for a PT to treat him when I finished. Now, what did the slacker do? Said slacker uttered: "Sir, I'll be putting the hot-packs and TENS on him while you finish picking up. He's yours after I put the stuff on him." [raises brows and makes an incredulous face] Tarnations! YOU -KNEW- I haven't had lunch yet. YOU hold your lunch period sacred. You were doing SQUAT and you passed the patient to -ME-? What does your action tell me about you, huh? Where's your professionalism? I, PERSONALLY, dislike treating a particular patient because of the tedious and unwieldy nature of said patient's treatment protocol BUT I still treat that patient in a professional manner, in a manner wherein I give my best. Why do I give my best to my patients, regardless of my prejudices? I give my best because I swore an OATH. You also have a license to practice as a PT in the Philippines. Makes me wonder what that license and the oath that comes with it mean to you.

 ~~~

 Last Friday, romantic opportunities presented themselves. The first opportunity I really don't want to put much stock in, since the probable graduated from a college whose graduates I distrust in romantic situations. The last opportunity was a tad iffy, since I wasn't able to find out if the probable was still single. [shrugs] What the heck, it doesn't really matter since I'll be leaving within two years. Starting a romantic relationship with the Lady of my dreams within those two years would be most risky. I stand to lose much AND if things end badly, I'll end up hurting another woman's feelings. I don't like hurting (relative) innocents, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

 ~~~

Job opportunities are being analyzed. Finances are being projected. God, Fates & Luck willing, I'll be on my way to my desired state of affairs in 3 months time at the average (a month at the least if Luck smiles brightly on me).

The taste of cold steel

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2005H 11/19/08 (GMT +0800H)

I'm thoroughly incensed that people continue to judge me out of ignorance. They know nothing of me, yet they think they've the unquestionable right to pass judgment over my person. They only know the LITTLE that they've seen or heard of me, yet they consider that data as EVERYTHING they'd need to judge me.

Pray tell, children of Adam & Eve, from who or where did you get the thought, the ludicrous, inane thought, that -YOU- have the RIGHT to pass judgment over me and mine? You claim offense at the acts I do, not knowing anything of the rationale behind my person, when it is the logic behind my actions that would give sense to me and mine. You insist that I act according to your rules, rules where I'm forced to submit to your incompetence, when those same rules are based on flimsy wishes that will collapse under the onslaught of Truth.

I am ruled by morality. When I'm proven wrong, I submit to the consequences of my mistake.

Why, pray tell, do hominids around me strut and pontificate as if they're above what's right and wrong?

Why, pray tell, do these same hominids enforce their standards on me when they themselves do not measure up to what's moral?

It would've been a tad acceptable if those idiots were amoral. As it is, they consider their immoral perspective and judgment as law, enforce this perverse & unjust law upon me while they consider themselves above it all AND think that this perversity, this double standard, is the natural order.

They wish for natural order? They would do well to think of what Gaia considers natural.

[glares in hostility] Be warned, then, those who continue to wrong me. Should you fail to fully enforce your perverse double standard, I will extract the price of your transgressions. If you succeed, pray that the Kindly Ones don't get you too soon. Either way, you're doomed. Evil does not go unpunished, specially your brand of perverse despicable evil.

Emotions [laughs in a decidedly evil manner]

Ah, yes... Blessed silence. A comment from a respected Lady. Interaction with another Lady last night. ([smirks] Regardless of the fact that both Ladies are not interested in a romantic relationship with me, I still enjoy their company) Those things make me a happy man. Now, I'll have to get to the part where I'll make money, support myself, set up the fund/business for my mercenary little sister's college education and all those other stuff so I can be happier. There's this thing about finding Her, but I can only believe that for as long as I engage in a pro-active search while doing my best to live, I'll be able to find Her. Things aren't really looking that well since the execution of my decision may be delayed significantly thanks to Murphy's Law. [shrugs] C'est la vie. I've Freedom & Destiny & the Samurai. I'm alive & I'm not giving up on anything about my self. I've got my close friends and they're there when I've great need. I've got my twin. I'm me.

Wrestling with the Wizard's Rules

1723H 11/03/08 (GMT +0800H)

~~~
A/N: I don't own the universe/concepts/ideas or any part of the universe that Terry Goodkind created. I'm only citing them because the philosophy presented by Mr. Goodkind is, in my opinion, true & simple.
~~~

Weeks separate me from implementing a critical decision. While I spend whatever resource I have in preparation for the execution of my plan, I also duel with the Wizard's Rules.

Against every decision that leads to the climax, I contrast it with the First Rule. Is my perception tainted by my prejudices? Is my assessment skewed because of irrational fears? Currently, I've yet to determine if I'm violating it as I assess my work environment and one of my adopted sister's reaction. Am I too insecure & filled with low self-esteem, thus skewing my appreciation towards the negative?

The Third Rule runs through each act, for each act I make is fueled by anger, anger borne from unjust actions and words towards my person. I've need to be rational, else all I've done & gained will be for naught. Yet, I've need of the burning anger, for righteous anger is the one that moves me onward out of the cage I'm currently in. That I act towards my freedom makes me think: Am I reaching for another set of chains with this endeavor or am I working towards the state I'm meant to be in?

Acts directed towards me are measured against the Fifth Rule, after I've assessed said act with the First Rule. More often than not, the data indicates that the decision I intend to make is the right one, provided I haven't been violating the First Rule all along. [tilts head to the right] Sure, the decision I'll make will require hardships in my part. Whichever choice I make, I'll have to face hardships. It's just a question of what option will yield the best results. But, if the best results will be obtained in exchange for a continuation of the downward spiral I'm doing my best to reverse, consequences be damned. I've seen a glimpse of the phantoms that I'll fight in a continued dive and they're most horrible to behold.

Onwards, then.

Everything and nothing

18:08 10/13/08(GMT +0800) ~START~


[exhales through the mouth & smirks] Up 'til now, every day at the Rehabilitation Department is like a stroll through a mine field. There are days when the mine field is from the Dark Ages and there are days when the mine field is right out of the Vietnam & Kosovo wars. It sucks that I've only got an empathy emulator instead of the real thing.

Hot dang. Add the fact that certain aspects of my life have escalated to critical levels & I've got a good amount of balls to juggle. [smirks in thought] Come to think of it, I'm a very bad juggler. I'm better at dancing, even if it's just a bit. I guess I'll treat each relevant aspect as a dance partner instead. I can keep a better track of stuff that way. Each part of the dance will require that I only give attention to a particular partner (i.e. aspect) but the whole of the dance will allow me to tend to every part, as time & resources permit. My Mentat Engine should be able to handle the strain. After all, nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

Yes, I'm using vague terms to describe some parts of my life so as to avoid trouble.

~~~

I've always loved swings. The feeling of flight, even for a limited time, is something I enjoy. Spending time on a sturdy swing set is the BEST way to unwind for me. I can let the songs go through my head. I can "fly" through my concerns, knowing that even as reality constrains my efforts, my mind is competent enough to create solutions towards my goals.

I just spent time on a sturdy swing set. I flew. I remembered how it was to be me & how important it is that I keep on becoming the person I want to be. Sure, I'm afraid of heights. [smiles] But the fear just makes the experience of flight sweeter. The fact that my closest friends also enjoy spending time on swings is another thing that makes me smile.


~~~

[sighs] Well, I've been closing a lot of doors lately. I closed the door on H****. I closed the door on J*****.

Of course, just closing the door won't work so I'm making sure Freedom & Destiny keeps those doors closed. It might be futile & useless since I don't think either Lady would want to open the door, but I'd rather be safe.


~~~

The Samurai is still chugging along. Argh. My pride & joy isn't up to spec because I've been slacking off. Then again, repressing & sublimating all the rage I have takes a lot out of me, leaving me with precious little energy to refine my memory palace.

At any rate, my improvement program is proceeding, albeit at a slower pace. The rehabilitation department I'm in is letting me use some of the equipment, so I've been able to start the exercise regimen for my shoulders' internal & external rotators. I'm practicing with my recorder almost every night, playing "A time for us" & "Somewhere out there". I visit the Samurai almost every day, just to check stuff & put up structures.

While my life can certainly be better or worse at the moment, I can say that ... Well, I can say that my life is, that I'm living it the best way that I can, given the circumstances I'm in. Not many people my age can say that, I guess.


18:59 10/13/08(GMT +0800) ~END~

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.