Gratitude

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 "Life goes on" is quoted, more often than not, to state the obvious about organic and inorganic systems.

 Yes, a lot happens to the involved, lazy, self-contained and what-have-you. A person, if possessed of certain knowledge, could argue that Time is merely an illusion imposed upon Life to give a sense of progress. However, no one can deny that if the sun sets, it will also rise. [tilts head to the right in thought] That is, if the sun doesn't nova during the night then the sun will rise. Anyway, I digress.

 I've been living by myself for at least 8 months, the first month spent as a poor vagabond imposing upon close friends. Ever since, a healthy diet hasn't been possible. Yes, imprisonment (most prisons anyway) provides reasonably healthy rations minus freedom of choice. Up til now, I don't have a steady supply of greens; no veggies (I prefer bitter gourd. That's another story), no root crops classified as vegetables, nada. I made do with fruit shakes (actual fruit shredded and mixed with milk and sugar) and coconut juice. Add the Vit B complex and Vit C supplements and I considered myself reasonably fortified against disease.

 So, living alone has its benefits; I have freedom of movement constrained only by time and money. I can buy the knick-knacks that I want if I have the money for it. I can do as I please, within the dictates of logic, even bash the mind-wiped horde of Stephanie Meyer groupies [smiles]. The fact that my little sister has started bashing the book and its elements (she called Bella a vacillating lusty tarty strumpet) after approximately 18 months of excitedly relating the characters' stories makes me proudly smile. After all, I was the one who got her hooked on Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series and she's still hooked [rubs right hand's knuckles on shirt in pride].

 With all those benefits, I don't have greens. Why, you ask, do I mention the greens? Well, a few days ago, I touched base with a lady friend. We went: How's this, how's that and did all the stuff that INTJs are notoriously weak at. We somehow segued to my diet. She asked if I had cooking implements, I said I've none. She asked because she wanted to recommend stir-fried chinese cabbage seasoned with garlic; a recommendation likely because it's currently her veggie dish of choice. I told her that I've had no veggies for the last 8 months and subsisted on the fruit shakes and coconut juice. As she had to sleep, we bid adieu.

 Life goes on because even if we've traveled our own paths, experienced the subtleties that make our lives uniquely ours, everything else around us continues in its path. That she or I experienced events that caused our personal growth to stop didn't mean that our surroundings were frozen at those events. Organic and inorganic systems experienced growth and entropy as per their nature while time stopped, stops and will stop for each human as applicable.

 Tugging the strings together; bonds, true bonds that separate friends from acquaintances, thrive as life goes on. Yes, such bonds can be seen in different ways, such as the mundane query on nutrition. Those bonds survive upheavals, changes and the circadian cycle. Some require constant attention, some can be tended with an infrequent touch. This entry of mine celebrates the beauty of that experience. That I was lucky to have had such makes me grateful [smiles].

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

The right washes the left

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Fredric went through a lot of relationships before meeting Theresa. Being who he was, keeping a relationship that won't work out wasn't in the books as he believed that time was short and best spent on what works.

Still, Fred was leery of the possibility that he'd have to tell of the mistakes he made with Valerie and Minerva.

His relationship with Val reached a tipping point where her treatment of him bordered on condescending. It boiled down to what she wanted and his voice was ignored.

It still grates. Knowing it was wrong, he still reached out to Minnie and started a relationship with her while his relationship with Val was faltering. He waffled a lot when it came to breaking up with Val.

He thought it was over when he broke up with Val.

He was wrong. He made another mistake by trying to patch things up with Val when he hit several successive rough patches with Minnie. It didn't help that Minnie's sharp tongue moved to her temper's dictates.

He cheated on Val with Minnie.

He cheated on Minnie with Val.

He clearly remembers those mistakes.

After Minnie broke up with Fred, he steeled himself. He will not repeat the mistakes he made with Val and Minnie. He will not waffle anymore. He will not reach out in weakness, while he's vulnerable.

And Fred remembers that what has happened twice will happen a third time. At least, if there's a grain of truth in Paulo Coelho's words.

It's a good thing Lisa's who she is, too.

He'll make the best there is with Lisa. And hope she doesn't dig too deeply while he's at it.

Perspective

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As one grows into the person he or she is meant to be, a person eventually develops his or her own unique perspective. A perspective determines how a person would probably act given a set of circumstances. How so? A person's peculiar perception dictates what he or she would give importance to or notice. Perception doesn't mean that an object is seen for what it is; it means that a person filters the information presented according to his or her experiences. The filter's holes differ in size and shape; a particular hole may come from an influential person or idea; a hole may exist from the beginning or disappear as time passes by.

 A perspective makes one selectively blind to a certain extent. A racist would refuse to see the benefits from a mixed-race group. A vegetarian wouldn't see how a vegetarian diet is unable to fully provide the nutrition required by the human body. An elitist wouldn't acknowledge the value of those who're of a lower economic class. Various philosophies would emphasize particular perspectives, yet not all of those philosophies would require a holistic approach to perception.

 Perspective, being unique to each person, thus produces subtly different results. A 10 year-old mathematical genius, confronted by a problem requiring the Pythagorean theorem for a solution, would see a commonplace event. A fourth-grade student, faced by the same situation, would marvel at the way the Pythagorean theorem works and, perhaps, be stimulated to learn more. The problem requiring the Pythagorean theorem has been solved, yet the results are different.

 The point stands; perspective colors, influences the results. To produce the most efficacious decision and action, a person must perceive using objective observation. A blank slate, a mind free of preconceived ideas, observes best because it takes everything in without bias. This does not mean that previous experience is discounted. Previous experience is educational; it helps avoid pointless repetition of mistakes. However, immediately filtering information at the get-go denies a person potentially useful information. Utilizing previous experience AFTER taking everything in allows a person to see the big picture, how this present situation connects to the past and future. Much is gained or lost depending on what is perceived.

 There is, however, a down-side to an all-perceiving approach. Such a method consumes much time and energy and there is no guarantee that each result would be less or more effective than a method that filters out data. Experience would be the only reliable judge of when not to use the filters granted by your unique perspective. That one's experience would more often than not contain mistakes than triumphs, if only by a small fraction, is a given. All in all, how a person uses his or her resources and how he or she judges the event, as dictated by a unique perspective, are the clinchers.

Steps, but not the band

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 Bad news first. The amalgam 1/100 model kit made up of Freedom and Strike Rouge parts suffered minor damage to its ankle armor. While I could repair the damage, the damage has given me cause to put aside the kit for later attention. The "later attention" would consist of refitting of the joints, painting of the surfaces and general overhaul. Things have to move forward in the pertinent fields if sufficient and efficient change is to happen; which is why I've to set aside some things.

 As for the pertinent fields, I had to weather a particularly annoying slowdown as I re-introduced a maintenance program. The slowdown was anticipated [tilts head to the right] but it was nonetheless annoying because it DID slow me down. The maintenance program is required if I'm to regularly access the state I need for optimal performance. There's also Freedom and Destiny to consider, because if left ignored, forward progress will be unsatisfactorily limited. Justice has to wait because there's just no object that can satisfactorily emulate its character.[shrugs] That's the 6th Rule for you.

 Tomorrow, or later today, it's going to be a series of quests for the establishment of Phase One. Phase One has to be firmly founded so the subsequent steps can be taken. Yes, that's another situation where the 6th Rule comes into play.

Rules, news and plans

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 It's always fascinating whenever one of the Rules are invoked. This time, it's the 5th Rule. While it's true that there are perhaps other reasons why that particular cluster of people have started acting that way, whenever I've used Ockham's Razor, the simplest one that comes up is that they've chosen to cut ties. Why else would a person disconnect whenever he/she is sent an instant message? That it has happened a lot of times already simply underscores the fact that I've need to go all out on imposing Machiavellian perspective towards those I do not trust. Truly, the situation begs the question why they cut ties. As I've done nothing to them, perhaps it's something I haven't done. That they refuse to reply implies that they'd rather I stay away instead of trying to mend those bonds that connected us.

 While I'm not the most likable person (even though I've been called gregarious, kind and compassionate), I am, in my opinion, staunchly loyal to those who've earned my respect. That I've failed to engender such loyalty except from my closest friends begs the question: What have I done wrong? [tilts head to the left in thought] Mayhaps the answer lies in the people who left, not within.

=-=~=-=

 The first wave of actions to make my dreams reality have been performed. There's the follow-up and monitoring to do, [shrugs] but that's part of it all. Right now, I've realized that the only way I'll make those dreams real is if I act to bring about a particular set of possibilities. All the others would needlessly delay the accomplishment of my goals while I pay a price I've no care to pay. This campaign has gone longer than it should because I've missed a detail (or two).

 I'll have to make sure that everything within my purview is going as I planned. Anything less from me significantly raises the probability of failure. The prime difficulty would be maintaining the system that can bring these goals to fruition. As I'm naturally easy-going by nature and that heightened state of ability is akin to a berserker mode, I'd have need of other tools, tools that may reveal the extent of my plans. [waves right hand dismissively] The plan involves legal actions but they are cutthroat so those acts will be questioned by those ignorant of my situation and the needs that come with it.

 Well, I do think that nothing worthwhile is ever easy. The whole shebang depends on guts, determination and peerless dedication; Talga vassternich.

 [peruses the words] Well, the last set of paragraphs nicely included the plans portion with the news, so I'll leave it at that. I'll be making earrings in a little while since my visiting aunt has said she wants one of the samples I've made. I'll take a picture of it when I'm done. ^_^