I don't feel like writing anything. It's not that I can't come up with anything. I've already got the whole chapter 2 of the story written in my head. I'm obviously going to be quit following latest Magic stuff as it is. I've become rather uninterested in Coldsnap, and I do not believe that I will be playing again for a long time. I do not know how long I will not post, but keep your RSS feed readers on, and you will know when I make a comeback to posting tons upon tons of stuff. :D
rei's Laws of Computing/Computers
1. The keyboard is mightier than the mouse. - There is a reason why the keyboard came before the mouse. This is among them. There are plenty of shortcuts involving the keyboard. The main reason they are called shortcuts is because it saves you the trouble of moving the mouse to access them. There are things at which the mouse is better, but in many cases, mastery of the keyboard will lead to a most comfortable computing experience.
2. Have the emergency key shortcuts at your disposal.
- All operating systems usually have a shortcut to save the operating system from crashing completely in the case of some awful program or some terrrible execution somewhere. In Windows, this is usually the ever popular Control+Alt+Delete. In Mac OS X, it's usually Command(Apple)+Option+Esc. In Linux, I think most desktops use Control+Escape.
3. Computers can fail, and probably eventually will.
- Computers have a lifespan of about 5 years before becoming impossibly obsolete to some people. I myself have survived with a computer for a number far surpassing that, and I have no intention to ever let it happen again. That computer didn't fail during my active usage, but it soon did after about a year or two after I finally got an up-to-date computer.
4. Since computers will fail, backup often.
- The part with the longest warranty after RAM is probably either your processor or your hard drive. Chances are however that your hard drive will fail eventually after the warranty period. I have not seen a hard drive last more than 10 years in my home, and many have failed within the warranty period itself. I carry out a pretty thorough backup regime, although it has become patchy with the advent of more reliable hard drives. There is now about three copies of each of my university work and notes which are stored electronically, all up-to-date. It will not be long before I make a fourth into a piece of significantly more reliable storage media.
5. The essentials of computing: monitor, keyboard, mouse, Internet.
- Every basic computer should have a monitor, keyboard and a mouse. Internet access isn't vital yet, but without it, your computer's potential is wasted. Heck, even my PSP can get Internet access. It is not vital, but if you have it, the whole world is there. :D
Chapter 2 - 02: On Nakamura
Meanwhile, on the surface, Harrison and Kanya are walking through the shopping district. Advancements in transport technology and efficiency meant that most modern colonised planets only had one main city. Politics are minimal since corporations fund operations and although they do not exercise their influence upon the planet, any major expenditure has to be filed with the corporation. "Where did Cassandra go anyway?" Kanya asked.
"Where else could she go? Deep into the darkest depths of the Nakamura shopping district, to never return until ordered to," Harrison joked.
"Hmph."
"Oh yeah, you haven't gotten a paycheck yet. I'll lend you some money if you need it. I'll just take it out of your paycheck later. I do still have jurisdiction over your money. Heh."
"I'll just borrow some and go off."
"Go ahead. Just remember to keep track of time and come back when your PDD tells you to. We have an important visitor coming onboard the ship later."
With that, Kanya dashes off into one of the stores. He doesn't have much of a wardrobe besides his several sets of uniform. He has plenty of things to buy.
Meanwhile, Cassandra is sitting in a small cafe. Her PDD shows a shopping list, with half of it ticked and coloured green. She then notices that she has a new message.
2:00pm
The message was short, but she had been told of the meaning before this. She had about an hour and a half before it came. It meant that she would have to leave after her short meal at the cafe.
How Not to Study for an Exam
I know plenty of people have said a lot of crap about how to study for exams, why you should study. Even the topic I've chosen is commonplace. My turn to spout crap over how you shouldn't study for an exam. 1. Have your computer screen, keyboard and mouse in front of you as you are studying. - You have this tendency to watch old anime, new anime, old TV shows, new TV shows, as well as read any damn crap you can think of including manga, Wikipedia, Google, World Cup news and so on.
2. Take interest in anything other than the coming exams. - It's bad enough that you have to remember the hundreds upon thousands of formulas, you have no space to spare for information that wouldn't help you with your exams like what football matches are happening tonight, how to play DotA and other pieces of useless information like what is happening in Bleach, Naruto and god knows what other things you are interested in.
3. Have an instant messaging client open. - Unless you happen to need to discuss or ask questions regarding exams. An IM client around would serve to be a good source of entertainment, distraction as well as fun. You do not wish for this to happen at any time if you happen to need to memorise several hundred facts in your head with the capability to regurgitate.
4. Do blog often during exams. - Blogging is a great way to release stress and waste time thinking. I have a paper in roughly 2 - 3 days. It's a very bad idea to blog, especially write stories like mine while studying. :D
5. Start playing a new game. - If you start playing a new addictive game, expect to be addicted enough to neglect your studies if you aren't careful. Of course, I'm very careful. Time management is key.
6. Compile your scribbles last minute. - If you do compile last minute, expect to desperate dig through several thousand sheets of paper, and do expect to be missing some notes. :D
Chapter 2 - 01: What's On Nakamura?
"You guys head off to the shuttle. I have to return to the Aegis to do some paper work," Pandora told them before immediately running off to another shuttle bay.
***
Nakamura is a human colonized planet. It is located within the Dekaten System nearby its own trade gate. It has five orbital stations with shuttle services to the main cities on the surface of the planet.
The planet has been used mainly for agricultural and mining purposes, as well as residential areas for those who prefer planet-based settlements. It was found already ready for human habitation. There was no terraforming involved with this planet. Hence, massive amount of care has been taken to ensure that human settlement would not affect the ecosystem too much.
It orbits a small star, roughly the size of the original Earth's sun, from a slightly further distance. Hence, the meteorological system of the planet is slightly different from the original Earth, and this somehow, made it suitable for growing modern crops that have been engineered by the GMTi.
It is currently considered to be under the control of the TRi, although the TRi does not use its influence and allows Nakamura to flourish without corporate control. This, in turn, makes it rather attractive to traders and refugees from other parts of the universe.
***
Pandora is walking down a corridor. The interior of the Aegis is noticeably newer and more advanced than the MV2904. She stops at part of the wall. She removes her PDD and visibly activating a few buttons. A doorway opens in front of her.
All that is ahead of her is darkness. She walks in and the wall section returns to where it was.
"Well, Pandora. What do you have to report?" a hologram in the room appeared and spoke.
"We would also like a status report on the specimen known as Kanya Methodius."
"He must be ready before he is moved onto one of our ships."
"The Kirkor is extremely important. Should the specimen fail to operate as an ordinary pilot, we expect you to take full responsibility."
Pandora, immediately replied, "It wasn't my idea to start this experiment to begin with." She points towards one of 28 holograms in the room.
The hologram immediately replies, "It's true I suggested it, but you carried it out."
"His abilities are still present, so it would follow that his skills should be as well."
"Enough. Pandora, give us your report. We Gifted have no time to continue this pointless banter."
"The pirates we hired to protect the ship and its valuable cargo was being attacked by an unknown fleet. From my analysis of the recordings given to me, I am quite certain the ships were rented from one of the more war oriented colonies in Ryzak Alliance. It will be impossible to determine who ordered who to attack the ship. I have sent some false intelligence through specfic channels. I believe we can expect a massive assault on the Aegis when we enter Arltian space."
"The Kirkor will be ready to assist the Aegis in the battle."
"Thank you, Jon. I can only hope that it will not be necessary," Pandora replied.
"And what of Kanya?" another asked.
"You already know." Jonathan replies. "He will continue to be trained by Cassandra before being transferred over to my ship."
Pandora continues to elaborate, "I have not been able to perform my duties regarding him, but I believe that an opportunity will come within the next 24 hours."
"Good. We await the good news."
"This conversation is to be kept secret from Erse. She will know nothing of this experiment and plan. She was always one to oppose our more radical projects."
Pandora nods in agreement as the entire room darkens as holograms dissipate. She smiles as she leaves the room. Everything is going according to plan.