18 August, 2023

Semper Amare

1841: I've rekindled my lip-reading skills to compensate for words I struggle to hear in everyday conversations. During combat arms training, my hearing protection slipped off, prompting the instructor's surprise at my continued ability to hear. Somehow, I developed this newfound ability to lip-read, filling in the missing words and syllables seamlessly. This adaptation feels natural, especially since I've contemplated whether I might be on the autism spectrum, a possibility the medical team seems to acknowledge, although formal tests haven't been conducted. Em encourages seeking a second opinion to secure disability benefits upon retirement, given the combination of conditions likely stemming from my repeated near-death experiences. Mental resilience has its limits, even after facing death multiple times, a topic I hadn't planned on sharing publicly but felt compelled to address for those who care about me. A message from Page about wishing upon falling stars, despite restrictions, hints at a shared quest for self-discovery, possibly related to my search for a lost connection.

1839: She inquires, "How do your messages appear when they're for someone special?" I respond, the connection terminated with "You can no longer reach out to this individual." It's challenging to discern its humanity; one-way conversations, especially in person, can pose language barriers deftly navigated through unspoken cues and actions, emphasizing the importance of intentionality. To answer, messages to someone I admire are personalized uniquely, drawing from shared experiences or current events, allowing for layers of meaning to unravel over time, much like a gift that offers solace when needed. I aim to encapsulate significance, resonating deeply and invoking unspoken understanding, catering to those I care for. However, your inquiries hint at deeper sentiments, a realm I'm hesitant to explore now; friendship is welcomed, yet this mode of communication feels precarious. Have I implied an expected response or triggered retreats? Despite my military past, thoughtfulness and accountability have guided my decisions, often shielding others. While I may appear contradictory, I extend peace, reassuring I harbor no ill intentions or threats.

0619: This morning, I received an unusual and somewhat hostile text from an unknown number, questioning my relationship status with someone named Page in a veiled manner. My response, simple and lighthearted, was met with silence. Initially, I mistook the sender for my stepmother, but upon closer inspection, it became apparent that it was someone else entirely. They sent pictures of a trip to Colorado, reminiscent of a farm I recently mentioned, coincidentally tied to conversations I had months ago about remote living and escaping city life. Page seems determined to embrace this change, disconnecting from technology and embracing a simpler lifestyle. Despite the invitation to visit, I haven't received a new address. I find myself nostalgic for handwritten letters, a practice I once cherished, inspired by my grandfather's elegant calligraphy. However, I resist the urge to force a reunion or outcome, preferring to let things unfold naturally. In an era dominated by digital communication, the return of pen pals feels oddly fitting, perhaps even necessary for fostering genuine connections.

0455: There was another individual with whom I shared a deep bond akin to my connection with Madison, referred to here as Peggy to protect her privacy. Our first encounter occurred at a gym in Virginia, where Peggy witnessed my mishap during burpees in a weight vest, sharing a laugh that resonated with me. This was during the recruitment phase for Army Ranger School, promoting leadership development amidst challenging global missions. Drawing from my search and rescue expertise, I found myself aiding remotely in locating missing persons worldwide. Peggy, a data analyst, crossed paths with me in a mental health facility while I assisted a distressed troop, fostering a lasting friendship. Collaboratively, we orchestrated impactful events, advocating for causes like funding service animals for traumatized service members. However, my intuitive understanding of her emotions and situations faced skepticism and unfounded accusations from an individual nicknamed 'Cole Shoe'maker,' triggering cyberattacks and financial losses. Despite investigations and ongoing vigilance, repercussions like bank account closures persisted due to identity misuse, overshadowing Peggy's rise as a prominent streamer today.

0322: Em wishes to personally brief Madison on the content she's come across here, following the proposal to compile an album depicting my travels from her arrival to departure. Although I had contemplated having a travel companion, Em seemed the natural choice, given her ability to access my thoughts in binary form (haha). Concerns arose about this intrusion, questioning the future where certain defining traits may evolve, shedding our primitive aspects. It's a time we hope advanced beings would observe without judgment, opting for peaceful contact over dystopian scenarios. We shared a light moment pondering extraterrestrial presence, ensuring no specifics are disclosed for safety. This covert mission, doubling as a stress-relieving getaway during uncertain times, reminds us to find silver linings while maintaining awareness and utilizing ingrained training for everyone's well-being.

0246: I had been questioned about Shoe's ongoing pursuit of green suitors, and indeed, he persists albeit in a subtler manner. He crafts narratives against them, infiltrating their social media platforms to sway their communities' opinions, masquerading under a façade of goodwill while sowing discord and turmoil. Evidence suggests he's orchestrated the separation of several service members, and tragically, contributed to the loss of lives for undisclosed reasons. Despite gaps in data hindering a complete indictment, Shoe inadvertently serves as a case study in social engineering, shedding light on deceptive personas and shaping future strategies for countering insider threats. Victims of such schemes must speak out, recognizing the growing complexity of such cases and the limited resources available for intervention. Advocacy for transparency and truthfulness remains paramount, avoiding broad generalizations that obscure the reality of individual experiences. Timely, detailed, and nuanced communication is essential, recognizing the impact words can have on livelihoods and fostering a culture of responsible discourse.

0227: In the labyrinthine world of dedicating my mental faculties to the recovery of the lost, I find myself deciphering a relentless stream of binary code, a far cry from the familiar terrain of visual data. Emerging from a hospital stay, I was gifted—or perhaps cursed—with the ability to perceive frequencies as if they were lines of code, radiating from devices with a clarity that borders on the supernatural. This peculiar talent, known only to a select few within my circle, has led them to speculate on whether I truly "see" the rapid images that flash before my mind’s eye. My proficiency in search and rescue, born from the crucible of personal suffering, now serves a higher purpose, turning trauma into a tool for good. While concurrently, I navigate the intricate paths of celestial calculations, tracing meteor showers back to their distant origins, and pondering the vastness of space with the assumption that machines would surpass me in speed. Yet, it is my organic resilience, tempered by the rigors of ultrarunning and the balance of holistic practices, that absorbs these torrents of information, proving that the human mind, when properly honed, can transcend the barriers of conventional thought and adapt to the demands of a world increasingly reliant on instantaneous data and the looming frontier of space exploration.