Discovery Gaming Community

Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System


It wasn't the flower garden estate that it once was when Midori did a lot of gardening but it was still beautiful. With the absence of a female inhabitant and a cooling planet, the once bustling gardens of flowers and vegetables were replaced with Evergreens. They did well here and once Doc figured it out, he re-opened his old home. It was huge and living alone made it even bigger. He still wrestled with his depression but he had his memories and his twins were getting ready to make the move to Tombstone in the near future. But for now, it was Doc alone.

Med Force Enterprises was doing well. He was going about the estate getting it ready for guests. He had only communicated with Professor Nerva Regis but with what he sent him about potential medical improvements, it seemed like a very good opportunity. Making it better, he was at Grand Vista Orbiatal above the planet. He was looking for some shore time and it gave Doc a reason to straighten things out in his home. He was busy with the guest quarters, getting them set up. He was by no means a housekeeper but he held his own.

Another great addition was his chance to meet one of his new members and ship captains, Helen Burns, wife of the still missing Charles Burns. To Doc, he owed Helen much. It was a large donation by Charles, then of the Zoner Trading Consortium, that enable Doc to build a state of the are maternity center aboard Med Force One. It was so named for Charles and it was Doc's honor. An invite to Helen was sent. He was hoping that she would show.

He made sure his bar was well stocked and that he had plenty of food about. He had no wait staff so he was it. He had plenty to cook so he hoped his guests would enjoy what he could prepare. He spent a full day getting things ready knowing that the next day his guests would arrive. Once things were to his liking, he retired to his West room, poured a drink and relaxed on his piano for a couple of hours.

Grand Vista Orbital, Omega 49 System

Tomorrow he will be discussing a major upgrade project for Unity, but until then, he had to check some of the merchandise being sold on The Vista. Someone told him about a certain trader that was bringing old maps and books from Gallia. Everyone knows that this merchandise is really rare and hard to get, but for the right price everything was possible.

After some time wandering around The Vista, he found the merchant that he was looking for. He seemed really friendly, but Nerva knew that in these parts of Sirius, friendliness is something really rare. Most of the times it is used to scam tourists and visitors, but mostly tourists.

Nerva asked for a certain book on old and failed propulsion system designs. He had an older copy on Unity, so he knew how it should look. Of course, the merchant tried to con Nerva and make him buy other counterfeit manuals. Nevertheless, after several discussion, Nerva managed to get his hands on what he needed; moreover, with some luck and some cash, he managed to get some more info about other merchants around Sirius.

Going back to his ship, he remember that he still had some bottles of wine made from Unity's Small Winery. These bottle were a bit old, and for wine... the older the better. To make them, he used an old recipe he learnt when he was studying in Burgundy.

Well, I hope Doc will enjoy this present.

Zoner Wine...... Zoner Wine made in the Omicrons..... after a Gallic recipe....using Kusari tech.
This either was the worst idea ever, or I made the most brilliant wine in the entire Sirius sector.

Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System

The next morning the aroma of brewing coffee filled a large part of the Estate. It was how Doc began his day. With a large mug of ambition in his hand, he stepped out onto his deck and looked out over the large acreage that was his. In the distance were the mountains and since it was a comfortable temperature outside, he took a walk. He was remembering those mornings when he would do this with Midori. It was his time alone with her now. He felt at peace....forgiven.....for letting her go and her ultimate death in childbirth.
He returned after a nice walk to his kitchen for a refill and breakfast. Joining the smell of coffee would be bacon and eggs. Upon completion of breakfast and clean-up, he went on with his day, getting ready for his guests. He had no idea when they would show but over his casual dress was an old ambassador's style robe. He wasn't expecting professional dress when there would be a lot of discussion and acquainting. The only thing he did do was hire a local gardener to tend to the many hedges and evergreens around the estate. He did his best to account for everything.

Grand Vista Orbital, Omega 49 System

Nerva: I'm going to meet Doc Holliday.
Nera: The Shuttle is approaching. Should I open the bays?
Nerva: Yes, and tell the pilot to wait a few minutes until I finish inspecting our delivery.

10 minutes later

Alright it seems everything is here.

Nerva: Nera can you load up and launch the carry drones?
Storage bays close and two drones exit from the sides of the Mobile Laboratory

Nera: The tracking device, you should wear it.
Nerva: I don't think it will be needed this time.
Nera: My prime directive is to protect you. I will not permit the shuttle to leave until you put your wristwatch on.
I could just override her with the emergency commands...but that would be plain dumb, she is just doing her job.
Nerva: There, I got my watch. Happy?!
Nera: Sarcasm detected, will ignore.
Nera: Drones are set to follow you at a safe distance. They will not land until you give them clearance.
Nerva: They better don't. You don't want to ruins Doc's lawn, don't you?

Shuttle departs from the Laboratory
Drones carrying one operating bed and one recovery bed follow at safe distance.

This looks just like those stories my parents use to read me. What what his name... Santa... Oh, yeah! Santa Claus and his sleigh.

Pilot: Beginning descent!
Nerva: Alrighty then.
Pilot looks at the scanner
Nerva: Oh, the drones? Do not worry, they will stay at safe distance. But if you want, I can increase the distance.
Pilot nods his ahead in agreement.
Nerva: Ok, just a sec. Is this enough? Do you want them further than that?
Pilot: That is manageable.smiles
Nerva: I expect a smooth landing smiles


--------------------------------Drone 1 Camera -----------------------------------------------------------------------Drone 2 Camera------------------------------------




-------------------------------MobTrack 1 Camera ----------------------------------------------------------------MobTrack2 Camera-----------------------------------

Livadia shipyard, Omicron Kappa, Eir's bridge

[about 30 minutes earlier]
...

Peloponnese Edge Nebula, Omicron Kappa, Eir's bridge

Helen stood at the bridge and her thoughts were drifting, thinking that it was time to turn over a new leaf and
really being curious about meeting Doc soon.

Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System

At the request of Doc, his chief engineer arrived at the estate from Med Force One. If anyone would want to know plans, it would be him.
"Fast" Eddie Sloan had been his engineering chief since Med Force One was built. He knew it better than he knew himself.
Sloan was an engineer and held no rank on the ship. He reported directly to and only to Doc himself. He even declined command of the vessel in favor of being an engineer. He was in his late 30's, tall, fit and jocular. Doc trusted his guesses more than most other people's facts.

"Thanks for inviting me, Doc," he said with a smile entering the front door and shaking Doc's hand, "I saw the plans and schematics that you sent. I like it and I think it's more than doable."
"You're approval only makes me feel better," Doc answered, "I wanted you on board with this." He then motioned to his bar, "Drink?"
"I'd love one," replied Sloan, "A double vodka and tonic please."
Doc poured it and handed it to him while pouring himself a Scotch. The two men sat on his deck.

"So, Doc, tell me about these two people you have coming," Sloan asked of Doc.
"Nerva is a professor," Doc explained, "who sent me these proposals. I liked it when I saw them. He also is interested in working together on some projects." He sipped his drink and continued, "Helen Burns is the wife of Charles Burns...."
"Oh yeah," interrupted Sloan, "the man whom the maternity center is named after."
"Yes!" replied Doc, "Charles has been missing and she recently commission a Med Force ship. She will need help getting her Corvo up and going which is the other reason I brought you here."
"Well," replied Sloan, "I think my team can handle that. A friend of yours is a friend of mine. So, when are they going to get here?"
"Soon I'm guessing but for now, let's just...hang out."

The two men caught up on things and spent the next while in small talk. It had been awhile for either of them with idle talk.

Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System

As the ship was touching down, Nerva started remembering his old estate from planet Lyon. He was wondering if it has still remained intact.
Galia was a terrifying place, especially if you are a foreigner. But, under certain circumstances, one could live a happy life there.

The sudden stop took him out of his trance. It was time for his first meeting face-to-face with Doc. Holliday. Nerva had no idea how many people were waiting for him, but he knew he was safe.

The moment when people saw the drones landing for the first time was always an interesting sight. The reactions could be placed in two categories: on one hand the ones that were really interested and wanted to know more about them, on the other you had the people that down right feared them.

I do hope they won't be scared by them. I'd better keep them out of sight for the moment. I should ask for permission before letting them land.



As he was climbing down the shuttle's stairs, he saw that two people were approaching the landing pad.

Seeing the green land that was all around him, he thought: "What a great place to do some science!"

Omega 49, Planet Gran Canaria, repair docks

Radiation damage, navigation system and engine failures ... and thus while under heavy fire. That was a journey Helen would not forget that fast.



Helen left the bridge and prepared for the meeting with Doc. She was somehow curious, since she never met him in person.
The remaining issues with the Eir started to fade into the background.

Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria

Eddie and Doc were talking about times past when his guests arrived. It was of little use to talk work when they would rather have their guests present. Looking up when he heard something high up, Eddie pointed, "Hey, Boss, looks like our first guest is arriving."
Doc looked up, "Indeed they are. That would be Professor Nerva." Leaving their glasses where they were sitting, the two men went out to greet their guests. The ship finished it's final approach and while they waited for the door to open, Eddie looked at Doc.
"Security detail?" he asked.
"I don't know," replied Doc. "His choice, really."

When Professor Nerva stepped off the ship, Doc shook his hand. "Professor Nerva, it's an honor to meet you. I'm John Holliday and this is my chief engineer, Mr. Eddie Sloan." Eddie extended his hand in greeting as well once Doc and Nerva shook hands. "Mr. Sloan is a large reason for the success of Med Force One in terms of ship board operations so I asked him to be here for this." All were about to turn towards Tombstone when another sound of engines could be heard. It was the shuttle Doc had sent for Helen Burns.
"Right on time," Doc commented. "If you will excuse me." Doc went to greet her personally. He owed her that much.

When she stepped out of the shuttle, he took her hand and like the true southern gentleman that he was, he smiled as he kissed the top of her hand.
"Mrs. Burns," he said with a gentlemanly bow, "It is a very high honor to meet you. My condolences regarding Charles. Hopefully he'll be found soon."
Doc then escorted her to where Eddie and Nerva were.

"Helen Burns, this is Eddie Sloan, my chief Engineer and this is Professor Nerva. All of you, Welcome to Tombstone Estate."

Omega 49, Planet Gran Canaria, Tombstone Estate

Helen was a bit nervous. She was quite happy about the warm welcome.

"It's an honor to meet you in person, Doc. Thanks a lot for your sympathy." For a second you could see a lot of anger in her eyes. "I spent a lot of credits and manpower in tracking him down. Either there are no remains left .. or he will show up again when he likes to be found. I don't know what option I like to believe in." She stepped over to those two men who were just introduced by Doc. "Good day, Mr. Sloan, Professor Nerva. It's an honor to meet you as well."

Helen turned back to Doc. "Please forgive me I am that late. We had some unforeseen trouble on the way."