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+--- Thread: Reconnection and Hard Questions (/showthread.php?tid=206335)
Reconnection and Hard Questions - Doc Holliday - 01-04-2025
Freeport 10, Tau 37, Conference Room 1
Doc was speaking to the bartender.
"I will be in in conference room 1," he explained. "Mr. Vin Chenzo will be looking for me so please direct him my way if you would." He then generously tipped him.
By his reaction, Chenzo was well known and as feared as he was respected.
"Yes, Mr. Holliday," he answered. With that, he went to the room.
While waiting, he went through his thoughts. What did he want? No doubt he had some hard questions for him. Doc knew this wasn't about old times when he was TAZ administrator. Unlike many, he respected Chenzo but did not fear him. He felt that respect was a better measuring stick and Chenzo had earned it. He sat in a chair near a window to wait playing some Solitaire with a Scotch while he waited.
RE: Reconnection and Hard Questions - Chenzo- - 01-04-2025
A meeting had been set on Freeport Ten with a trusted old friend. Doc Holiday, a Zoner known almost Sirius wide in one way or another. The exact reason the Doctor chose to meet at the freeport as apposed to within Maltese space was unclear, regardless both men posed zero threat to one another. The two had first met when Holliday was at the head of the TAZ, Temporary Autonomous Zoners nearing around two decades previous where Doc and his staff challenged the export of people in the form of Slaves and passage through the Baffin system at Chenzo's command.
At first, the Slaves were considered a disposable workforce by the upcoming Don of Malta, however through numerous talks a whole new understanding had been reached for the care of the workers, a freedom policy and it's without doubt that for the inbound workers which ended up on Granja Justa at least, conditions and future prospects were significantly higher, almost seen as desirable after Doc's input. Those who had found themselves caught in the Hacker's and Rogues human trafficking efforts were without exception, in the direst of times before they were captured due to a countless series of poor choices within crime and drug addiction.
There were a few pressing matters which Chenzo thought would be best to run by Holliday before taking action with the others in power on Malta. An achilles heel of a conscience for life other than Maltese which the Doc has bestowed upon Chenzo without him realising it long ago.
The don always travelled by his personal Sabre, a murder squad of bombers and fighters at his tail for escort as usual. Even the most daring of Maltese foes knew it was suicide to attempt anything daring against him. This was reinforced by the fact he'd been in power for so long and still breathing just fine.
On the approach to Freeport Ten, he lowered his cruise speed and without a word spoken two light fighters broke away from the squadron and rocketed toward the Freeport, making external scans of the ships docked before boarding the station. after a few minutes it was clear all was fine and Chenzo with all bar a few of the fighters docked. Chenzo calmly communicated with the dock master requesting that nobody else be permitted access to the hanger they docked in, all bar four of his guards remained in the hanger. A generous tip left with the man as he left toward the bar.
Passing through the bar, onlookers tried not to stare as the room went silent. There were still a few of the free'd slaves on board from Crayters efforts previously. He casually announced that a shipment of Cardamine would be left in the hanger for anyone who wants it and that any food and drinks served from the freeport's bar were on his wallet during his stay. excited chatter followed with people rushing to the bar to order, albeit keeping a wide berth around the man.
The two pilots which had docked first had already confirmed Doc's whereabouts and after advising the don, made their way back to the hanger.
As Chenzo entered the meeting room, he graciously greeted Holliday gesturing his guards to leave the room.
"Thankyou for meeting with me at such short notice, old friend. I trust your journey was pleasant?".
He took a seat opposite the doctor and awaited his response.
RE: Reconnection and Hard Questions - Doc Holliday - 01-05-2025
"It was," replied Doc. He watched the guards leave and then turned back to Chenzo. "I know those gentlemen were not on my account." Doc then shook Chenzo's hand, taking his hand in both of his. "It has been a long time. It is good to see you well." He released Chenzo's hand.
He was dressed in some travel robes. He always kept something on hand for the off meeting that might be asked of him.
"Quietly, Freeport 10 has always been a favorite place of mine," he stated. "One can look out these windows and see forever and most of the time, it is quiet here but....." He became more on target. "....I know you are here to do more than see how I have been so um, what is on your mind?"
RE: Reconnection and Hard Questions - Chenzo- - 01-05-2025
Both men seated, Chenzo makes himself comfortable and leant back as Doc spoke. Tau-37 had been the host to many bitter battles in the past. Accounts of fleeing & badly wounded bounty hunters making port at the Freeport desperate for aid. Chenzo knew why Doc was how he was, selfless and caring for all. The man sat in front of him was personally responsible for countless lives lost yet due to Doc’s nature, he still couldn’t bring a negative thought against him. He was the very definition of what it is to be the absolute best of medics.
“We’ve seen little of one another but your name pops up more frequently than you might think. Word on the street is you’re the underground governor of Erie too”
He chuckles lightly
.“I came across a couple of independent Zoners but a few days ago who advised that there is growing tension between Zoner groups in Theta, the over all worry of Corsairs taking over Corfu & Pygar”
He paused for a moment, trying to choose his words carefully.
“Don Haraberro & I had absolutely zero intension over removing Maltese forces from the initial assault to free Freeport Nine from capture. I know you are a man who truly does believe that any conflict can be resolved without violence. That said, I do wish to apologise for any Zoner life lost caused by Maltese withdrawal. It was wrong to think there would be any other outcome than the Corsairs exacting their form of uncivilised & self entitled version of justice with the enslavement which followed.”
He calmly reaches into his jacket & lights a cigarette, ensuring smoke is directed toward the air filtration vent.
“It’d also be foolish to think they would ever stop at just Freeport nine. I’m certain that their sights are on Pygar & of course Corfu. It’s only a matter of time, senor. If such darkness is to pass, what next? Direct attacks on Malta? Livadia & Freeport 11 falling to the same?
I’ve not spoken with anyone except yourself on the subject thus far, but I’d like you to advise of your thoughts on the situation out there. It’s right on the Maltese door step after all”
He continued to enjoy his cigarette as Doc took in what he’d said.
RE: Reconnection and Hard Questions - Doc Holliday - 01-06-2025
Doc gave a snicker about being the governor of Erie. "Well, one can dream can he not? I do have a home there and the population of Erie is mostly Zoner so yeah, I like the idea and that is all it is, an idea. Liberty would never allow it in as much as they owe me for training the 46th in combat medicine."
He thought on his words. Chenzo wasn't stupid and Doc wasn't one to lie. Tact was often his best weapon.
"Zoners talk too much," he stated. "They often sit in a bar and let the alcohol talk but I will not lie, there is tension in Omicron Theta but nothing that we cannot handle." He again thought on those words. "Tensions are not so much between groups themselves but actions taken and right now, it is an internal Zoner matter."
He knew that Chenzo wouldn't like his personal stance regarding the Corsairs. "Mr. Chenzo, I have maintained good relations with both the Outcasts and the Corsairs. There are those on Crete who feel that the Maltese would take this freeport for their own use if for no other reason to keep the bounty hunters away. That has not happened nor do I think it will. Over the years, Freeport 9 had a target on it because of Outcasts raiding parties gathering there before they head into Omicron Gamma. That I have seen on my own and it was also why the late Elder Miguel Sephardi told me that was why they wanted it. The Corsairs have their own shipyard and a planet that is much more habitable than Pygar, a planet that is not for the claustrophobic and one that has little of value on it."
He sipped his drink.
"I will be honest. I have more dislike of the Bretonian Crown and right now the Liberty government than I do anyone else," he stated. "At least with you or the Council of Elders, I get a fair shake. With the two mentioned governments, I get the law quoted at me and a demand for respect that they have not earned."
He sat back and sighed. He realized his dislikes were clouding his thoughts. "I apologize, Mr. Chenzo. I have no right getting short with you."
RE: Reconnection and Hard Questions - Chenzo- - 01-06-2025
Chenzo listened and lightly chuckled at the appropriate times as Doc spoke. There was a clear tone in his voice that suggested that not even he believed the words he spoke around internal Zoner affairs.
"Doc, I'm very well aware that not all Zoners are the same but also that some are more willing than others to lose their freedom. Zoners in the era when you & I were about one and a half decades younger were full of spunk, ready to take up arms against anyone who broke No Fire Zone rules, ready to engage anyone who threatened the unquestionable desire to simply be neutral and left alone. That is why Zoners moved into the Omicrons as a to begin with, away from House Space control.
It’s common knowledge you and all Zoner groups deal with Corsairs, or anyone who will calmly trade. It's what you do. To me, a Zoner is sombody who remains neutral in all goings on, unless stepped on. The Junkers are also free to deal with whom they choose. I'll highlight that not once, ever has anyone Maltese made unreasonable demands to surrender who you are and what you represent, certainly not block any other person or faction from making use of your services. I'm sure that even you, senor would face repercussions most unfriendly if the Corsairs knew this meeting was taking place. Am I wrong? Correct me if I am?"
He takes a sip from a vial he pulls from his jacket, winces a bit and clears his throat before continuing.
"You, or any other Zoner have never been treated like the Corsairs treat those on Freeport Nine by anyone Maltese, nor do we make any demands of you. You are aware that the Corsairs broadcasted the executions publicly of the civilian Zoners on the Freeport? Rhetorical...
You can never be too short with me, senor, don't worry even a little. I will however state though, the Corsair's brainless desire for always wanting more will see Pygar and Corfu fall to their flag without any doubt whatsoever. It may hold few economic benefits, but as a Military asset? Priceless if you wish to start knocking heavily on Maltese doors"
He leans back to take a more comfortable position in his chair
"Speak freely, senor. I will never lash you for speaking your mind, we're civilised after all"
RE: Reconnection and Hard Questions - Doc Holliday - 01-07-2025
He thought a moment as he collected himself. He was obviously doing a poor job hiding the stress of keeping peace. Still, he was a professional and was well disciplined.
"You and I...a lot of the Dons and I....had an understanding years ago when I was TAZ administrator. I loathed the slave trade that was going through Baffin as I did the cardamine trade but I turned a blind eye to both." He sighed. "Liberty constantly gave me a hard time about it but you all also knew that if you had to dock in Baffin, the slaves were free. We have lived in peace ever since. I never knew how because I had nothing to offer except that blind eye."
He stood up. A lot was bothering him. He took a breath and stood behind his chair latching onto it with his hands. "I cannot remember his name but there was an Outcast once who felt that Zoners have not done anything for the Outcasts. I do not remember how I dealt with that. Regardless, I enjoy the peace we do have."
"I have had a similar existence with your Hispanic brethren," he continued. "For them it was food, water and some medical care. For the Outcast, it has been that occasional supply of goods but mostly just ignoring their business. Oh, the Corsairs probably would not care if I was speaking with you. I am sure they know that I do but it would be a problem if they knew what we spoke of. Thus far, no secrets have been exchanged and as far as I am concerned, they will not know that we spoke at least, not through me."
He sat back down. "I hope you are wrong about them wanting more, I really hope that you are. Time will be the judge of that."
He managed a light smile. "Tell me, do you remember the name Sarah Coyle? I read a report that she had a conversation with you in Tau 37. She is commander of one of my Med Force ships. She actually asked about you."
RE: Reconnection and Hard Questions - Chenzo- - 01-07-2025
Chenzo could feel the stress Doc was under from the words he spoke, perhaps the induced stress was intentional. Regardless, no harm would ever come to him, there was too much respect. Respect and honour are commodities all desire, few have.
"Turning a blind eye is all we ever ask, senor. I can appreciate that doing so may grind against your morals but I'm sure you are very glad there is no slave trade anymore, at least not driven by us. A new age where machines take care of all the hard work exists. Quite why this move was forced rather than openly welcomed and the time it took also rather embarrassing. Si, the only people that are slaves these days are on Free- let's drop that for now."
He paused, as if to pretend to think when the memory of Sarah was in his mind all too clear
"Senorita Coyle, si. I do remember her. Quite a fine young lady I might add. I am surprised she'd ask after me. What did she ask about?"
His eyes glistened with the lady who'd made quite the impression on him