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He sat on a chair overlooking the water by his Erie cabin. Few knew of it and he preferred it that way. Doc was becoming a bit loose which was something he didn't do well. Life had thrown him a lot of curves. TAZ was but a thing of the past, his ex-wife was now gone and he found himself being more of a father than a doctor and chief executive officer of a medical enterprise.
His oldest daughter, Emiko, loved the father/daughter time she was getting. She was growing up and as with so many young adolescents, she was maturing fast. It was both concerning to Doc but at the same time re-assuring. Truth is, he missed Midori and Emiko was a carbon copy of her mother in almost every way. She was smart both in terms of intelligence and street smarts. It wasn't expected of her but she also kept the house for her father and was the mother figure for her two younger twin siblings.
All wondered what had happened to Ashley. Shortly after Doc got engaged to her, she had left to get some things settled. That was weeks ago. With no word of any kind, he could only assume the worst. For now though, life would go on.
The Erie cabin was quiet and peaceful but Doc was going stale. He had nothing new going on and wasn't a big part of his enterprise. He needed something new, something away from the grips of house space. Sadly, Gran Canaria was growing ever colder so that was ruled out.
"Lunch is ready, Daddy," shouted Emiko's voice from the cabin.
"Be right in, Honey," he yelled back.
He thought a moment before getting to his feet.
"What's one of the biggest mysteries in Sirius?" he asked himself with his finger on his chin. In mid stride, he stopped, pointing his finger skyward.
"Gaia," he shouted after which he snapped his fingers,
"What about Gaia, Daddy?" asked Emiko confused.
"Oh, I'm thinking, thinking of where I can broaden my horizons with some seclusion," he answered.
"I only know of Gaia through readings," she answered as she handed her father a plate of food, "I read that it's dangerous, relatively unexplored, protected by Gaians and is right in the middle of fighting between Bretonia and the Gallics."
He just smiled, "which makes it perfect. I get planetside and no one will bother me."
"Daddy, I wonder about you sometimes," replied a concerned Emiko as she turned to get herself something to eat.
He just smiled and nodded, "So do I, Sweetheart. So do I."
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As fate would have it, Ashlea returned home. Still, the thoughts of Gaia were in his mind. The many cures that awaited, the many mysteries that would needed unlocking and he could be the first to do it. To do it though, he needed the Gaians. It had been a long time since had dealt with them but his past was a positive one. Would they remember it? Would they be as accommodating with the Gallic Royals pushing them back like they had most others? Only time would tell.
Doc would have to shift priorities but that was never an issue. It often took him longer to get things accomplished but he always did. Med Force Enterprises was in a stalemate and needed a boost. Gaia seemed to be a likely way to do it.
Who was in charge of the Gaians now? He had no clue. An open transmission was a bad idea with so many forces in one area at odds and he had no secure channel to them. There was little he could do from his cabin or even from the com of his shuttle. He would need to get to his yacht and go from there.
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He was successful in his communications with the Gaians. They were receptive and wanting to chat. Diplomacy was something he had long ago done away with after leaving TAZ. It just wasn't in his interest anymore so when he was faced with having to meet with Gaians, he was sort of lost as to how to get off to a good footing. He hadn't seen Islay in a very long time. What goods did they like? What did they need that he could bring? Gaians were considered terrorists by Bretonia even if Doc himself saw their cause of protecting Gaia an honorable one. "Heh, look at what Bretonia did to Leeds?" he thought out loud.
Terrorists needed arms. Doc was a man of peace and made it a point to not transport arms but today, he decided it would be a good start. He kissed his children good bye, promising to be home in a few days. With his love with him, he loaded his transport in Detroit and headed for Islay.
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He found himself at Islay in what he hoped would be a new beginning for his work with the Gaians. They seemed to be receptive but it was only the beginning. Time would tell as would patience.
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