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Commander's Log, James Haddock reporting
I have been blessed to have an old High School friend arrive. Claire was always a nice girl and I let her slip away. I guess I've been presented the chance to re-kindle things.
We are also blessed by the presence of the Ambassador and his wife. They are here for a few days of quiet although if I know him, he'll spend time in research labs.
Meanwhile, in Doctor Holliday's private chambers
Tired from the usual grind, the Hollidays decided to spend a few days on his prize. Midori spent the better part of a few days in the bio-domes as she found the chance to plant some flowers. It was her hobby although it was becoming more difficult in her current condition. Still, she persisted, taking a few more breaks than normal.
John himself spent time doing some research, taking the chance to work with his staff. He also took the time to check up on some of the patients on board, most noteably, Doreen Naggar. He met up with her in the Pleasantview Lounge where she was given work. She was still noticeably worried but seemed to keep herself occupied. She smiled at the sight of John Holliday, a man that she felt indebted to. She put aside the cigarette she had been smoking.
"Doctor, it's so good to see you," she said as she hugged him.
"Miss Naggars," he answered with a smile, "it is good to see you too." He held her back a little and looked her over, "feeling OK?"
She put a hand on her stomach, shrugged but smiled, "I get a bit crampy but I'm feeling better."
She then sighed, "I'm just worried about my father and brother. I'm so afraid I'll never see them again after the Rheinland courts get done with them." She stepped away to take a drag of her cigarette.
"You know, Doreen," he commented, "those things won't help you."
She nodded as she put it back down and exhaled the smoke away from him, "I'm trying to stop with the help of Dr. Tenaka but my mind is swirling with thoughts of my Dad."
Doc only nodded his understanding.
"If it helps you, I can let you talk with my wife," he suggested, "perhaps another female's ear would be of benefit?"
She smiled and nodded, "I would like that." She then proceeded to take another puff from her cigarette.
"You, young lady, are entirely too pretty to be doing that," he said, taking it out of her fingers and killing it, "Now, I will arrange some time for you and Mrs. Holliday. I'm sure she would like to meet your baby."
He smiled, patted her on the shoulder and then continued his walk, eventually ending up in his quarters to unpack a box he brought with him.
He smiled as he removed a picture from the box, one he kept on his desk back on Shasta. He now had it for his quarters on Med.Force.One. He placed it for all to see.
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It was quiet aboard the giant hospital ship. Being moored in Omicron Theta, passing pilots took advantage of the ship to have even basic medical needs addressed. This was common place while no emergencies were taking place. Although it wasn't intended, the ship was somewhat of a Freeport of it's own. For the young Doreen Naggar, keeping busy was a welcome thing. It kept her mind off of her father's trial and off of the cigarette habit she was trying to break.
The Pleasantview Lounge, intended as a place for medical and ship staff to relax, it became a popular stop for many of these travelers who sought medical attention.
Corsairs, Hessians, Bounty Hunters, Zoners, traders and more came and went. For a time, no one fought and security was tight and all sidearms were checked upon entering the ship....NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
But today, Commander Haddock had other concerns. He sat in his chair, keeping watch over his ship while monitoring the incoming updates from the Zoner Alliance meeting taking place on Gran Canaria. It was also of concern to the rest of the crew. Engsign Charles Kent, the ship's communication's officer, looked over his commander's shoulder.
"Any good news, Sir?" he asked of his commanding officer.
James Haddock just looked over his shoulder, "Nah, not yet. From what I've gathered, they still have a lot of differences to haggle over but they're talking and that's what's important."
Ensign Kent sat at his post and turned around in his chair to his captain, "Sir, to be honest, I guess I wonder how this will affect us."
Haddock turned to his young ensign, "For the most part, it won't. John Haddock funds us himself plus whatever donations may come in." He sat quiet in thought for a moment, "I will tell you this. This ship is his dream and I don't doubt that he would make us an independent entity before he let anyone have control of us."
"Not to doubt you, Sir, but you sound pretty sure of yourself," replied the young Ensign.
Haddock heard the doubt in his statement, "I am, Ensign," he explained, "I speak with the Ambassador quite often." He again thought for a moment and then raised a finger, "I'll tell you what. I will arrange a private dinner in his chambers when he is back. I think you will learn much."
"Really?" replied a surprised Ensign.
"Yes, Ensign, really," Haddock answered, "You're a fine officer, Charles, and I trust you enough to give you shifts of command while I rest. I think you deserve such an honor with the Ambassador."
Kent was shocked, "Thank you, Sir."
Haddock only smiled his "you're welcome" and returned to his datapad while Kent continued with work of his own.
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On the ship's bridge
Commander Haddock had just finished his final log entry of the day when his young Ensign, Charles Kent, returned to his post.
"So, Sir," he asked, "any word on the big conference?"
"Well, Ensign, we now have a central government if you will and the ZDF is now being assembled," he answered.
"Sweet!" answered the Ensign. He turned back to his post and after a though, turned back around, "Um, Sir, where does this leave us?"
"I'm not sure yet myself," Haddock replied, "I do know that we aren't going to be an active part of ZDF. We're a hospital, remember?"
"I know that, Sir, but we can fight to," said Kent.
Haddock leaned forward a bit, giving a stern look to his young Ensign, "Let me tell you something. Those who go looking for a fight are often the ones who find themselves in the most trouble. Bounty Hunters are a good example of that. Thrill seekers I call them." He then leaned back into his chair, "I've seen enough men and women die doing it. If I never have to fire the guns of this ship in anger I won't be happy enough."
He then stood up, "Ensign, the bridge is yours. I'm going to Pleasantview for some dinner."
Quarters of Doreen Naggar
It had been a long day. Doreen entered her quarters where the visiting nurse was sitting quietly in a chair reading a book.
"How's Benjen?" she asked softly.
"He's been asleep for awhile," the nurse answered as she closed her book and stood up and headed for the door.
"Thank you," said Doreen. The nurse just smiled and left.
Tired, she slipped out of the dress she wore for work and found her nightgown. Just like clockwork, Benjen awoke crying. She reached into the crib where he slept, picked him up and held him tight to her thus calming him. He was hungry and she could feel her milk letting down at his cries.
"It's OK, Benjen, Mommy is here," she said softly to him as she sat with him in her chair. She then placed him at her breast where he began to feed.
She sat back and relaxed while he fed, her thoughts still on her family back in Rheinland. The thoughts often hurt as she had no pictures to look at of them and no new information. She tried not to think of it but she could never help it.
After Benjen finished and was burped, she changed him. Then, she returned to her chair where she began to rock the cooing baby. She cooed back with a smile. Oddly enough, he cracked his first smile to his mother. She held him tight, rocking him until he again fell back to sleep. With little energy of her own, she placed him on his side in the crib and she herself retired for the evening.
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Ship's Bridge
"This is Ensign Charles Kent for Med.Force.One. We read you, Med.Force.Two. Continue your present course and speed. Call us when you are shipside," spoke the Ensign.
"Roger, Med.Force.One. Our ETA is about 10 minutes," replied the commander.
Med.Force.One had for some time needed some help. Sure, it was running fine as a hospital but free run of the systems to pick up those in need was difficult so the arrival of Med.Force.Two was a big help.
It was an X-shuttle model, complete with a team of emergency medical technicians and enough trauma gear and medicine to transport event he worst cases back for help. It was big enough to do the job yet small enough to not be noticed by raiders.
It's concept was from another TAZ pilot who also wanted to make a difference and after a discussion with John Holliday himself, it was agreed upon and enacted.
"This is Med.Force.Two requesting docking clearance," came the call.
"Roger, Med.Force.Two, docking bay one is clear. Welcome aboard," replied Ensign Kent.
Commander Haddock stood up, satisfied with his young Ensign's work.
"Charles, come with me to meet our new friends," he said and then turned to his helmsman, "Lieutenant Garand, you have the bridge."
"Aye, Sir," responded Garand as the commander and his communication's officer left to meet Med.Force.Two.
Chief Medical Officer's Log, Dr. Edward Tesh reporting
A busy day indeed. Our new "child" ship arrived. Med.Force.Two is quite the package for an X-shuttle. I think it's going to fit here perfectly.
Also, we have taken delivery of a new trauma surgeon. I am rather impressed with Billy's resume and his attitude. Now, we just need to see what he is capable of.
Dr. Edward Tesh
Chief Medical Officer
//For all concerned, [TAZ]Med.Force.Two is NOT my ship. It is piloted by another TAZ.
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"You're cleared for docking on port 2, Ambassador," came the announcement over the com of his transport, "It's good to see you again."
"I will have to ask you to dispence with the formalities and contact Dr. Tesh, I have a rescued Zoner pilot that needs attention. Advise him of possible nomad exposure."
"Aye, Mr. Ambassador," was the reply.
The Zoner pilot was transferred to a special area of the medical ward where any possible infection of a nomad wouldn't be a problem. The pilots was unconscious but stable.
"Where did you get him?" asked Dr. Tesh.
"Rescued him from a Kusari battleship of all places," replied Doc.
"Well," said Tesh as he examined him, "he seems OK. I would suggest we keep him under observation for awhile."
John Holliday agreed. "Listen, I have an idea of some information we may be able to get. I will be in my chambers in I am needed."
With that, he retired to his chambers aboard Med.Force.One and started researching what he knew about Nomads. While he had learned much and had somewhat of a limited mental barrier against them, he knew of only one person to contact.
"Ah yes," he smiled, "the Doctor aboard the Kheops. That is who I will contact."
With that, he started preparing a transmission for him."
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"Commander," said Ensign Kent as he turned to him, "Ambassador Holliday is on a secure channel from Shasta and wishes to speak with you. He seems...upset."
"Very well," Commander Haddock replied as he stood up and walked for a door on the far wall, "I will take it in my ready room." He then looked to his helmsman, "Lieutenant, the bridge is yours until I get back."
Haddock sat down, preparing for the worst although he didn't know what it was about. He sat at his com and opened the channel to reveal his boss sitting on the other end.
"It's good to hear from you as always, John. I trust the Misses is doing well?" he asked.
"She is," he answered, "but my reasons for calling aren't all good. I'll get to the point, why did you give out information on Doreen Nagger?"
Haddock sighed, realizing his wrong, "I am sorry for that. He seemed like a nice young man and I didn't think it would hurt."
"Well, it did," interrupted John Holliday, "I don't need to tell you that she has a lot of trust and self-esteem issues to work through. Let the medical staff help her. You just run the ship and keep a watch on her in the lounge."
"Yes, Sir," replied a dejected but remorseful commander, "it won't happen again."
"Everything else OK?" asked John.
"Yes, it is," replied Haddock, "the Order has been a very accomodating group during our stay."
John nodded, "Well, once you are done there, head off for Lividia. No sense in you staying out there."
"Will do," he answered, "I'll send a message when we are under way."
"Oh, and one last thing, James," added John, "avoid Kusari, it's become a cess pool of trouble. Hopefully the Baffin Accords will settle things a bit."
"Very well," replied James, "understood."
With that, the comm screen blanked and Haddock returned to the bridge.
Elsewhere
Doreen was tired after a long shift in the lounge. She locked her door behind her after a brief chat with the visiting nurse who watched her son while she worked. Her breasts were a bit sore as she knew it was feeding time but with Benjen still sleeping, she took her time getting loose. She stripped to her underwear and wrapped herself in a soft, velvet bathrobe. Just prior to that, she looked herself over. She was calm for the moment. She smiled a bit as she noticed many of the stretch marks from his birth were getting clearer. The "marks of shame" as she said in therapy were disappearing.
She then went to the crib where Benjen was sleeping, talking to him quietly as she picked him up with a smile only a mother could make.
"Hi, Sweetie!" she whispered, "I missed you so much."
As she sat in her rocking chair, she held him as he looked into his mothers eyes. He managed a smile. Mother and son coo'd back and forth to one another. As they "coo'd" she held him with one hand while she exposed a breast with the other. She then positioned him under it where he began to feed, still looking into his mother's eyes. She looked back, smiling, loving. For the time, she felt like she had a purpose.
As he fed, she reached over and dimmed the table lamp next to her. Caressing Benjen, she leaned back and allowed him to feed while she closed her eyes under the sense of relief he brought to her body. Quietly, these were the times she most looked forward to, her mother and son time. She liked it when he was hungry. After awhile, she switched sides and continued to lay back. She was awoken when he had finished and started cooing at his mother.
"OK," she said as she put him over her shoulder and burped him. Once done, she changed him and then just held him as she rocked him to sleep as well as herself.
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Commander's Log, Commander James Haddock reporting
I received orders today from the Ambassador himself to transition to Freeport 11. Orders will be followed. It's not really our duty status to enforce the No Fire Zones of a Freeport but it seems we are the closest available ship until other help arrives.
*sighs*
I hate that kind of duty.
He then sat back in his chair, hitting the switch that put him over the ship's intercom system,
"Attention all personnel, this is Commander Haddock. We are transitioning to Freeport 11. We leave in 10 minutes. If any Order personnel are in Pleasantview that need to return to Toledo, you must do so now. If you wish to stay with us to Freeport 11, you are free to join us but you will need to find a way home from there."
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"Commander," said Ensign Kent as he removed his headset and turned to his commander, "Ambassador Holliday is on a secure channel for you."
"Very well, Ensign," he answered getting to his feet, "I'll take it in my ready room. In the meanwhile, you have the bridge." Commander Haddock then entered his ready room while a stunned Ensign Kent watched, his mouth gaping at the fact that for the next few minutes, he was in command of the ship.
He walked over to the commander's chair and sat in it and groped the arms of it and all the controls on it like a small child exploring the new toy that they had just received and really wanted. From the chair, the bridge was huge as he was in the center. Quietly, while he groped, the helmsman and security officer before him grinned, looked at each other and chuckled. They had been there before. They knew the feeling.
"Good afternoon, John," said James as he sat and opened the message, "to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Well, I figured you have had enough fun at Freeport 11 so at your earliest convenience, head towards Omicron 74 and stand bye. I'm undecided where to go from there," explained the Ambassador.
"Very well, then," answered James, "I'll wrap things up here and head out probably after shift change."
In a moment of silence, John Holliday read a report, "I see you encountered that Liberty Navy Carrier there along with two Keepers."
"Yes, Sir, we did," replied James, "oddly enough, it was the carrier that was the greater pain-in-the-ass."
"Kudos on that, James," was the sharp response. "I prefer to gain an understanding of the Keepers more than anything."
"I feel much the same, John," answered James, "the research lab got some good scans of them and some reading as well. They have been analyzing them."
John nodded, "Good to hear. Anyway, once you're ready, head for 74 and I'll let you know more later."
The signal transmission ended, leaving the ship's icon on the screen. James Haddock then returned to the bridge, stopping at the door to see Ensign Kent admiring the chair like a child who hadn't seen him yet. He just smiled and watched in amusement. As he turned to give some instruction, he noticed his commander watching......and just grinned......and then stood up.
"Oh, hello, Sir," he said, pulling back his grin and getting to his feet, "Um...I didn't see you."
Haddock shook his head as he spoke, "Ensign, I haven't relieved you yet." He then smiled back.
"Ahhh...." said Kent as he sank back into the seat, "but....I.....OK."
"Charles, if it means anything, I was the same way my first time in a Liberty cruiser so I know what you're thinking." stated James. Then he finished, "Ensign, you may return to your post now."
With that, Ensign Kent returned to his post, the Commander took his chair and duty aboard Med.Force.One continued per usual.
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The Reunion
"Commander Cook, you are clear to dock the Ark at docking bay one," announced Commander Haddock, "a guard detail will meet the ambassador and his guest."
With that,Ambassador's Ark completed it's mooring sequence.
The airlock door opened. John Holliday was standing with man and the man's young son who was all of thirteen. They were met by a Klingon security detail who greeted the Ambassador.
"It is good to see you again, Sir," the head guard said as the two men shook hands. He then looked to the man and nodded. He did the same for the boy who appeared to be scared. Then, together, the whole group began it's long walk to the Pleasantview Lounge for a much anticipated reunion.
"As per your order, Sir, Miss Nagger hasn't been told of anything," informed the head guard.
"Very good, Raffa," replied John Holliday.
The group looked rather impressive. Four heavily armed and armored Klingon guards, the ambassador in full robes and the Naggers in Zoner uniforms made their way. Personnel cleared the way as the moved through at a brisk pace. For Christian and Jason Nagger, it was a long time coming for this day after a long trial in Rheinland and an even longer time away from his family before that. He was tense and nervous but he tried to hide it. The group finally stopped just a few meters from the entrance to the lounge where the Ambassador then dismissed his guard detail.
"Thank you, Gentlemen," he said to them, "you are dismissed. Thank you for the fine escort." They all nodded and returned to their stations.
As the Naggers and ambassador stood still, they could see inside the fine establishment, the pride of Med.Force.One as it had become known and for Christian Nagger, he could no longer withhold his joy as a tear fell down his face.
There she was, his lovely daughter, Doreen, working hard as she was mixing another drink order.
He just watched in awe. It seemed as if she had put her life together. Jason also watched although the child seemed quite intrigued by all the commotion. Doreen looked up momentarily to take a breath through her busy work. It was then that something caught her eye. She put the bottle down that she was about to pour from and looked out into the hallway through squinted eyes.
"Daddy?" she said in a barely audible tone and in a state of disbelief. Last she knew, he was still incarcerated in Rheinland. But she stared and leaned foward a bit and then took a few steps to get a closer look. It was him and her brother.
She then started to cry. At a dead run, she screamed out, "Daddy!" as she ran and grabbed her father, hugging him tightly. The lounge came to a stop at what was going on and for the regulars who were stationed on the ship, they joined in applause knowing what the family had been going through.
"Oh, Daddy, I never thought I would see you again," she said through her tears.
"It's OK, Baby," he answered through his own tears, holding her tight and patting her back "Daddy is home."
He then held her back a little, "Let me look at you."
He admired her dress and her forced smile through the tears. "You look great, Baby" as he held her again.
Having backed off several meters, John Holliday stood away from them in the shadows. He didn't want to steal this moment from them. He just watched with his hands clasped behind his back.
She then let go of her father and hugged her brother, Jason, who was also in tears. While she did, John Holliday slowly turned to leave them to their peace.
"Doctor Holliday," she said to him to which he turned back to her, "Thank you. Thank you so much. I.......don't have the words."
Christian Nagger then walked over to him, "Doctor, I'll be forever greatful for you doing this. I can't possibly repay you."
John Holliday replied softly to the three of them in his old Earth southern drawl, "Oh, Suh, but you can. Be the father I know ya are." He then looked to Doreen, "Miss Nagger you may have the rest of the day off. I do believe you have someone else he needs to meet." She just smiled her response to him. He then approached the manager of the bar and arranged the rest of the day and with a tip of his hat, he left for his quarters while the Nagger family began a slow walk to her quarters where they entered.
Benjen was awake, being cared for by the nanny that was working for her. Doreen took her son from her, all wrapped in his blankets and walked over to her father as she spoke through sobs, "Daddy, I want you to meet Benjen Christian." She then handed him his grandson. He sat with him, the tears falling onto the blanket. Christian smiled as Benjen wrapped his tiny hand around his finger. He then looked up at his daughter, "He's perfect." She nodded her agreement as she wiped her nose.
Then, guilt crossed him. He had heard of her being left for dead in Omega 41, how she struggled to make it alone, struggled to give up smoking and was working and learning nursing all at once. He cried again and through the sobs, apologized to his daughter.
"I am so sorry for putting you through this," he said to her, "you needed me and I wasn't there."
She knelt before him, shaking her head, "No, Daddy, you did what you had too. I shouldn't have trusted a stranger to come and find you. Don't blame yourself."
Jason also got a turn to hold his nephew. His reaction was one of "what do I do with him?" He just held onto him and smiled at his sister.
For the next couple of hours, they sat and talked about what was to come while she covered herself in a blanket as she breast fed her son.
"I will be serving as a shipwright at Lividia," Christian explained to his daughter, "I'm told that we will get to see each other as often as possible."
"Jason will be attending school on Gran Canaria," he continued, "he wants to be an engineer so I'm thinking after he finishes school on Canaria, he can take studies on Cambridge."
The subject matter was endless. It was just good to be a family again.
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Commander Haddock secured the door to his ready room. With him were Doctor's Edward Tesh and Koji Tenaka. Having take a seat, all three men tuned into the com link for a conference with Ambassador Holliday.
"Greetings, Gentlemen," he began, "I will make this short and sweet. After some recent studies and info that I have received, I am ordering you to Omega 49. Your mission is one of a classified nature. Reggie and Moira Waverly and possibly Malcalypse himself may be present as will some neighbors from the Dublin system. Treat them all as VIP's and dignitaries. I will meet you personally upon your arrival to discuss this mission as I don't want this channel intercepted."
"Very well, Sir," answered Commander Haddock, "I will be receiving some new crew members in the morning. I will push off shortly thereafter."
"Make it so, Commander," replied Ambassador Holliday. The channel then closed.
"He didn't look happy," commented Dr. Tesh.
"No, he didn't," replied Haddock, scratching his chin, "something is weighing on him rather heavily."
The three men returned to their stations as the ship and crews were briefed and prepared for a late morning departure.
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