In the Atrium of the Estate, a few hours later, Oreste was waiting for Sarah to arrive. He was surprised that the supervisor of the Estate agreed for the table to be placed there. Everything was spotless and the Borneo sunset was seen through the windows and the roof. Not being an engineer, Oreste was still amazed about how the Republic is using the nanobots to make it happen.
Sipping from the Supernova glass in front of him, he once more checked his clothing. Wearing a semi-protocol uniform, he felt more alive then always. A strange feeling started to take hold of him and he felt a rush as he only felt in high school. "Weird" and he took another sip.
Soon after, Sarah made her way into the room and the sight of her made Oreste let an involuntary sigh. Rushing to the door, he bowed and took her hand, lead her to the table.
"Sarah, you look amazing. Please allow me" and he helped her take her place.
"Wow, you left me speechless. Why Commander, you look stunning in this dress." and taking the bottle filled a glass. "Please have some Supernova. Is a Crayterian drink" giving her the glass "To your health and success in life Commander" continued, raising his glass.
"You had a few busy days Commander. What do you think of my people? Can you see yourself having to spend more days on a planet than on a ship?
When Oreste complimented her appearance, she smiled and curtsied. "Why thank you. I don't do this very often." She then took her seat and smiled at him.
She raised her glass to meet his. Klink "To health and success," she replied. She took a moment to savor the Supernova and nodded her approval, "this is quite good."
She put her glass down and place her hands atop each other on the table, "I like what I've seen thus far. Good, very proud people and they are good natured considering the battles they have to fight and of course, being on the ground is much better than being on a ship all of the time."
She took her drink in her left hand and took another sip.
For the moment, work wasn't to be found in her thoughts. It was pleasurable and the more she sat with Oreste, the more comfortable she felt with him. She was quiet as she didn't know what to say. She spent so much time at work that dates were rare and she didn't quite know how to act or what to say. She decided to keep it simple.
"I'm curious as to what Crayter cuisine will be like," she stated. "I am blessed with a lot of Rhienland menus from home but trying new things is always nice."
Oreste may or may not have noticed but she was taking to him a little. She just didn't know how to act on it.
Commander Sarah Coyle
Commanding Officer, [MFE]Med Force Two
Smiling to Sarah, Oreste tried to explain what the Crayterian Cuisine is based "You see, Sarah... May I call you that? Good. You see, our food is based on Greek cuisine from Earth, combined with a few European influences, including the countries which you know they were in the Coalition." and seeing the surprised look on Sarah he continued with his explanation "I think I must tell you that our ships were sent out to Crayter before the Alliance-Coalition war. Thus, a lot of us share some descendency from that bloc. So, would suggest for you to try some of our version of Taramasalata, or some sphouganta which is similar to Sirian Omelette but let's say that we are using some other ingredients. As for our main, the Chef prepared some Thynnus, is a fish that we harvest here on Borneo, Dormouse which is a marinated neo-chicken or Porcus Troianus, which I think you already guess is neo-pork, stuffed with vegetable. As for dessert is customary to have Libum which is cheesecake or Koptoplakous. We would be served also Mulsum, a certain type of wine. Hope you will like it."
"I see you are a bit nervous. You found out about what is happening in Omega at the moment? Or is something else that is bothering you? If it is from within the Republic, tell me so I can fix it." chuckles "Unless is CIS"
She was intrigued by the explanation of Crayter cuisine. It sounded delicious and it made her feel a bit more on the side of hungry, especially at the mention of cheesecake and wine.
"It all sounds so good," she said with a smile. "I think I may go with a type of sampler plate, you know something that I can get a little taste of everything." It would be something like that in which she ordered and some of the suggested Mulsum.
A look of surprise crossed her face at the mention of the Omegas. "Excuse me," she said as she looked at her datapad. The look of surprise grew into one of shock and even horror. She had been so focused on her mission that she had heard nothing. First was a message from Commander Haddock, the commander of Med Force One.
Sarah, an attempt on Doc's life was made which destroyed Tombstone. He is in hiding and will be for some time. In the meantime, I am in charge of the overall Enterprise but I'm keeping it simple, continue with your work and stay away from Omega 49. Bretonia is annexing Gran Canaria, Omega 49 and have done so with some brutality. Stay where you are. Alicia is getting the same orders only she will stay out in the Omicrons. The first chance we get, we will jump Med Force One to Baffin which will be our new base of operations at the station near Planet Eris. Stay safe and remain where you are.
-James
A tear rolled down her face at the sight of the message which she showed to Oreste. As he read it, she stood up and looked upward. She was hiding anger, much anger, as she was doing her best to keep control.
"I guess this is home now," she said out loud to herself. "Damned Bretonians!" Unfortunately, it would be Oreste that would take some of her aggression.
"I'm curious," she demanded, "I know that the Republic has worked with and supported Bretonia because of a common foe but now what will the government's position be? I mean, this is so wrong and now my boss and friend is missing? The Zoner people don't deserve any of that nor do those who have settled Canaria. No offense but the Crayter Republic is supporting a regime that is no better than the Gallics that they fight not to mention the Outcasts that they ally themselves with."
She turned and leaned on a rail, trying to collect herself. Oreste was showing her nothing but kindness, respect and professionalism and she had lost it. They were, after all, trying to enjoy a nice evening out.....and now this. She blotted her face with a napkin, hoping that her eyeliner hadn't run and turned back to Oreste with a weak smile.
"I....I am so sorry," she said to him. "I didn't really know until just now."
She took a deep sigh, "As James said, this is home now so please, tell me more about the Alliance-Coalition war as I know little about it."
Sitting back down, she took her glass in one hand and took his hand in her other, "And yes, please, call me Sarah."
Commander Sarah Coyle
Commanding Officer, [MFE]Med Force Two
"War finally marched into your adoptive homeland? I am sorry Sarah, I wish I could do something but is out of my power... What am I? A mear combat doctor... " and reached to wipe her tear "You are welcome here, in this Estate, in this nation for as long as you want!" he continued holding her hand but realised he left someone out "Of course, that applies to your crew and any Omega 49 refugee" and he felt that he must answer her question.
"You see, in this war against the Gauls, we need the Bretonians. Our Army, our Fleet, our Marines are now in process of increasing and perfecting. We are building ships and weapons, we train people to be able to withstand any House. But that is a long process. I think I know what will be my Government reply, they will make a public note condemning the actions of Bretonia but will not stop assisting them against the Gauls. Bretonia must not fall!" he smiled "Once we secure our claims in Tau, who said that we will be that friendly? We will protect what is ours and will once again open Tau Region for everyone which wants to make a decent earning, either they be Citizens of the Republic or not."
"As for Crayter, our story is long and strange. But for that will have time, later on, now, I want to know what I can do for you? So that you will feel like home here now" he continued without realising he still held her hand.
She was upset and turned away. Hearing the support of Bretonia wasn't what she wanted to hear at this point. She understood his angle but didn't like it. She then muttered something looking out a window,
"A good butt whipping is just what those Bretonians need." She stood there, looking out, arms folded before her.
"You see, in this war against the Gauls, we need the Bretonians. Our Army, our Fleet, our Marines are now in process of increasing and perfecting. We are building ships and weapons, we train people to be able to withstand any House. But that is a long process. I think I know what will be my Government reply, they will make a public note condemning the actions of Bretonia but will not stop assisting them against the Gauls. Bretonia must not fall!"
She then turned around. "So meanwhile the Zoners take the brunt of their aggression. I don't like the Corsairs either but they have lived in peace with them." She hmphed..."Bretonia could learn something from them."
She then turned back around. "My father once told me that one shouldn't use their anger as a way to think. Bretonia is an example of why that is good, sound advice." For a moment, she stood in thought before turning back to Oreste. She looked like she was about to fall to pieces.
"You want to do something for me," she began, "Find out where John is and make sure that he's safe." Tears again filled her eyes. "I've seen him angry once and it doesn't end well for whom he's angry at."
She started to cry and put her hands over her face. Through the tears, she brokenly said, "Hold me."
Commander Sarah Coyle
Commanding Officer, [MFE]Med Force Two
Oreste felt the anger and the despair coming from Sarah and even before she uttered "Hold me" he got up from his place and went over to Sarah and embraced her.
"Your dad was right but that would be in an ideal society, but when people are pushed to an extreme, they are taking extreme measures. Even unthinkable actions which they did not think about it. For us, for my people, we are burned by anger but is what pushes us to become better." he said whispering near her ear "As for John, I will ask Governor and Fleet to see if they can dispatch a CIS transport to Gran Canaria." he continued, picking up her face and giving her a kiss on her head "It will all be good. You will see. We will look after you now. I will personally do that. But first, let's continue having our meal and then we will see what can be done. What say you?"
He enjoyed her close company and he didn't want to let her go ...
The embrace seemed to be eternal and it was more needed than she thought. She felt protected....calmed....relaxed. She listened to his words as he spoke. The words "burned by anger but is what pushes us to become better." She leaned back as far as his hold around her waist would allow. It was enough to look into his face. Her own face was somber when she softly replied, "Please find him. At least make sure that he's OK...wherever he is."
She then looked at the dinner table before looking back up at him, his hands still in the small of her back. "Dinner. I'm thirsty too."
Commander Sarah Coyle
Commanding Officer, [MFE]Med Force Two
Oreste looked at her and slowly withdrawn his hand. "Of course, we should continue. All business without proper nutrition is doomed to fail." and he left Sarah's side and continued to his place "We can go after our dinner to see governor Aeryn about John. It will be alright. Trust me." and he took a seat. " You are now one of us, even if you like it or not. Now, do you have anyone there that we should be looking for? Or is just John?"
"Medic" was heard aboard the Atlantis Deck 4 and a bloody crewmember was helped by two others to the Med Point 11, the point which was operated by Oreste and three others from the newly formed Combat Medic Corps. Created by the Republic to assist the Armed Forces in the conflict against the Royalists, the Medics were already dispatched to capital ships and incorporated in some of the Ground Forces units on Yuma and Borneo. Each one of them had the necessary medic and also the military one, so they could be able to fight if needed.
Oreste rushed toward the crewmember and he saw that he was having burns on his face and hands "What happened to him?" he asked the others "He was near a plasma conduit when it exploded" and without bothering to answer he nodded and made a sign to the other medic to assist him. They started to cut through the uniform and they placed a handheld scanner on top of him to get a holographic image of the body and any injuries that he may have. The device was not bulletproof but was the best they had. "Burns present on 32% of the body. Facial burns of third degree. Facial reconstruction would be need for estethic reasons" the device beeped but Oreste already was trying to apply the "fish skin" to his burns and he watched as Marley was administering a dosage of painkillers and a small dose of medical nanobots.
"Aestethics, be damned. Let's make sure he lives." Oreste said but before he finished, Marley showed him in the left side of the chest, a wound "That damn machine failed us again, he is bleeding" and chucked away the scanner.
"Stop blaming the machine, this point is made near the Zinc encasment of the conduits and is frakking with the sensor, come on, help me, get me some bandages and lets fix him"
"Should we not apply a Syringe of Gel?" Marley continued and run to take one. "Good" Oreste whisppered and he was a bit upset on himself for not thinking of that. The new Gel was mostly an antiseptic and also acted as bandage but with a better efficiency then normal bandages.
"Prepare for ship to exit the Jump on my Mark...... Mark" came from the speakers the voice of Alan, the second in command. "All hands, damage report. Medics, take your wounded to the shuttles and prepare them to be transported to Borneo"
"Finally, let's pack them and put them on the L-Gurney for transport. Rose, you stay here if anything comes. We meet on Borneo, at the CMC bar, yes?" and he prepared his patients for transport.
Looking behind at the damage Atlantis suffered in this engagement and the blood on his hands, he was glad that Sarah was not here with him, but down on Borneo, helping the Combat Medic Military College to function. He loved her with all his being and after that dinner they became much more closer residing within the Estate on Borneo. While she was a very good manager and remained planetside, Oreste was among the first ones detached to a frontline unit were he saw firsthand how he and his men were making a difference but he knew he couldn't bear to know her in a dangerous situation.
Marley saw Oreste looking a bit worried and with a tap on the back, he said "Hey Doc, we did it. We are back once more and while all of us will enjoy the Barracks during the RR, you have a lady waiting for you. Yeah, we know it. Plus we did good here, we need ..."
"Yes we did."
"And this call for a celebration, isn't it? What say Doc, Athena's Pub at nine o'clock?"
"Sure, let me speak with Sarah and we see."
Quickly, he took his Tablet and sent a message to her"I am coming home. Can't wait to see and hold you in my arms. I am landing on Pad C, Gemini Port in 2 hours. See you there? Also, we have an invitation to meet my team on Athena's Pub for tonight. You know, tradition. Missed you so much, my dear." and he continued alongside the wounded, preparing them to be moved in the shuttle.
"Come on Marley, we have work" and he helped the first wounded in...