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John Holliday took his first walk onto the deck of his Estate house that he had taken in weeks. Only home after major surgery for a day and still in his bathrobe, he leaned on his deck railing sipping on a cup of morning coffee. The morning air was crisp and felt good on his new lungs. He managed a slight smile as he looked out over his acreage, watching some of the wild animals roam free as he so liked. It was peaceful and quiet. Not even a slight breeze blew. It was the perfect morning. Eventually, his coffee cup ran dry so he headed in for a re-fill.
He poured his next cup and even enjoyed the quiet morning of his home. His wife was still asleep. After many days of her constant vigil over him while he was sick and recovering, she was exhausted and he dare not wake her up. As he made his way to the deck, the buzzer to his com system sounded. He wasn't expecting anything important, at least not right away. Placing his cup on the table nearby, he activated the system as he sat down. The inbound recipient only read: Shipright's Office, Corfu Base, Omicron Theta.
Turning on the system, a video of a well Zoner shipwright appeared, "Doctor John Henry Holliday I presume."
"Yes," replied John in a soft voice, "I am John Holliday. Can you hear me OK?"
"I can, Doctor," replied the shipwright, "I trust you are on the mend after your surgery?"
John just nodded.
"Good," replied the shipwright, "many of us in the Zoner world and beyond want you back on your feet again. Anyway, I am Lt. Commander Malcolm Colby, head shipwright here on Corfu. I was put in charge of your project codenamed Med Force One."
"Very good, Commander," answered Doc, "so what's the latest?"
"Well, we received the official paperwork making everything legal from the man you hired," he Colby explained, "a Lieutenant James Haddock."
"I remember," answered Doc, "I trust he made it safely?"
"He did," replied Colby, "he was quite frazzled when he got here. It was his first venture into Corsair space."
"I remember my first trip through Corsair space," replied Doc with a smile, "for the unknowing, it can be scary."
"So, Doctor, these are some pretty elaborate plans," said Colby, "a dedicated medical ship. That is something we haven't seen yet. I would like to suggest, Doctor, maybe building up a Jinkusu for this endeavour. The Corvo Cruiser is a fine ship but for what you need, you won't have much storage room for provisions. The Jinkusu is fully self contained and fully independent."
"Commander, I'd love to have a Jinkusu for it but I just don't have the funding for it," explained Doc, "I'm taking what I can get for now. With some trading and maybe some donations from those who will benefit, maybe we can make this happen in the near future."
"Yes, I understand," replied Colby. "I will be able to make some new modifications on board that will offset the lack of cargo space, food replicators being one such modification."
"So long as it doesn't use that Eris aweful Synthe Paste," demanded Doc.
With a laugh, Colby reassured him that this wasn't so.
"Your research laboratory won't be as involved as what you have at home but it will be more than adequate for what you need," continued Colby. "
"How about my sick bays?" asked Doc, taking a sip of his coffee, "what will be my capacity for the sick and/or injured?"
"I'd say about 200, give or take," answered Colby.
"Medical and command staff?" asked Doc.
"You will have room for about 30 command and staff," answered Colby.
Doc just nodded his approval.
"When you see him," began Doc, "I want you to tell Lieutenant Haddock that for his efforts, he will be on that staff. Also tell him to check his neural net account as I have included a bonus for him."
"Very well, Doctor, I will tell him," answered Colby, "Anything else?"
"No, not right now," responded Doc, "just keep me posted."
"Will do, Doctor," said Colby, "you just get yourself healthy and we'll do our jobs out here. Good day, Doctor."
With that, the signal faded out. With the house still quiet and the wife still sleeping, he picked up his coffee cup, returned to his deck where he again leaned on his deck rail and enjoyed his morning.
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"It is good to see you well again, Ambassador," said Commander Colby as he shook the hand of the newly arrived John Holliday.
"It's good to be healthy again," he answered, "still getting my strength back and taking some meds but I've been cleared for limited duty."
"Very well, then, Ambassador, let's take a tour of your new ship," answered Colby, motioning to the lock the went to Med Force One.
The two men entered the ship. Workers were finishing the final touches of the sick bays and the intensive care units. Engineers had completed all engine tests and the bridge was ready for it's command crew.
Doc looked around as they walked the corridors, nodding his head in approval.
"If you like this," commented Colby, "You're going to like the research lab." Together, they took the walk to the lab. It was huge and had everything a research team could want. Refrigeration, a freezer, testing equipment and plenty of supplies.
"This way," Colby explained, "you can keep organs for transplant." He explained it as he showed the freezer which was set to where they could be kept longer than normal.
The crew quarters were well placed. The scientist quarters were near the research lab, the command staff not far from the bridge while the rest of the crew and medical staff were wisely placed around the ship.
As they toured, Doc's personal com went off. Taking the message, he closed the channel, confused but happy.
"Everything OK, Sir?" asked a concerned Colby.
"Oh, all is fine, Commander," Doc answered, "Um..can we go back to the research lab for a minute?"
"Sure thing," replied the commander and the walk back was made.
Doc examined a spot on the wall that was plainly visible to anyone who walked in. He then pointed at it as the commander watched where his finger pointed. "Right there," declared Doc, "I want a gold plaque right there that reads Charles M. Burns Research Laboratory.
"It will be done," replied Colby and he ordered it done immediately.
By days end, the plaque was finished and installed. With the entire command staff and crew aboard, the ship was set free of it's moorings for it's first runs.
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Commander's Log, Commander James Haddock reporting.
We disembarked from Gran Canaria this morning and continued on our mission to help. Along the way, we charted many of the routes we intend to use for travel. With permission from the BAF, we passed through Dublin, Edinburgh and into the Taus. We also found the Orkney system. I have very little knowledge of the system or the inhabitants of Reunion Station. I only remember what Ambassador Holliday told me, "avoid Gallia as they have no interest in any form of diplomacy." Taking his advice, we headed back into the Taus.
We have moored at Freeport 10, giving the base personnel some much needed care and meeting some new faces. Their were some miners and Outcasts in the area, all of whom seemed to greet us kindly.
My communication's officer, Ensign Kent, continues to monitor the very broken and strange transmissions from an unknown source. Sounds like a young girl in distress. With Eris' guidance, maybe we'll find her.
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Commander's Log, Commander James Haddock reporting:
We have returned to Corfu after charting through some of Kusari, returning through Delta. Ensign Kent continues to monitor the strange communications we receive. He has more patience than I do. If he demanded to give up on the project, I probably wouldn't say a thing.
We received another check today. We're that much closer to expansion. The crew seems to be fitting in quite nicely and we've gotten to know each other a good deal. I think when Ambassador Holliday joins us for some extended time on board, he will be happy with what he finds. After we finish some of the break-in checks, we'll be underway again.
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Commander's Log, Commander James Haddock Reporting:
After days of trying, we ceased monitoring the mysterious signal. If it's originating where I think it may be coming from, it's a good ways from us. Maybe we'll get lucky and pick it up again.
We returned from a trip to Freeport One after the Wilde again attacked the base. We were able to treat most people on sight although we did evacuate about a dozen or so people, all of whom are recovering nicely. In just one mission, this ship proved it's worth.
On another good note, the Ambassador paid us a visit last night on his way home, both him and Mrs. Holliday. He intends to spend more time on the ship once he raises the funds for expansion. They have both since returned home. We should be shoving off soon to continue our mission.
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After a long day on the bridge, Commander Haddock retired to his quarters. Although he could have taken quarter in Lividia Shipyard where Med Force was docked, he felt more at home aboard the ship he had been given command of. He was greatful for the unexpected opportunity. He was inexperienced in capital ships but was doing well to adapt, at least in the eyes of his peers. With much of the crew off ship, he took silent seclusion in his chambers. With a mixed drink, he sat and started making journal entries.
I have found Ensign Kent to be someone I enjoy working with. He's dedicated to his duty and never gives up. I think he'll make a fine commander one day, probably sooner than most. I'll be curious to see how he adapts when then Jinkusu is commissioned. Based on his performances thus far, I suspect he will do fine. I think we all will as we grow and work together. I do hope that the Ambassador spends more time aboard once he finishes working to raise the money for the ship.
He stopped to take a drink.
While I understand what John Holliday is trying to do, I do worry. Can medical staff of rival factions put aside differences to work together? I don't want to see our own doctors making patients of one another. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt as he has on several occasions proven even his critics wrong.
Haddock sits and thinks for a few seconds and continues.
We're gaining much info between some Cryer research that we have received, research performed in Cambridge and from Doc himself. We hope to make some positive of all of it.
Takes another drink.
On the whole, I'm very impressed with the crew. My command staff is very efficient and the medical staff very thorough. Lt. Tucker, my tactical officer, got a good test as well, fending off 3 Nomad gunboats. He's definately got a knack for gunnery. Let's hope he never gets seriously tested as our mission is to save, not kill.
With that, he finished his drink, dimmed the lights and retired for the evening.
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Commander's Log, James Haddock reporting:
We have begun to work with the HAF-C-Heraklion and the Orion in an effort to find this poor soul who is in so much trouble. I think working together is a good approach. Safety in numbers and 3 ships worth of sensors can triangulate just about anything, even through these damn storms. We're about to find out how good this ship is and earn our paychecks.
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Personally overseeing some of the upgrades being built, Dr. Holliday found himself on Lividia Shipyard. From a shuttle trip around the exterior of the ship, it was already beautiful and it wasn't yet completed. For a long time, he never thought he would be the proud owner of such a ship nor did he think for a time that he would ever need it. He smiled as the head shipwright, John Bess, explained many details.
"The exterior is pretty well completed to this point," he explained, "weapons batteries will be added at a later time. For now, we're focussing on the specifications you asked for. Once we land, I'll take you inside."
Doc could only nod his approval.
Upon docking, a messenger, a young boy, approached him, "Doctor, this message came through to you."
"Thank you, Son," replied Doc as he took the message, giving the boy a generous tip.
He activated the message. A small hologram appeared of a man dressed in a trader's suit. Doc smiled when he recognized the figure.
"Greetings, Doc. It's William Topper. I regret that I can't do this in person but as I'm sure you understand and appreciate, I have much work to do. Anyway, I know how much the Med.Force project means to you and how you have slaved to make it a reality. So, I decided to help. I made a deposit to your neural net account of 100 million credits. You can thank me later and consider this a grant."
The figure then waved a finger jokingly at Doc, "Now, since I donated, I get a piece of the ship named after me. Keep up the hard work and give my regards to your lovely wife."
With that, the image faded away.
Doc was very surprised but pleasantly so as he turned towards John Bess, "Well, I do believe, if I'm not mistaken, this will take care of the final expense," as he transferred the credits to pay the contract.
The two men shook hands, "Yes, Doctor, it does." Bess then motioned to the main door, "shall we?"
They toured the new colony ship. The biodomes had already been planted with food bearing plants to include various fruit trees and vegetables. The Charles M. Burns Research Facility was huge, making Doc very pleased. He smiled at the plaque bearing the doner's name.
"You will find this to exceed what you asked for," commented Bess.
They also toured the rehabilitation center which was completed only the day before. Workout gear and various equipment used to rehab those who were hurt and recovering was set up and ready to go. Doc took a moment alone to walk through the room. He knew it would double as a gym, something he encouraged. He then returned to John Bess and looked at the wall just inside the door and pointed to a spot.
"Right here," he said, "I want a plaque that reads William Topper Rehabilitation Center.
Bess just motioned to one of his men who left to make it so.
The final stop before leaving was the Command bridge. It was enormous and very confusing to those who didn't know about it. Doc stood in the middle of it, nodding his approval as he slowly scanned his way around the bridge. He then looked at the Captain's chair just behind the helmsman's and comm officer's stations. He slowly sat in it as the others watched. Bess and his men were smiling and silently praising each other. "I think we shocked him. I have never seen him this happy since his wedding day," Bess said. The stood and watched as Doc got comfortable, admiring the craftsmanship.
Bess then approached him, "How's your chair?" he asked.
"Oh it's not my chair," Doc explained, "it's Commander Haddocks. I'm no commander. I'm a doctor and a diplomat. My place will be back with the medical staff and my quarters."
Bess then commented, "Mr. Ambassador, I would take you to your quarters but that is one of the areas not complete. We're making it extra comfortable for you and Mrs. Holliday." He then paused and slowly admitted, "She......sort of made a few requests for it. I....hope you don't mind."
Doc immediately jumped in, "Mr. Bess, I don't know if you're married or not but you will learn if you haven't already that if she ain't happy, you won't be either. If Mrs. Holliday wanted some things done it's good with me."
Bess' men laughed as did Bess himself.
John Holliday would spend the next day at Lividia, learning about his new investment and playing cards after hours with the base personel.
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Dr. John Holliday's Personal Log
Eris has been kind to me. Yesterday, after months of hard work, planning and preparation, the new Med.Force.One Jinkusu made it's maiden flight and test run yesterday. All systems are fully functional but the crews are in definite need of some flight time. I was with Commander Haddock on the bridge and he admitted to needing to "learn the ropes." I know why I picked him to command the ship, he's about as cool headed as they come and is very patient with his crew.
I'm proud of the work that was done. Three Cryer scientists have joined my ranks on board. They are some very hard workers. My medical staff is ready and willing, comprising of doctors and nurses from all over Sirius.
While I look forward to assisting those in need, we hope the day comes later than sooner for anything too serious.
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John Holliday's Personal Log:
It has been three days since the attacks on Corfu and Freeport 5 and the medical crew has finally got some stability amongst the wounded. A few family members have arrived on board and I have established quarters for them to be amongst their loved ones. I'm glad I finally got a shower in and a few hours rest as I have found myself talking with most of them.
We only lost 3 patients after their arrival here which is pretty spectacular when you consider what we arrived here to. Still, many of those who will survive will wear the severe scars for the rest of their lives as well as the mental trauma. I'm not sure how long it will be before Corfu is fully able to take care of itself but after a chat with Commander Haddock, we will stay until it is declared secure and operational.
On a good note, I had five Bretonian Armed Forces pilots returned home aboard the I.K.S. Malpara as Commander Gor was kind enough to give us some support. In fact, Commander Vorkal in the I.K.S. B'Rel also brought home some pilots. I am greatful for both of those crews.
Despite circumstances, I have found myself amongst some very good Commanders in the area. The names are too many to remember. We are honored to have the Commander of the Tyche on board who will be with us spending time with her mother whom I cannot release for some time. I have found Julianne to be a very confident, very capable young lady.
*On the bridge, the Commander also records his daily entry*
Commander's Log, Commander James Haddock
I am proud to command this ship. All crews reacted professionally and admirably in a situation that has tested us all. My communication's officer, Ensign Charles Kent, did a splendid job in his first bridge command the other night. The ship was his for almost eight hours while some of us caught up on sleep. Now, he is catching up on his.
I toured the medical facilities just over an hour ago and visited Corfu just before that. It's amazing how quickly and skilled the crews are working.
This is also the first time I've had the chance to work so closely with Dr. Holliday. He is every bit as good as his reputation says he is and if he can't do something, he finds someone who can. I wish more people were like that. I don't envy the job he has but I do respect it. The ship crews have also given assistance in the medical wards as well. I think we all earned some first aid experience over the last several days as well as our paychecks.
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