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Location: Canaria Hospital, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System
Dr. Andrews took the earpieces of his stethoscope out of his ears and smiled as his patient began to put his shirt back on. Hoping for more good news, Midori sat with her husband, patiently waiting.
"John, everything sounds great and your scan results are very good," he explained, "everything is healing better than expected." Midori smiled big and put a hand on her husband's shoulder at the news.
"I haven't felt this good since I was a kid," explained Doc, "almost forgot what it truly is to be healthy."
"John, I know you want to get back to some level of normalcy so this is what I'm going to do," Dr. Andrews began, "you may return to your normal duties but on a limited basis. It will be a few more months before you are to full strength again so limit your physical activities and don't over do it. Keep your work day between six to eight hours, eat some good food and get a full night's sleep. I also want to see you once-a-week until you are finally cleared."
"Oh, he will," interjected Midori. Doc could only smile to Dr. Andrews, knowing that she would be carefully monitoring his activities.
As Dr. Andrews was leaving, he turned back to his patient. "John, I heard what you are doing with Med Force One. I will be making a neural net donation. That's a very honorable thing to do. I hope it works to plan."
"Why thank you, Sir," replied John Holliday, "and I will do as you instruct." With that, Dr. Andrews returned to his office while the Hollidays returned home for lunch.
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Location: Doc's Diplomatic Ship, Ambassador's.Ark, Somewhere between Omega 49 and Ontario.
Doc was sitting in a recliner in his ship's chamber, drinking a glass of Gallic Wine, dressed in his bathrobe as he watched the news on his coms while he waited for Midori to finish her shower. Initially, he was headed to Honshu to make a visit with his in-laws.
As he watched the news reports, a live broadcast came over about an assassination attempts on Alvin Katz. Stunned by the news, he sat up and listened. His instinct to yell to Midori to come and listen was suppressed by the fact that he knew she would be very worried. After all, it was Alvin who went above and beyond to find her when Doc himself to ill.
"Bastards!" John said aloud to himself as the report continued. He did feel relieved that Alvin wasn't hurt more than he was but he was still concerned enough to call the command staff of his ship.
"Nichole, this is Doc," he called, "if you haven't done so already, take a route to Honshu that includes stopping at Toronto Station in Ontario. I have an aquaintance I need to check in on."
"Will do, Sir," Nichole replied, "We'll have to double back a bit but proceeding to Honshu via Ontario. Nichole out!" Afterwards, Doc instructed his commander that unless it was an emergency, no one was to bother him for the trip. With that, he turned off his system, got up and secured his chambers.
Finished with her shower and taking a few minutes to freshen up, Midori emerged from the bathroom in a traditional Kusari evening robe tied only at the waist which was rather revealing of her body inside. Her smile was as radiant as always.
"You like?" she asked of her husband who stood in awe, his wine glass still in his hand.
"No, Dahlin, I love," he responded. He then kissed her and handed her a glass of wine.
"To good health," she toasted as she raised her glass.
"And to good fortune," he replied as he raised his own. They "klinked" glasses and drank.
Putting down their glasses, he held her in his arms, his arms around her waist as they faced each other in discussion. "So, where we going?" she asked.
"Well, since I only need com links right now for what work I do have," he explained, "I figured we'd spend some time together and make a trip to Honshu. I'm sure your folks would approve."
"Hai," she said with a quick head nod and a smile of approval. She then laid the side of her head on his chest to which he just held her tightly to him. They just cherished the moment before they continued chatting.
"On our way," he continued as she looked back into his face, "we're making a stop at Toronto Station. I believe you wanted to thank someone personally for finding you in Stuttgart."
"Alvin?" she asked only to have Doc smile and nod.
"That will be nice," she said.
He then placed a finger under her chin and lifted her face to his but now, his face was one of sincerity.
"Mrs. Holliday," he began, "we just finished a very trying time, a time where you stuck with me and nursed me back to health."
"It my job," she interrupted, "I your wife and very proud I am to be."
He put his finger over her lips to shush her, "I told you I went through with it for you."
His hand were at her waist again only this time, one undid the belt of her robe and both hands began to caress the body within.
"You asked me for someting, Dahlin'," he continued, "maybe it's time we began trying."
A tear fell down her face, knowing what he was acknowledging. She smiled her approval.
Nothing more was said as each disrobed the other and dimmed the lights. They wouldn't be seen or heard of until arrival at Toronto Station.
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Location: Ambassador's.Ark, the Omegas.
After several days on Honshu, the Hollidays made the return trip home. On the way, they encountered the newly deployed Freeport 18 which sat within eyesight of the ill fated Freeport 7. A brief stop was made. The ship was beautiful. After getting to meet some of the command staff, a donation of tobacco and wine was made before they had to move on. It was nice to see the Freeport back.
One other stop was made to check in on his own investment, Med.Force.One. On board were several Zoners who were being treated from a Wilde attack on Freeport 1. Unlike the last time, the injuries weren't as severe and all would survive and return to duty. After a brief meeting with the ships Commander, James Haddock, the Hollidays headed home to Gran Canaria.
As with the trip to Honshu, the Hollidays remained in their chambers for the trip, enjoying each others company.
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Location: Evora Shipyard, Omicron 100
"And thaaaat should do it, Commander," said Doc as he finished the last stitch of Commander Michael Vincent's wound over his right eye as he put down his surgical scissors, "it'll smart for awhile but besides some damaged pride, you will be fine. Now, just lay back and relax."
With a sigh, the commander did as instructed, "Thanks, Doc. I'm just glad I dropped you and Mrs. Holliday off on the base before going out." Then he sighed again, "Sorry about the Moonstone."
"That's all right, Commander," replied Doc, "at least it got blown up in the right place, right where it was built in the first place. Now, I'm going to check on some other patients."
Earlier that day, a huge battle ensued after the Zoner Consortium, under heavy escort, took delivery of it's new ship, the Leonardo, an IMG carrier from Tau 44 and safely flew it to Evora. Under the watchful eye of Commander Vincent, the Hollidays flew the Hathor as escort. Upon arrival, Keepers and Wilde pursued them before the Commander took the ship for base defense. He didn't last long but he safely escaped.
Several other wounded arrived at Evora and Doc assisted in treating the injured. For such a huge battle, the casualty reports weren't that bad although the numbers hadn't yet been finalized. Even working hand in hand with the Evora medical staff, John Holliday worked himself tired. Finding a break, he sat down under the watch of his wife and took a cold glass of water. As he sat down to enjoy, a young Order officer approached.
"Mr. Ambassador," he said, "an update on the Moonstone." Doc motioned him to join him.
"Sir, your ship was more disabled than anything," he said, "the structural integrity held but they destroyed the power plant which we are replacing. I'm just afraid, Sir, that you will be stuck here for a day or two."
"That's all right," replied Doc with a weak smile, "do what you must. Just give us somewhere to stay and we'll be fine."
"It has already been arranged, Sir," said the officer, "a diplomatic suite for you and the misses and officer's quarters for the Commander."
"Very well, then" replied Doc, "thank you." The young officer bowed his head, turned and walked away.
Doc then turned to his wife and Commander Vincent, "well, I didn't figure I'd be staying here so....."
He then pulled out a pack of playing cards from his medical bag, "...maybe these Order fellas like Poker."
"That's almost an insult, Ambassador," snickered the Commander, "they're as beaten up as I am or worse and now you want to take their credits."
"Well, it's not near as insulting as those Bounty Hunters in Omicron Theta just watching those Nomads go by and doing nothing," snapped Doc, beginning to shuffle the cards, "and besides, no one ever told me of a bad time to take someone's money!
Commander Vincent sighed at the comment of the Bounty Hunters, "maybe we should have dropped them some credits."
"Nah," replied Doc, "the Core asked me awhile ago to join them for a dinner in Omega 15 sometime. Maybe it's time I do and find out a few things. But, for now, I guess we should keep ourselves occupied."
"Well, Mr. Ambassador, you do that. I'm going to catch a few zees. I'm spent," said the Commander as he got up and headed for his quarters.
Doc sighed and turned to his wife who was sitting and watching him. He knew the look. He had seen a lot of it lately. Knowing that he had taken care of the injured had been treated, he stood up. He took the hands of his wife and helped her up. He then turned to a medical officer not far away,
"If I'm needed, just page me in my quarters," he said,
"Yes, Sir," was the reply.
With that, the Hollidays walked arm in arm into their quarters to "await there ride home."
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John Holliday found himself immersed in his lab over the course of the many days since his return from Evora Base in Omicron 100. For the Hollidays, it was a quiet time as diplomacy was fairly calm and things were fairly smooth. Besides making some trade runs to fund his research, the Hollidays found plenty of time for each other to include a weekend at the lakeside cabin.
He had also made his return to the refugee camp of Port Jackson for the first time since he had gotten sick. Not much had changed except for the increase of the population as Bretonia continued bringing it's refugees to the camp. Regardless, those he had come to know where happy to see him and were greatful that he was healthy again. He made his regular rounds, making several stops during the week to supervise his staff. If there was one place where stability was a constant, his Port Jackson staff was it.
For many days though, he began working on a promise he had made to a friend. He sat in his lab looking over the small device given to him. He was quite confused by it as he couldn't quite understand how it worked. He needed some help with it but considering it's secrecy, it really wasn't available. He knew that the only way he would crack it's mystery is to have Alvin Katz himself visit and work together as a team. He had the technical wizardry while Doc himself had the medical knowledge. He also realized that he would need something else to test it, a live Nomad or Nomad brain, a thought he was not comfortable with. So, until he could co-ordinate things with Alvin, he put it to the side.
His other project were the two former Outcasts now Zoners that he had treated for Cardamine addiction. Their crew now gone, they had no home so he kept them safely secluded living normal, productive lives. Still, he continued his work with them, trying to reverse the reproductive damage done by the powerful drug. To this point, he had no luck. They didn't want to try transplanting unless all other means had failed. So, when it came to Miguel and Mijana, he stuck with traditional medicine and techniques, hoping to find a cure.
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Location: Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System
With the Sirius wide ion storms grinding all space traffic to a halt, the Hollidays found themselves grounded at home which for them, wasn't a bad thing. While the storms caused odd weather patterns for all planets, Gran Canaria seemed to do rather well. It's inhabitants had little to worry about as food and water were plentiful. If there was one concern, it was the supply of pharmaceuticals. While some were locally produced, most were imported. With Port Jackson, the Corsair colony, the Klingon colony of Gr'Chuk and the local Zoner population, it was a slow but growing problem. As a countermeasure, prevention and healthy living was stressed and it had some good results.
John Holliday himself found plenty of time to focus on his lab work. The device that was given to him by Alvin Katz continued to baffle him. It worked but he couldn't duplicate it. With the ion storms disabling all communications, he couldn't even send a transmission for some technical assistance. While he knew medicine, he didn't have the technical know how to duplicate the device on his own. Still, he worked at it, finding stimulants that had similar but short term effects on the mind. He recorded his findings and thoughts.
There is little more that I can do with this device without technical and science help. I have duplicated some of the protections it offers using stimulants but they are short term fixes, say, between four to six hours. Without research of long term exposure, I don't dare push them as a long term fix. What I wouldn't want is for long term exposure to end up having the same end results as cardamine. Addiction and genetic alteration are not something I want to see happen.
I have found that a strong will is something Nomads, Wilde and Keepers are warded off by. I would encourage anyone in their area not to show mental weakness as they exploit it.
Catching up on research and having down time, he spent much of it with Midori. Even in the worst of weather conditions, the lakeside cabin was a great escape and no weather inhibited him from getting to it using a military vehicle he purchased for Estate use.
On one particular day, it was Midori who found out of a hidden talent of her husband. He had retired to his West room, needing some rest time. After cleaning some of the pictures on display to include the one of him standing with his old friends, the Earps, and of course, the large wedding picture with him and Midori. He then sat at the baby grand piano that sat in the back corner of the room. Always wanting to try new songs of the past, a past that existed between the Earth year 1887 and the time he was re-born, he found many he liked.
One song he had practiced the words to many times over in his head during those long trade routes that he would run. ".....Sitting by the river playing guitar. Wondering if were really gonna get that far..." kept going through his head. "I've got to try it," he thought out loud to himself. Everyone knew he was an accomplished pianist but few knew he could sing as well. After getting the piano licks right, he put it together.
He never heard Midori slowly and quietly come into the room. With his back to her and the noise of the piano itself, it was easy. She stood quietly as he played and flawlessly sang the lyrics to the old song. She smiled, standing and listening, enjoying the work her husband had put together. After the song was complete, he continued playing piano riffs, as if he had forgotten how much he enjoyed it. While he played, she came up behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders at which he stopped playing, looked up and smiled.
"Dahlin'," he said.
"I did not know you could sing like that," she said, "that was very pretty."
He then stood up, "Mrs. Holliday, may I have this dance?"
She smiled and simply replied with a "hai."
He then started a recording of "Vallotte" and the two danced alone in the West Room to the old tune before retiring for the evening.
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Location: Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria was in an unusual cold front in the region of the estate. Normally, John Holliday would be grouchy but with good health now with him, he didn't complain. Midori was getting over a slight cold, sipping on some herbal tea as John was building a fire in the living room fireplace. Both dressed in evening robes, they were just settling for the evening to enjoy each other's company.
The wood caught fire and began it's steady burn giving a warm, orange glow through the dimly lit room. Satisfied, he grabbed a large comforter and stood next to his wife who was sitting on the floor, her back against the couch. She smiled as he approached. Knowing he was going to wrap them both in the comforter, she put her tea to the side. He then sat down beside her, covering them both in the comforter, both getting warm by the fire. He held her tight and after a few kisses, the watched the fire burning.
"I remember nights similar to this when I was a child," explained John, "back home, when it would get cold, my father would build a fire to keep the family warm. It was a rarity but so worth the waits."
Midori was curious. He had spoken very little of his old family. "Tell me about family," she asked of him.
He sat silent for a moment, thinking about a response.
"My mother died when I was a lad," he explained, "she was beautiful but she died too early." He then smiled at his wife, "she was the one who taught me the piano."
"I sorry," replied Midori with a sigh.
"It's OK, Dahlin'," he smiled back and then continued, "my father was a proud man, a military man. His life wasn't what I wanted. He didn't oppose my career choice and supported me."
"That all about them?" she asked.
"Yes," was the simple answer.
"No siblings?" she again asked.
He just shook his head.
"Listen, Dahlin', I have few friends and you as my family," he said, again going silent. He finally finished, "I need no one else."
She felt almost saddened.
"Please, Dahlin', let's not discuss my past. What I want to remember of it is in my West room."
"Hai," she whispered.
After stoking the fire and placing a screen before it, they nestled together under the comforter and would sleep the night right there, the fire only a few cinders by morning.
She was walking slowly as she read a morning report printed out from the com, slowly walking through her big house enjoying a morning coffee. Then, she stopped. The sheet of paper that was in her hand slowly floated to the floor.
The sound of breaking glass was next as her mug of coffee hit the floor. She stood in total shock having read about a terrorist attack in Omega 41 and Omicron Theta. She placed her left hand over her chest as fear began to set in. For what in reality was but a few seconds, an eternity passed. She knew her husband was trading in those areas that day and that Corfu Base was a favorite stop of his. He hadn't called and no one else had heard a word from him. Where was he? Was he hurt or worse still, dead? Did he get caught up in crossfire? "Where was he" kept repeating in her mind.
At this point, the tears of fear began to flow as she stood there alone, her left hand on her chest while her right found it's way over her stomach as she began to feel sick. The soft cries became louder, loud enough to arouse the attention of the ranch hand, Grady, who came running to her.
"My goodness, Madame Holliday, what is wrong?" he asked. She couldn't answer. He scanned her in horror as she cried uncontrollably. Not knowing what to do, he then noticed the broken mug and coffee spill on the floor a few feet away and the half-coffee soaked sheet of paper. He then read the report.
"Oh my Goodness," he said softly to himself. With no one there, she turned to him, looking for comfort, crying into his shoulder. Grady found himself feeling low as well. He could only comfort Midori as he tried to maintain his own composure. After several minutes, she began coughing and vomited on the floor. At this point, he was unsure of what to do except to yell for some help.
One of the residents that kept watch in Doc's absence arrived to find her throwing up.
"What happened?" she asked of Grady.
Grady showed her the report to which the doctor, Kathy, had much the same reaction. But for now, her concern was an uncontrollable and sick Midori Holliday. She knelt before her and tried to calm her.
"Midori, please, try to control yourself," she shouted, "we don't know anything. He may be fine."
It was of little use. She wasn't crying as much as she was vomiting and finally dry heaving.
"I didn't want to do this but..." Kathy said out loud as she reached for a syringe and a vial of medicine, prepping it to inject.
"Grady, hold her," she again ordered to which Grady did. Kathy then injected Midori. Within a minute or so, she was calm and falling asleep to which Grady propped her head and threw a blanket over her. He then turned to Kathy, rather annoyed.
"Was that really necessary?" he asked.
Kathy only sighed. "Grady, please, sit down" she calmly insisted. He did so.
She again sighed, "Grady, don't say anything but she is expecting. We found out yesterday. If I didn't knock her out like that she may well have miscarried." Before Grady could ask, Kathy added, "No, John doesn't know yet."
Grady nodded his understanding. He then looked over at the sleeping Midori and weakly smiled and then turned back to Kathy, "while she's out, we need to find out if John is OK and what he's doing."
Kathy nodded in agreement.
"Kathy, you take care of her, I'll start working on getting some info."
With that, he stood up, checking the comms for incoming messages. They had no idea that Doc was on his new medical ship, tending to over s 400 injured people.
*more to come*
Married to Ambassador John Henry "Doc" Holliday
The CPW-Social.Credit secured landing permission, curving over the sweeping fields as it sought an open landing zone, boosting its bow to swing about. The hulking, predatory shape of the Coalition gunship looking strange and out of place in such a sweeping panaramic vista of Gran Canaria.
The ship settled on its landing gears, the main boarding ramp dropping to the ground with a loud clang as a group of Coalition Marines swept down to set up firing positions, assualt rifles covering the approach accesses to the ship, as a pair of engineers set up a set of automated sentry guns to establish a defensive perimeter.
The BJ2S JiangXi jeep roared to life, dropping down the ramp and slid about on the dirt as Lt. Razins hands danced upon the steering wheel, bringing the Jeep to a rest as Commissar-Commander Katz marched down the ramp doffing his uniform cap and handing it over to his Chief Petty Officer Pavel Byk.
I want the damn engines running smoothly by the time I get back, Katz said looking angrilly at his Chief. The Social Credit stalled out three times on the journey here, if that had happened during the re-entry, wed be picking bits of the gunship up across the surface of Gran Canaria!
Pasha nodded, glaring threateningly at Engineer-specialist Lankov who was smoking a cigarette from up inside the ship, looking like he just didnt care, waiping a dirty hand on stained orange coveralls.
Katz shook his head as he climbed into the passenger seat of the open topped jeep, setting a boot up on the dash as two of the Marines rushed to climb up into the back, one of them manning the rather meancing dual AK-1 turret that sat on the jeeps rear pintol mount.
Go Stenka, Katz ordered as the BJ2S accelerated away, bouncing across the field heading for the small road that would take them across the estate towards the ranch houses.
Razin, pristine and immaculate in his spotless uniform and perfectly combed hair expertly drove the ungainly military vehicle that was modelled off of the Liberty version that had been recovered during the Ontario operation and successfully reverse engineered to provide a more utilitarian, but sturdier Coaliton varient.
Katz sipped his coffee from a Tim Hortons travel mug, bounced and rocked in his seat as the jeep finally hit the gravel road, the rear end sliding around as it roared up the road announcing its imminant arrival to any and all within earshot.
There were people gathering up at the house, as the BJ2S roared up, Razin pulling to a stop and leaning forward on the steering wheel.
You drive like a goon, Katz said, cuffing him up the back of his head, despite the fact that Stenka was still grinning at him like a maniac.
Katz sighed as he swung out and down from the jeep dusting down the long black coat he was wearing over his decidedly simple clothes. Stay here, and he looked at the marines holding up a warning finger. Dont shoot the broadside of that barn just because you can hit it!
Both of them looked petulantly at him, as one of them rested a loving hand on the twin-bored turret.
Katz rolled his eyes, setting the mug into its cup holder and walking up towards the collected members of the Doctors household.
I am sorry for the approach, and the noise, he said looking about, his eyes creasing up as he looked thoughtful. But I heard about Freeport Five, and Im trying to reach John or Midori I mean Doctor and Mrs. Holiday
The military vehicle entered the driveway of the estate, surrounded by the many gardens that were all over the estate. As Commissar Katz and his men approached the entry gate, two very large, well armed and very ugly looking....humanoid.....figures stood at the ready, obviously startled by the presence. They were dressed in a suit of scale type armor, each with a very menacing looking sidearm, a sheathed knife and an even more menacing looking large curved bladed weapon which both held before them.
They knew of the Coalition but had never seen them. As they stood, standing off with these soldiers, a well dressed man came running to the gate.
"What in the bloody hell is going on here?" he asked with a look mixed of fear and concern, his heavy Bretonian accent very evident.
"They came charging in here without warning," bellowed one of the guards.
The well dressed man looked around at the men, "Please, lower your weapons," he insisted with a hand motion, "this is a place of peace."
The two guards complied as did the soldiers.
"Now that cooler heads are prevailing, what is this all about?"
Alvin Katz explained the attacks of Corfu and Freeport 5 and why he was here. It was at that point that Grady, the well dressed man, figured out who Alvin Katz was and that he was a friend of his boss.
"Ah yes," he said, "my name is Grady. I will allow you in but, eh, Misses Holliday isn't well. She, eh, read abot what happened and made herself sick over it. I must ask that you come in alone. If you must have a guard, well, I will allow two of your men with you. The rest will have to wait here but I will send out refreshments for them all."
Alvin entered the Estate house with Grady who pointed to a couch where Mrs. Holliday was laying. Her head was propped with a pillow and a quilt covered her up to her shoulders, her arms resting atop the quilt. Watching over her was a young, blonde woman in a doctor's robe. Seeing the soldier behind her, she slipped her glasses off and walked over to him.
"Be gentle with her," she said softly, "she's sleeping but it will wear off shortly. I had no choice. Sit with her if you want but watch where you touch her. I will be right back."
The doctor walked away, leaving Alvin with his friend in the large room where she slept.
Married to Ambassador John Henry "Doc" Holliday
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