Location: Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System
She stood horrified, her left hand clutching the kibuki gown she was wearing at her heart as the tears began to roll down her face. These weren't tears of joy, no, they were tears of fear, tears of loss. Having just finished a message from Commander Matok, she started looking for a place to sit as she felt her legs getting weak. She feared she had lost her husband after only a couple of weeks of marriage. She sat in a couch, facing a coffee table. The wedding picture of her and John sat facing her, both of them smiling in enjoyment. With no one around to comfort her, she just grabbed the picture, held it tight and began to cry uncontrollably.
As she did, Grady had entered the front door as he so routinely did. He heard her crying and quickly walked to find out what was wrong. There he saw Midori on the couch, clutching the wedding picture tight to her body as she sat crying.
"My God, Midori, what happened?" he asked as he sat beside her, putting an arm around her.
"It's.....it's......John," she said through the tears. She tried to say more but couldn't. Unsure of what to do, Grady went to the com system and played the last message. It was Commander Matok.
Midori, I am so sorry. The Ambassador is trapped on Planet Malta after being attacked by two unknown Ghost ships. I tried to help him. Many did. We lost one Carrier and two bombers in the fighting and we barely escaped with our own lives. That is all I know. Again, I am sorry
"Good God," mumbled Grady to himself as he again turned back to Midori who was still on the couch crying. He then returned to do what he could.
"He may be OK if he got to the surface," he said softly as he tried to re-assure her. "Let's not assume the worse."
"If he was OK, he would have called me by now," she replied.
"Well, his systems may have been damaged or he may not have had access to a com. It could be a variety of things," Grady explained.
"Or he could be hurt or...or...or worse," she retorted and began crying hard again.
Just when Grady had run out of answers, the front door again opened. Beaten and tired, the Ambassador walked in to the sight of his crying wife with Grady trying to help. He quickly took his robes off, hung them and went over to where they were sitting.
"Dahlin'," he asked, "whatever is the matter?"
She then looked up and saw her husband, alive and in one piece. She dropped the picture on the table, stood up and clutched him tight, burying her face into his shoulder.
"She got a message, Sir, from Matok that you were stuck on Malta because of Ghost ships," Grady explained, "she thought the worse and quite honestly, so did I."
Realizing his not calling and the report of ships lost, he said nothing. He only held her tighter in comfort.
"Sir, I think I'll go home since you have everything under control," Grady said to which John mouthed a "thank you." With that, Grady left for home.
John ran his fingers through Midori's long hair and quietly apologized over and over to her.
She then looked up to him, "I thought I lost you forever. I not ready to be widow," she said.
"And I won't let you be, not now," he answered.
"Now, let's get some rest. I know we both need it."
With that, she re-set the picture on the table and together, they retired for the evening.
*more to come*
Married to Ambassador John Henry "Doc" Holliday
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The Funeral
Location: Veteran's Cemetery, Planet Gran Canaria
Even after the situation that lead to the death of Ensign Gregory Locke, 17, was sorted out and smoothed over, the pain of the death of such a youngster was still all to fresh. The destruction of the Moonstone and it's crew had hit too close to home. The ship was replaced but the crew was laid to rest.
Captain Michael Vincent, 42, was given honors and a public service as was the ship's engineer, Scott Knudsen, 39. But for Ensign Locke, the ceremony was a private one at the request of his grieving parents and sister. A few close friends were in attendance and at their request, so was Ambassador John Holliday.
Friends and family spoke of young Gregory Locke as someone who had long wanted to travel the stars, to know where everything was and why. He often traveled in transports as a boy and hand charted everything he saw. When he was at home, he was described as "just another kid" by his friends. When the service was over, all that remained by the coffin at his grave site were his parents. His sister, too overcome by grief, was escorted away. While his parents took it very, very hard as one might expect, his father took it especially hard.
After giving a short prayer and a thank you for his service, John Holliday placed a bouquet of flowers, home grown at his estate at the foot of the coffin. Removing his hat, he turned to the family. He wanted to say he was sorry but couldn't. He could only shake his head and begin to walk away with Midori at his side.
"Mr. Ambassador," said the mother's voice from behind him after he had walked several feet away.
He turned to acknowledge the grieving mother who was trying to put on a kind face through her tears and anguish. They were several feet away from the coffin where the father was still suffering as they spoke softly to one another.
She then took the hands of the Ambassador and clutched them tightly. She was a middle aged woman and showed few signs of her age. She also had a big heart and it would show.
"I just want to thank you.....so much...for being here today," she said to him as she spoke in a wavering voice, ever tightening her grip on his hands.
"It was the least I could do, Ma'am," he answered somberly.
"Gregory was so happy the day he was selected to be the navigator aboard the Moonstone," she explained, managing a weak smile, "it was his dream, a dream that you made possible. We will never forget it."
Then she reached into her purse and pulled out a shiny set of wings that were worn on a dress flight uniform. She then opened his hand, placed them in it and forced his hand closed around it.
"Please," she said, "take these. These were the wings he earned when he graduated the academy. I want you to have them."
He then re-opened his hand to look at them. As he did, he felt himself beginning to lose his composure. Choking back some emotion, he simply replied, "I can't, Ma'am. These should be yours, his sisters or his fathers. I have no right to these."
"No, Mr. Ambassador," she responded, "we already discussed it. We insist." She then re-closed his hand over the wings and held it closed. Saying nothing, he just nodded his OK.
"One more thing, Mr. Ambassador," she began. He then interrupted momentarily.
"Please, Ma'am, you may call me John," he insisted.
"John, do you have any children?" she asked him, still clutching his hands.
"No, Ma'am, I do not," he answered, "I never gave being a parent much thought and frankly, I don't know that I would be very good at it."
"John, if you ever do have children, hug them every day and tell them how much you love them," she lectured as she gripped his hands tighter, "and I pray that you never have to feel the pain we feel right now...or anyone for that matter."
He just looked into her face and calmly replied, "Nor do I."
She then looked at him with a weak smile, acknowledging his wife at his side, "And don't sell yourself short, John, I think you would be an excellent parent." She again acknowledge Midori, "both of you would when you decide you are ready for it. Just remember my advice."
"I will," softly replied John, "I will." She then gave a final smile through her damp face, turned and walked to her grieving husband. Without another word, John put his arm out, which Midori took, and they walked away, leaving the grieving parents time alone at the coffin of their son, Gregory.
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Location: Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System
In a fit of rage, John Holliday walked in the front door to his estate house, cursing out loud to himself with his flight helmet in his hand. Shocked, Midori turned to face him in time to see him throw his helmet down on the floor, breaking it in several pieces. Her look of shock went to one of horror as she was seeing this side of her husband more and more of late. He then removed his robes and tossed them on the couch behind him. Wanting to help but avoiding a raging bull, she went around behind him, took his robes and hung them for him while he stormed out to his deck to find some serenity.
For the next several minutes, she gave him some space to collect himself. In that time, she poured a tall iced tea for him and added a hint of rum in it. Cautiously, she then ventured to the deck.
"John," she asked softly, "want to talk?" as she handed him the tall, cold, drink.
He managed a smile, "thank you, Dahlin'"
"You are welcome," she responded taking a seat next to him.
"You have been very angry of late," she began to lecture, "I do not like it and want to know why."
He looked at her for a moment, shocked of her tone but he knew she was right. He also knew his behavior was affecting her. He sat up a bit and turned to her. Putting his drink down, he took her hands in his and began to explain.
"Dahlin', while life here looks peaceful, up there," he pointed to the sky above, "it's turning into a war zone. Corsairs, Privateers and everyone else wanting a piece of what we have. That and Mal leaving, I'm handed the Council Chair and find myself trying to hold TAZ together. And did I say some......." He held back a moment, wanting to say something he shouldn't and then continued, "....some one destroyed the Moonstone again?"
Midori, stunned, placed her hand over her heart remembering what happened last time it was destroyed.
"The crew?" she asked
"They are fine this time," he answered.
"Oh good," she replied with a sign of relief.
Doc then continued, "Listen, I sense it's going to get worse. For your safety, I want you to pack some stuff and leave for awhile. I won't be far behind. Go somewhere where you will be safe."
Midori sat shocked at what she was hearing and stood up and herself began to get angry. She looked sharply at him and wagged a finger at him, "John Henry Holliday I am going nowhere! This is our home! You, John, are allowing anger and even hatred to control you."
He thought for a moment. It was the first time he had seen her angry. He then stood up. Facing her, he tried to explain, "I'm concerned for your safety, Dahlin', nothing more. And of my own. We aren't fighters, well, not up there anyway."
She then turned and took a step away and turned back, "To protect my home, John Henry, I would try, even if the Kentaro.Sato get shot out from under me. I take that chance."
He now started taking her seriously. Her back still to him, he stood behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Dahlin', I'm sorry if I hurt you or offended you but the way these privateers and Corsairs treat us, I don't want to be stuck here at their mercy."
Placing her hands back on his, she turned back around, "Doctor, you have research here too. Michael? Mijana? Those refugees you promise help to? If you walk away you will lose the respect of so many."
He then lowered his hands to her waist. "You're right. I hate it but you are right. We may get stranded here but you're right."
"John, we have enough food and provisions to be stuck here until we are ancient. You also forget, you have loyal friends here in the form of the Klingons you rescue. Many tell me they would die in your honor," she reminded.
"You sure you want to get stranded here with a grouch like me?" he asked her.
She just smiled and put her arms around his neck, "John Henry Holliday, I marry you for reason. I be honored to be stuck here with you." She finished it with a kiss.
"Alright then, do me a favor, fly out and see your folks. I don't want to send too many transmissions. Let them know what is going on," he asked of her.
"Now that, John Henry, I will do," she replied with a smile.
Midori would then load up and head to Honshu to see her family while Doc prepared for the possible long haul.
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Location: Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System
Needing a break from his research, Doc took a time out to go into his Western Room. Midori was away on a religious mission and Grady was working so Doc had only himself to contend with. It was a frustrating time for the Zoners with Privateers threatening on one side and a group of gangsters on the other. Add that to the list of people and groups that sought an audience with the Council, there was never a dull moment. Just as he was about to sit and relax and maybe catch a mid day snooze, the door bell rang. Not expecting anyone, a very confused John Holliday went to answer the door. Opening the door, an ear to ear smile found his face.
"Well it's about time you came home you old coot," he said shaking the hand of his good friend Malcalypse.
"You're no young buck yourself you know, Doc," was his playfully snotty comeback.
"I'm not that old, you're just plain ancient!" he shot back, "Damn good to see you again. Come on in."
Mal stepped in and looked around, "where's that beautiful wife of yours?"
"She's in Rheinland doing some spiritual work," explained Doc, "but she is well."
The two men made their way to the bar in Doc's Western room where Doc began mixing drinks while they spoke.
"I managed to chat with Matok before I came here," began Mal, "it sounds like we have a lot going on."
"Never a dull moment," replied Doc as he was mixing a gin and tonic for Mal, "I won't bore you with repeating all he probably told you."
"Yes, he was pretty thorough," he explained, "it sounds like I left you a mountain of work when I left."
Doc handed the gin and tonic to Mal and chuckled, "Yeah you did." He then poured himself a glass of Coalition Vodka over the rocks and joined his friend sitting in chairs facing each other.
"So tell me about these gangsters," Mal inquired.
"Smokeones they call themselves," Doc began, "I met up with their leader some time back. I was so involved with other issues that I just didn't have time. They grew impatient, started making demands and now they just blast Zoner ships to pieces. It was primarily over sending food to Crete. Anyway, the Council isn't giving in and it's gotten ugly."
Mal nodded and questioned, "How do you feel on it?"
"Is it really relevent at this point?" asked Doc. "I'd like to settle it peacefully but with so many tempers flaring and ships destroyed it's gotten out of my reach. Only time will tell I guess.
He then took a sip of his vodka
"Just watch your tail when you travel!"
"So, Mal, are you planning to stay or are you just passing through?" Doc inquired.
"That depends I guess," answered Mal as he took a swallow of his own drink, "I don't care for the politics anymore."
"Leave that to me, old friend," Doc interrupted.
"You are well suited for it, John," complimented Mal.
"Mal, I will tell you this, TAZ isn't the same without you in it. I can keep things going but I can't fill your shoes," Doc stated, "you created it and in the eyes of all TAZ, they want you home."
Mal sat in thought for a moment, drinking on his gin. He arrived unsure but was starting to want to return. He agreed with John's assessment of himself and of TAZ. Maybe it was time to come home.
Mal took another swallow of his gin, "I'll keep TAZ going on a day to day basis. You deal with Council matters and I think we'll be fine."
With a swig of his vodka, Doc replied with a cheshire cat grin, "sounds like a plan."
With that, they swapped a few jokes and took a walk on the Estate grounds to discuss a few plans. Eventually, Mal boarded his ship and headed for Baffin.
Doc, now in a very good mood, took the remainder of his day for himself.
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Location: Port Jackson Refugee Colony, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System
With his wife on a spiritual mission in Rheinland and wanting a break from diplomacy, John Holliday put away his emissary's robes and put on his doctor's coat and spent the better part of the next few days assisting the medical needs of the people of Port Jackson. It was his preferred past time and he took a great deal of pride in his work.
He paid special attention to the children as they were in fact tomorrow's future. They grew on him and brought a smile to a man who smiled very little, even finding time to throw a ball with them or play a game. It was these times that made him feel like a kid again himself.
Some just wanted someone to talk to. So many of the children there had lost one or both parents to the ongoing war with Kusari. They would tell stories of happier times of the past or of the sorrow and fear they felt learning that they no longer had a mom, a dad or sometimes either of them at the end of the day. Sometimes just providing a shoulder to cry on was the best medicine.
For those who were orphaned, Dr. Holliday did his best to work with the Bretonian consulate to put them with other families. It wasn't perfect but at least they weren't alone.
Then there was the "Unthinkable" element. One particular afternoon, he was tending to a boy of about nine years old who was brought to him by his mother with a sore left forearm.
"On a scale of one to ten," asked the doctor, "how much does it hurt?" as he gently held his arm.
"A ten," immediately responded the child, "it hurts a lot."
With a staff member at his side, the doctor escorted the boy to an x-ray room.
"So, young man," asked the doctor as he prepped his arm for an x-ray, "what is your name?"
"Simon," replied the boy, "Simon Walsh. What is yours?"
"It is good to meet you, Simon," he replied, "you may call me John."
As John placed the arm right where he wanted it for the picture, he noticed the bruising.
"Simon, how did this happen?" asked John.
"Well, I was running with a friend and I caught my foot on a root," he explained, "when I fell, I tried catching myself but I didn't."
John just nodded and then went to take the picture. As he did, he called his staff member over.
"Kathy, I want you to find the Port Jackson authorities and bring them to me," he asked. "Do not let his mother leave." Without hesitation, Kathy left to do as requested.
Upon completing the x-ray, he returned to Simon and took some pictures of his arm, focussing on the bruising which had the appearance of a female size hand.
"What are those for?" asked Simon.
"This is how I make a file on you," answered John, "Even after you are gone from my office, I keep a record for myself and for other doctors as well."
Then, as he waited for his films to develope, he sat across from Simon.
"Simon, tell me what really happened to your arm."
Simon sat quietly as a look of fear crossed his face. He knew the doctor saw through his lie but he didn't want to get someone he loved into trouble. "Dad is already dead," he thought to himself, "now I could lose Mom." Tears began to wet his face as he told the story of how his mother, now so overprotective of him, had grabbed him hard and tugged. John, normally intolerable of child abuse, somehow found some pity.
He wiped his tears with a tissue and held his chin up with a finger, "Son, I promise you she won't hurt you again."
"Please, Doctor," he asked, "don't take her away. She is all I have left."
After setting his arm and putting it in a cast, he escorted the young lad to where his mother was standing, a Bretonian Guard on either side of her.
"Doctor," she pleaded, "I need help. Don't take my son away. All we have is each other."
John explained, "Ma'am, it's not up to me at this point. As a physician, I have to report abuse. Now, if you take the help I will arrange, maybe the authorities will be forgiving. I pray that they will."
"What about Simon?" she asked as she cried.
"He will be safe, Ma'am," John reassured her.
With that, she was led off and all evidence turned over to the authorities.
Simon, now like so many other children without parents, was placed with some relatives who were also at Port Jackson. Within a few weeks, his arm would be fully healed and so was his mother. After a hearing, they were re-united.
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Location: Canaria Medical Hospital, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System
It was a very trying time for the Hollidays. While waiting for a treaty signing in Liberty space, the doctor himself became gravely ill, somehow developing an advanced case of pneumonia. Many believed it was the long hours he put in along with his not allowing himself to rest or even eat right even though he preferred the farm fresh food of Rheinland, Kusari and Zoner farmers.
He now found himself resting in one of the very hospital beds that he so often was the doctor over. Realizing he had too much to deal with, he forced himself to resign himself and the Temporary Autonomous Zoners from his hospital bed at which point he was sedated.
His loving wife, Midori, cut her spiritual trip to Stuttgart short to be at his side. With some concerned friends of the doctor, she was found. She sat with him over the next many days, holding his hands, reading to him singing songs in her native language and sometimes talking. The medical staff gave her much room as she herself was completing her training on being a registered nurse so that she could work more with him.
It was even rumored that she scolded him for working to hard.
"How is he?" asked the soft voice of his doctor.
"Resting," she answered with a soft smile.
The doctor nodded and looked over his patient. He then looked to her, "Mrs. Holliday, can I get you anything? Don't end up like him."
"I could use some food," she admitted, "in today's rush, I have not eaten."
"Go and get some food, Mrs. Holliday," the doctor answered, "I'll stay here a bit while you do."
As Midori was about to leave, she then turned, "Doctor, if you could, is there some way we could find his old friend Malcalypse?"
"Ma'am," he replied, "I'll see but I can't promise."
She smiled and left. She would return about an hour later to relieve the doctor and remain at her husband's side.
Location: Canaria Medical Hospital, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System
She felt something strange, as if something was slowly crawling through her hair. It wasn't really moving but slithering in one spot on the left side of her head. Occasionally, it would graze the skin of her face. It wasn't unpleasant but........comforting. The feeling stayed with her for what seemed like forever. She smiled just a little as it's re-assurance was more pleasant. She even moved her head just a little to make it more comfortable.
"Miss Sato," said a soft voice. She ignored it. "Miss Sato," it spoke again slightly louder but still quiet.
"I Mrs. Holliday," she said softly.
After a short silence, she heard it again, "Miss Sato." At this point, she realized she wasn't dreaming and opened her eyes. She gently turned her head over and saw the slithering source, her husband's hand on her head kneading her face and hair with his fingers.
"Dahlin'," he said softly with a soft smile. She smiled back, her head still on the pillow on his leg. Still quite week, he closed his eyes but left his gentle attention to the woman he loved.
Several minutes later, the attending doctor entered and gave a soft greeting, "Good morning, Mrs. Holliday."
She sat up. Even with her hair a mess, she managed a smile and bid him good morning.
"How is he?" he asked her.
"He was awake a few minutes ago but went back to sleep," she answered. She sat up, clutching John's hand, while the doctor examined him. After several minutes, he removed the earpieces of his stethoscope from his ears and began talking to Midori.
"The good new is that things sound much better inside him," he began, "putting him under has been allowing the medicine to work and work it has. Still, he needs several more days of relaxation."
"That is good news," she answered.
"I want to review a few charts," he explained, "I'll be back shortly.
As the doctor left, a well dressed man knocked on the door.
"Mrs. Holliday, I presume?" he asked.
"Hai," she replied.
"I have a message for your husband," he explained, "I know the timing is aweful but someone really wants his dedication and knowledge."
Midori, still bothered by the fact that the constant work load had done this to him, got upset.
"He deal with it when he well enough," she told him, "can you people leave him alone?"
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Holliday," he answered sympatheticaly, "I understand. Please, make sure he gets this."
She snatched it from him disgusted and put it safely inside her kibuki.
The doctor returned and noticed she was visibly annoyed but calm, still sitting with her husband.
"Everything OK?" he asked her.
"Oh, people not leave him alone," she replied in annoyance, "man want him for something but I made him leave."
The doctor thought about what she had just said and remembered passing a well dressed man in the hallway only a few minutes earlier. He described him to her and asked if it was him. She said it. He then called to have the man stopped.
"What this about?" she asked, very confused.
"I'll tell you shortly," he answered.
A meeting took place between the doctor, the well dressed man and Midori. John Holliday's presence was needed elsewhere. Knowing it would take a couple of days to get there, the doctor agreed to allow him to be transported via special medical ship under sedative. Midori, a nurse in training, would monitor him. What made it agreeable for the medical staff was that the medical staff where they were headed would be able to treat John Holliday very well.
After Midori had a shower and a chance to pack a few things, John was loaded into a medical Dromedary. He would be kept asleep during the trip. The Dromedary left Gran Canaria under escort from two Eagle fighters for an undisclosed location. Only the well dressed man, who was also on board, knew where they were headed.
*more to come*
Married to Ambassador John Henry "Doc" Holliday
Location: Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System
It had been several days since Dr. John Holliday returned home from his Corinth meeting, a meeting that his doctor opposed but allowed him to attend. Once home, he was put into his own bed and once again, his doctor sedated him to keep him asleep making twice daily trips to the Estate to monitor him.
Midori was left to care for him, monitoring his fluids and vitals. Slowly, he was improving with each passing day.
She sat at his side, reading, singing and sometimes just talking to him. If it wasn't for the presence of Grady, she would feel totally alone in the big Estate house.
At least once a day, she would also head out to the com room. She knew the one person who should know wasn't anywhere to be found, Doc's old friend, Malcalypse.
"Malcalypse, this is Midori. Please, if you get this, come to Gran Canaria. John has fallen ill and..."
She had to stop to contain herself, fighting back tears. With her face dampened, she forced herself to finish each day. "He is getting better but I'm still scared for him. Please, Mal, come home."
Finishing a cup of tea, she maintained her vigil over her husband, hoping each day would be the day life somewhat returned to normal.
*more to come*
Married to Ambassador John Henry "Doc" Holliday
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Location: Tombstone Estate, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System
After several days of rest, John Holliday finally found himself on his feet for the first time in awhile. Holding on to the door frame of his room, he began slowly making his way towards his master living room in hopes to find someone. His voice wasn't very strong so yelling wasn't an option. He finally found his way to the entry of his master living room. There, he saw Midori sitting and reading a book over a cup of tea.
"Dahlin'" he said the best he could.
Seeing him on his feet, she got to her own and ran over to him, "John, what you doing out of bed?"
He then looked at her as she took a supportive position at his side and smiled, "I'm tired of sleeping."
Slowly, she escorted him to the couch, "so how you feel?"
"I still feel drunk," he replied as she helped him to sit down.
As she poured him a cup of tea, he noticed the book she was reading.
"Of Mice and Men," he read aloud. He then questioned his wife, "I didn't know you liked John Steinbeck?"
She just smiled and handed him his tea.
"Well, while you sleep, I also read Edgar Rice Burroughs," she replied. "So, John, how you feel?"
"Better," replied John, "beat but better."
"Your doctor took you off the fluids this morning," Midori explained, "he think you need to move around."
They sat and talked before finally she got him back to his feet and they walked about the large living room. John began to find his strength as they did. As they walked, the doctor arrived for his check of his patient.
"Well this is a pleasant sight indeed," he said, watching the two walk. Walking over to John, he sat him down to examine him.
"So how do you feel?" he asked.
"Better," he answered, "weak but better."
The doctor spoke as he examined, "you'll get your strength back as you move about but don't push yourself."
He then went silent as he listened to his chest and back via his stethoscope. He nodded as he finished.
"Sounds clear inside," he said, "Try getting yourself somewhat active but nothing strenuous. Hopefully in a few days I can clear you to fly."
"Now," he began, addressing both John and Midori, "John, I want you to consider something. With your past respiratory history, you may want to consider a transplant. Although you are cured of the tuberculosis and the pneumonia, the damage left behind is permanent. With modern surgery and laser cutting tools, recovery time is actually less than what you just went through, considerably less. You don't have to do it but it will make things easier for you. The organs are available."
John paid attention as the doctor spoke and then commented, "Do remember, Sir, I too am a doctor so I know of modern procedures."
"Yes, you are," his doctor replied, "but you are not a respiratory specialist as I am."
"Very well, then. Midori and I will discuss the matter privately," responded John.
With a gentle pat on the back, the doctor left the Estate.
For the time, nothing was said of the transplant potential as John only wanted to spend some time with his wife. He would also do some comm work once his mind was cleared for it.
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Location: Canaria Hospital, Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System
The anesthesia was starting to wear. Slowly, John opened his eyes. The I.V. drip was in his right arm, he could hear the E.K.G. behind him and soft sound of his own breath. Despite the discomfort he was still in, he felt relief in that finally he would put days of pneumonia and the damage done by tuberculosis totally behind him. To him, the discomfort was worth it.
As his eyes focused, he found his beloved wife at his side. Leaning on the side of his bed, his hand in hers, she smiled.
"Konnichiwa, John," she said barely above a whisper, "are you in pain?"
"No," he whispered, "it's discomforting but I feel no pain."
With him awake, she pushed the call button as the surgeon wanted to check him.
Within a few minutes, he arrived and took a seat next to him.
"How do you feel, John, considering what you just went through?" Dr. Andrews asked of his patient.
"I feel no pain," John said softly, "but my chest feels ten feed wide."
Dr. Andrews smiled at the comment, "John, for a few days it will. While transplants are relatively easy now, we still have to open chest cavities which is still work."
Dr. Andrews exposed the skin of his chest. Strangely, the scarring was almost non-existent, as if nothing happened.
"No scar?" asked Midori.
"No scar," smiled Dr. Andrews, "laser cutting tools have all but eliminated them. We can use scalpels and stuff and often do but patients appreciate not wearing the marks."
He then turned to Doc, "John, if you can, take a deep breath."
John did his best, taking a semi-deep breath before discomfort wouldn't let him take more. Listening through his stethoscope, Dr. Andrews listened. After several breaths, the doctor brought the blanket back over his patient.
"Everything sounds good, John," he commented, "very good in fact. I'll be checking on you several times daily. If in a few days things progress to my liking and you feel up to it, I'll send you home to recover there."
Dr. Andrews then stood up and bowed his head to Midori, "Mrs. Holliday, keep watch over him."
"Hai," she answered with a smile as the doctor then turned and left the room.
She then looked at John who had turned his head to look at her.
"I did this for you, Dahlin'," he softly said, "I did this so that we can live healthy, so that we can start the family we want."
A tear fell down her smiling face as she gripped his hand tighter, "I know, John Henry, I know."
With his head still turned to her, his eyes closed as he went back to sleep under the watchful eye of his wife.
![[Image: DocSig.jpg]](http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b204/Beowulf58/Freelancer/DocSig.jpg)
![[Image: 7Md2x4D.png]](https://i.imgur.com/7Md2x4D.png)