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After several days, the storms had finally subsided and repairs to the communications and sensory arrays were near completion. Finally, John Holliday was able to visit his prize and review some of the repairs and new crew himself. He attended a review of a few new crewman with Commander Haddock.
The first was an engineer, Edward Sloan. Standing at ease, each man was spoken to by the Commander while John Holliday himself reviewed his records and personal information.
"I heard you are quite good with fusion drive systems, Mr. Sloan," stated the Commander, "you come highly recommended."
"Thank you, Sir," he responded, "it's an honor to be on board."
"Very well then, Mr. Sloan," ordered the Commander with a welcoming hand-shake, "report to engineering once you are dismissed here."
"Yes, Sir," replied Mr. Sloan.
He then spoke to a young man, a former Outcast who just didn't quite "fit in" with them. He simply went by the name Billy.
"I hear you are specialized in emergency medicine and trauma," inquired the Commander with a handshake.
"Yes, Sir, I am," he replied.
"Well, we paid a good deal for those abilities so report to Dr. Tesh upon dismissal," instructed the Commander.
"Yes, Sir," replied Billy.
Once the review was complete, the John Holliday and James Haddock spoke in the Pleasantview Lounge over a drink.
"I want you to keep the ship in 49, James," stated John Holliday, "If the Mollys request assistance, please give it. I also want you to send me every piece of information you have on the Planet Cork disaster."
"Will do, John," replied James.
The two men sat and talked the old days, enjoying some "friend" time, something neither man really had much of.
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The Ambassador arrived in his personal chambers aboard the ship as Dr. Koji Tenaka, Dr. Edward Tesh and Commander Haddock all arrived. When these four men got together, it was usually of great importance.
"I will cut to the chase, Gentlemen," he explained, "I'm sure you have reviewed the files you were sent and the research team we will be a part of."
"I have one minor concern, John," began Dr. Tenaka, "I just hope we aren't being too trusting is all."
"You can rest assure, Koji, that no files of our own work will be accessible unless we allow it. The only information we share is with the group," explained Doc. Dr. Tenaka then nodded his head in understanding.
With no other concerns, he then just got an inquiry of how things were going on the ship.
"Been quiet for the ship crews and all storm damage has been repaired," stated Haddock.
"No major medical issues," added Dr. Tesh.
With that, the brief meeting adjourned and each returned to his post.
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The new robotics and bionics lab was completed. It was the latest addition to his ship and John Holliday was most proud.
"Awesome," he said, "it's just more hope that we can now offer."
As an example, a man entered the lab. His right arm from just below the shoulder was mechanical and full functioning.
The bionics tech began to explain, "This man lost his arm in an accident and has been fitted with this. It is a full functioning bionic arm built of an aluminum alloy frame with a thin titanium skin. It is insulated within the arm so as electrical charges can't travel up and injure or kill the wearer. The nerve endings from his arm are connected to some tiny sensors and connect to a central array. When he makes a movement, it acts as his natural arm would. While not intended as a weapon, it's strength allows it to be one and it can take a beating."
"Very nice work, Sir," said an impressed Doc, "do continue."
"The arm is detacheable, only being able to do so by the wearer AND an associate which the wearer himself authorizes." He then motioned to the man, "as he is a technician, his arm is unique in that it has several built in tools. He can also detach the hand and install another with different tool arrangements or even a custom built attachment. Some tools are powered."
As he explained, the man opened and operated several built-in tools from a basic screw driver to a welding torch.
"So how does it power?" asked Doc.
"It has a small fusion motor in it with an electric back up," he explained, "it has a battery back-up but it's primary source is safely buried in the arm. Only a certified tech can work on it. The only thing he can't do is feel which can make certain tasks difficult as a good tech often relies on a sense of touch."
After watching the man perform some tasks with the arm, Doc walked about the lab with his hands behind his back.
"I am most impressed," he complimented, "well done." He then smirked, "don't let me interrupt your work."
With that, he headed for the bridge where he updated Commander Haddock on the new Virulian Enclave and the potential Gallic threat.
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It was late evening and Doc was in his personal quarters. Twelve hours of emergency surgery and an examination on a young girl afterward had taken it's toll. Still, he sat at his desk watching a video of his examination he had performed on Lydia Minmay. She was a mystery to him and a patient that would be a challenge. But in typical John Holliday fashion, challenges were something he never backed away from.
Sitting over a sandwich and a glass of sparkling water, he watched the video he had taken:
Quote:He begins exploring the many wounds upon her body, "Do you remember how you got these?" as he first touches a couple and then measures them
[4:45:32 PM] Lynn: On the first second your hand touches one of her scars, her tired eyes flashed red. One of her arms grabbed on your hand, the other arm moves in some kind of arc, stopping with her ellbow only seconds from your nose away.
[4:46:19 PM] Lynn: On this moment her eyes blinked and got her old color back. "Wha..." she stumbled, falling back into the bed, her face freezing" Uhn... I... I don?t know why..."
[4:47:00 PM] Lynn: "Do you have... some kind of...binds? I feel... unruly"
[4:48:45 PM] Doc Holliday: Doreen jumps back at what she just saw. Doc only nods as he binds her hands and feet down.
[4:49:00 PM] Doc Holliday: "Did I hurt you?"
[4:50:42 PM] Lynn: "N...no. Just suddenly... It felt like getting drunk and then... getting a hangover right the next moment." she smiles weak. "I felt.. the same with the guards... but not this strong." moving softly against the binds, she nods safe. "I think this will hold... I am not very strong, I am afraid."
[4:56:40 PM] Doc Holliday: He again touches on of the wounds, feeling it's texture, it's shape and figuring out what would make such a mark.
[5:01:24 PM] Lynn: Her eyes are flashing red and blue with every second. A feral growls escapes her mouth but she doesn?t fight against the binds. The scars seemed to be on multiple reasons. One should be from whips, one definitely from a knife, a third one seemed to come from a disease.
[5:02:56 PM] Doc Holliday: He keeps feeling, hoping it releases memories. He asks her loud and clear enough to where she will understand, "Lydia, who do I look like right now?"
[5:05:04 PM] Lynn: "Mask...Enemy...Hurt." she yapped through her teeth."Yellow...Liberty..."
[5:10:50 PM] Doc Holliday: He continues examining the wounds, realizing he is opening mental doors, "What mask? What enemy?"
[5:14:01 PM] Lynn: Slowly her eyes close, her voice darkens "Owner...hurting...badly. Fun. Knife! In Neck! Flee..." her arms running up, trying to rip off the binds so hard, that her wrists start to bleed. "Flee to Hessian! Revenge. Blood! All Over The Place!"
[5:29:57 PM] Doc Holliday: He sees her wrists bleeding and Doreen has a look of fear but continues watching. He goes to her side where they can make eye contact. Again, he examines but looks her in the face at a safe distance, "Where is this happening? Is anyone else with you getting hurt?"
[5:34:47 PM] Lynn: "Malta...Omega...many Omega... last one...others dead... all dead..." The eyes open for only a gap, almost glowing like hot coal "Freedom! New Master!"
[5:38:23 PM] Doc Holliday: He stops and lets her relax, watching her body settle. He walks around to the other side, shaking his head in concern. Although he feels that he did what he must do, he feels a bit of shame. He looks into her eyes, "I'm sorry I had to do that. That wasn't what I planned to do." He the walks a bit from her in thought. Doreen takes her hand in re-assurance. A bit of fear remains in her eyes.
He re-played it several times and began to grow more angry. "Damned my neutrality," he hollered at the screen.
He continued with his video.
Quote:He stops and lets her relax, watching her body settle. He walks around to the other side, shaking his head in concern. Although he feels that he did what he must do, he feels a bit of shame. He looks into her eyes, "I'm sorry I had to do that. That wasn't what I planned to do." He the walks a bit from her in thought. Doreen takes her hand in re-assurance. A bit of fear remains in her eyes.
[5:41:00 PM] Lynn: "N.. no, it is alright... even though... what... happened? I can?t remember a thi..ng..." she smiled to Doreen and pressed her hand gently. "It will get all away, right? It is just a second more..." she closes her eyes, waiting for her psychic hangover to turn away*
[5:44:51 PM] Doc Holliday: Doc turns back. He wants information but doesn't want to resort to the method he just did. He gets quiet, almost as if he's sad. He then takes her hand in his, "I want you to close your eyes. I want you to think. Names? Places? Ships? I want to know who did this to you. You didn't deserve this and none of it is your fault."
[5:48:58 PM] Lynn: Like ordered to, she closes her eyes, concentrating. "Hm... no... nothing. My mind is blank..." she opens her eyes slowly. "I know... I don?t know if I deserve it. Or if it is my fault. It just felt... weird. "Closing her eyes again, she giggles. "I can?t even remember what happend some moments ago... my mind is a mess."
[5:49:49 PM] Doc Holliday: Still clutching her hand, "Do you feel any pain right now?"
[5:52:48 PM] Lynn: "No... the hangover is away... my stomachepain is subdued thanks to the pharmacy... I feel fine, but weak. Dry. Like in a Desert.. whatever that is." *blinking with her eyes, she seemed puzzled* I just knew what it is... but I don?t think I evr saw one."
[5:54:29 PM] Doc Holliday: "I'll be honest," he continues, still comforting her through his personal feeling of guilt, "do you want to see what just happened? It's not easy to watch. I recorded it all for my own records."
[5:57:54 PM] Lynn: "Hmmmh...I think I don?t want to. At least not now.... I want to finish up the examination first..." her hand holds softly on yours, she forces herself to smile" I want to take a bath and then get dressed again...."
After watching and reading, he called down to the hematology lab, "Any results yet on Lydia Minmay?"
"No, Doctor, I won't have anything until morning but I can say this, she has traces of cardamine in her blood, as if she's coming off of an addiction."
"I thought so," replied Doc, "send me the results in the morning. I need to get home to Midori."
He then shut the com link off, grabbed his robes and made his way for a shuttle back to Tombstone.
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Personal Log
I just completed another round of surgery on Nina. That poor girl. I can't imagine what she must have been through. I only hope that when she comes too that she can give me some information. Her worst injuries are fixed and in healing except her eye which the optometrist needs her awake to examine more thoroughly.
I also sent the video of Lydia to "The Doctor" out in Omicron Minor. I'm not sure what to think or do at this point as I'm not versed in mental health, at least, not professionally. I wish I could figure a way to her and whatever it is that causes her so much anguish.
I have also received some 13 or so Gallic Naval and Police pilots all needing medical attention. All received it. Most won't be able to leave for some time but a couple of them have some horrifying tails to tell. I get the impression that they will either die fighting or die in a prison if they don't fight. The more I hear of these Royals, the more I disapprove of their very existence.
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*he sits in his personal chambers aboard ship, filling out his logs and reviewing records before he returns home for the evening*
Personal Log:
Miss Nina continues to improve. I have her eye surgery schedule for the morning by Dr. Helmut Steuben. I take honor that I will be assisting him in this.
I still don't know what to do with Lynn or Lydia or whoever she is. I do know that somehow she ties into Nina but I can't figure it out. If in fact "The Doctor" is right, I may have taken on more than I can handle. For now, I'm just trying to please her somewhat to keep her from causing trouble.
I still don't trust these Gallic Royals who have sought asylum here. The stories they tell are pretty brutal and pretty spectacular but I can't see past the treason that Aurelia DeFrance committed. Until they can offer me something of worth, I keep them under very heavy guard while those who are still hurt recover. I'll have to figure something out though since I can't keep them here forever.
*he sits silently for a moment, in deep thought. An ear to ear smile then grows on his face*
John Henry you are evil. What a great idea! They won't dare cause any trouble there.
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*he sits somewhat distraught in his office and in a very foul mood*
Personal Log:
I have just returned from a trip to Zhukovsky Station in Omega 52. I saved a man's life with a new heart and still I find that I was lied to about him. I guess that is irrelevent. He will live a better life now. I will return to check on him in a few days.
*he shakes his head in disgust*
Damned Bretonian! He got what he deserved!
I have sent all but one of the Gallics to the Kronus colony. The Klingons will be watching them.
*he then smiles*
Poor Gallics! I would not want to be in their shoes right about now.
Lastly, Miss Nina is doing well after eye surgery. I'm sorry I wasn't there for it. Lynn is a bit more managable now that she can visit her "friend."
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He entered his chambers with a sigh, hanging his smock over a chair. He then dropped some folders on his desk. He then walked over to the curtain separating his bed chamber from the main chamber where he found his wife and daughter fast asleep. He smiled, happy that they were spending some time with him there. He went over and gently tucked each one in with a kiss before returning to his desk.
He turned to the bar behind his desk. Taking a glass, he filled it with ice and then some Coalition Vodka. He took a sip as he turned and put it on the desk. He then opened his first folder and sighed.
Patient: Greg Kutchens
Age: 32 years
Profession: Bounty Hunter
Status: Deceased
"Such a shame that some die so young for profit." He quickly reviewed the report and the pictures of what was left of his body. He signed his death certificate, placed it in the file folder and put the whole thing to the side. He would do this with four more folders and death certificates. Once finished, he put the folders in a pile for the next morning. With a sigh, he finished his drink.
Finally, he secured his front door, dimmed the lights and retired for the evening.
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The Meeting
It was the fourth such meeting that Doctor Holliday would conduct with his medical staffs on ship. He expected it would go as the first three, no volunteers and he wouldn't blame them one bit. He met each shift just as they were reporting for their six hour shift. He was dressed in his diplomatic robes. As the shift took their seats, began to pace as he explained what the meeting was about.
"No doubt you have probably heard what this was about from the other rotations but still, I wish to speak with each rotation about this." He paused as he thought, knowing how delicate the issue was. "I have spent tireless hours, days, weeks and months assembling the crew of this ship, assembling the finest medical and research teams that both Sirius and even Gallia has to offer. I have made it a point to take best care of each man and woman aboard ship financially and personally so naturally I don't take it lightly when I ask for volunteers that I have formed close friendships with to undertake a very serious and possibly deadly mission."
He again paused as he looked over the people sitting silently and intently before him, "I cannot make any one of you do this nor will I make you. I won't think any less of anyone for not doing it. If someone or someones decide to do it, they will have my deepest respect." He then sighed as he turned to pace back to where he started,
"I have been asked by some Gallic rebels for medical staff. They have materials and medicines but no trained personnel to administer them. I told them that I would not send anyone aboard this ship to their deaths as no doubt that once the royals find of who you are working for that you would be executed if caught. I have no idea how long an assignment this would be."
He sighed with a short look over his people, "it may be permanent for a host of reasons some of which as you know, are not good."
He then stopped and turned to those gathered before him, "I can offer you nothing for compensation except for maybe sending you off with a large stash of supplies to get you started and transport."
He then sat down in a chair, "Now, the floor is for all of you. If you don't wish to do this, just leave and report to your shift. As I said, no one will say anything regardless of the action you choose."
People rose and began to turn to the doorway when a female's voice was heard, "I will go." All stopped to see who it was.
It was a young female doctor with her stethoscope around her neck. She stood facing her boss.
John Holliday then stood, "Miss Renaude, this is a surprise. You swore not to return to Gallia when you joined us."
"I know what I said, Doctor, but....." she hung her head to contain her sobbing. She looked up with a wet but soft smile, "my people need me. I'm only one doctor, Monsieur, but, it's a start."
"No, Surya," spoke another voice of a man taking a step to her side, "you are not only one."
"Is this what you want, Lawrence?" asked John Holliday, "you do know that you could well rot in Bastille with her if you are ever caught."
He just smiled as he looked over to Surya as he took her hand, "Doctor, I want this. But first..."
He then turned to Surya and took a knee, "I had been waiting for the right time for this but now it can't. I will join you only as your husband. Surya, will you marry me?"
She just shook her head and embraced him. He then looked to his boss, "Doctor Holliday, you can do something for us. Marry us, right here, right now, in front of our peers then send us on our way."
John stood shocked, "if it is what you two want then I will grant it but not before I get some rings to make if official."
Within an hour, rings were found and fitted and the two were married with all supporting documentation. They then packed there belongings to include a large shipment of medical supplies and medicines and were sent to Reunion Station. As good as he felt for the two, he couldn't help but feel guilty that he sent them to their deaths. "But", as his conscious kept saying, "they volunteered." He also left his last order to them, "Stay in touch and love each other eternally."
John Holliday would spend the rest of his day in his chambers, pondering what he had just done.
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"John!" was the anxious voice calling on Doc's com as he was plowing through some paperwork in his chambers. Realizing that he wasn't going to get much of it done, he tossed his pen on his desk and answered the com.
"Yes, Edward, what is it?" he asked with a hint of disgust.
Dr. Tesh's went somber as he spoke, "John, I think you need to get down here." There was a short pause, "it's one of your own."
"I'll be right down," he answered. He made a fast walk to to the docking bay where a TAZ transport had docked. A gurney rolled off through the lock and when John saw who was on it, he could only sigh and feel......distraught.
"I told you, John, that you needed to be here," Edward said putting a hand on his shoulder, "I'll take care of him."
"No," snapped John, "he's one of mine!"
"And that, Doctor, is why you can't think objectively right now," barked Dr. Tesh, "let me handle him. You need to collect yourself."
With that, Doc just stood still as the gurney with Simon Sidhe passed him with a staff tending to him. The transport pilot then approached him.
"Doc, it was someone named Leogere in an Aguilon that did this," he explained, "they docked on Pueblo, destroyed his ship and many of his crew and did it within the No fire zone."
Doc just nodded his acknowledgment. Slowly, he walked away, heading for his chambers. He never made it. About half way, he found a quiet, darker section of the ship where no one was. He stopped, slammed his fists on the beams and leaned on it. It would be a long night for him indeed.
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