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Upon his arrival to the Sirius sector, Dr. John Henry Holliday had spent considerable time travelling the systems, exploring planets, races, the many clans of the sector and studying old history to catch up on what he had missed since the old Earth date of November, 1887.
Today was no different. It was a perfect day on the Canaria surface and Doc was sitting on a couch in his morning attire, drinking a mug of coffee and reviewing files and history on his com screen. While most homes were highly modernized, Doc's estate house was much a combination of old Earth western ranch style and the many modern conveniences of the day. He had his own landing pad for both his ships, his Borderworlds DL freighter that had served him so faithfully and had brought him his wealth and his luxury yacht which he used for those diplomatic missions he found himself doing more and more of. He even kept a swimming pool for guests that had a retractable roof for use in all weather conditions and of course, he kept shooting ranges to keep sharp.
Away from the house itself was about 500 acres of land, some of it field and some of it woodland. It would remain unspoiled and a safe haven for the many plants and animals of Canaria as well as a small assortment of Gaian wildlife that was brought in to make home there. His "horse" was really a local animal that was as much kept in captivity as it was wild, a Canarian Caballus. A herd of them, in fact, had made his ranch their home.
A short distance from his estate house was also a small temple to the goddess Eris, whom he had accepted into his life. Before Sirius, he never had been a man of faith but after receiving a second chance at life, he figured, "Well, someone is responsible." Besides, chaos and discord was, in the past, a good way to describe his life.
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The estate was in good hands for those long absences that John Henry was known for. Living on the estate was a family of refugees that he had given aid to during one of his trips into Tau space. Mr. Grady McCue, his wife and daughter all lived there. Grady McCue was a former miner for Bretonia mining and metals worker who found themselves stranded at Holman Outpost. He offered everything he had to be taken to safety but John Henry took nothing. Rather, he gave him a chance to live a quiet, easy and more peaceful life as his estate hand. He accepted the job and had a separate home so that the family could have a place of it's own. The McCue's turned out to be more than loyal, hired hands, they also became one of John Henry's most trusted friends.
John Henry was like many other men around Sirius. Traveling and meeting people as much as he did, he had taken to an officer with the Gas Miner's Guild from planet Honshu. Miss Madori Saito was a well educated woman who's father was a Honshu fisherman and her mother was well known for her work in origami. Midori had reached prominence in a very short time within the guild and had become very well known and fairly wealthy for a woman of her stature and age. She was very much into Kusari tradition, often dressing in traditional dresses and had even learned the art of the katana. She was also a very fit woman despite her only being 5'3" tall.
During his many deuterium runs to Honshu, Doc had met her acquaintance on the planet and a good friendship developed. He had even given her rides to and from Gas Miner Naha on occasion as she needed. She found the old westerner to be, well, unique and quite the gentleman. John Henry, after all, had roots from old Earth as a southern gentleman. Midori decided to take some time to "get away from it all" and decided to join Doc on some of his routes. It was an opportunity to see more of Sirius and possibly meet with some of it's other residents. Taking a leave from the guild, she embarked with him.
It would be a trip into Bretonian space that would affect her the most. During a berrilium run from Holman outpost, she saw first hand the take-over of the system by her own people and the heavy damage done in Leeds. She had also seen the refugees left without homes and looking for passage out of the system, often offering everything they owned for passage to safety. At one point, she became horrified and even ashamed. Still, she didn't blame any one person for it, she blamed both houses for what she had seen. Although she would return home on many occasions, it just never felt the same. Her only comfort from it all turned out to be the man she was flying with.
Much to his surprise, she announced one day to John Henry that she had decided to leave the guild and pursue the life style of the Zoner. She had seen enough conflict and wanted to become much the free spirit that he was. With her heavy Kusari accent she said,
"I handed in my resignation and want to be with you."
At first, Doc was surprised but he agreed, "Well, then, I guess my trips won't be so lonely."
She would spend many of his runs with him and get to see just about every part of the sector but it would also not be long before she would eventually settle in at the Tombstone as "lady of the estate." To this point, Mdori and John Henry aren't married but they do have a strong relationship with one another and are committed.
She can be seen around the Tombstone in her traditional dress, even assisting Doc with keeping his routes and affairs in order. Riding on a caballa, she even keeps up with her katana arts.
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On one particular day while John Henry was away on diplomatic business, Midori heard a knock at the front door. With a perplexed look, she walked to the front door and was shocked when she opened the door. Before her stood a very large........humanoid. He was dressed in clothing she had never seen, a suit of armor it appeared and a large robe hung over his shoulders, down his back and stopped just behind his knees. The ridges upon his head were menacing. Unsure of who he was or what his intentions were, she clutched her chest with one hand and with the other, was reaching for an object that wasn't there. Just as she opened her mouth to yell, he spoke.
"Greetings, Miss Sato," said the large humanoid, "I am Commander Matok of the Vor'cha."
"H...h....who?" she muttered, still in shock.
"Commander Matok," he repeated, "one of the Klingons that Doc rescued awhile back?"
She stood still, still lost for words or action, trying to make sense of what was going on. She had heard of his rescue but never heard the details.
"OK, Matok," she said nervously, "is there something I can do for you?" She still stood her distance, unsure of her guest.
"I was hoping the doctor was home," he replied with a smile, "I....take it he isn't."
Midori only shook her head.
"And please, Miss Saito, relax. I am not going to hurt you," continued Matok, "I am indebted to you both."
With a motion, she offered the great warrior a seat, which he accepted.
"A drink perhaps?" she asked, "I have many things."
"No, no," he replied, "I will not be here long."
The two sat and chatted. For Midori, it was morning tea for her. Now that she had access to it, she had developed a liking of Bretonian tea.
"Interesting," commented Matok, "a Kusari woman drinking Bretonian tea when the two houses are at war."
She took another sip of her tea and as she put the cup down replied, "I only read of the war living on Honshu, seeing passing warships on their way to the Tau systems. Now, I don't see any of it and that is fine."
She again sipped her tea.
The old warrior just looked at her and could sense her frustration for he himself had spent most of his life in war. Now, a non-human in a world where the only other aliens were Nomads, he found himself a spectator of war. It did have a different look from the sidelines. As he thought, Midori tried to read his face.
"You are.........saddened?" she inquired.
Matok sat up straight, "No!" he bellowed. "Klingons are never sad. For us it is a sign of fear and fear is to bring dishonor to oneself."
Then he sat again quietly, still thinking. Noticing Midori still looking at him, he quietly said to her, "Yes."
She came up beside him and put a forearm over his upper back, "there is no shame in sadness. It is new to you, yes?"
He could only nod.
"Tell me about her," she insisted, sipping on her tea. "I will listen."
After a brief silence, Matok began a walk through memory lane.
"Her name was Verell and she was to be my wife. She was powerful and came from a well known house and she was also a very good scientist as well as a warrior. Anyway, she was on one of the ships that were destroyed in the battle that got us here. I saw it explode, killing all aboard, even though she put up a good fight."
"It not your fault," a gentle Midori replied with her accent. She then pointed at the center of his chest, "She live there, with you."
"Yes," was all he replied. Then, without another word on the matter, he stood up.
"Do you know when he will be back," he asked.
"I don't know," she answered.
"Well, if you would, tell him my crew and I will be off training in the Omicron Delta sector," he asked.
"I will tell him," she answered with a smile. "Commander......"
She was trying to bid him a fairwell and good luck in his tongue. She had heard Doc say it but she was tongue tied.
"kaaay....kaaay..."
"qa'plAH!" shot Matok with a chuckle. "Is that what you were trying to say?"
"Yes," she smiled, "qa'plAH!" With that, he walked away, the whole time she watched finishing her tea.
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Slight Adult Content
The Canarian night was pleasant and peaceful. The whole countryside was alive with singing crickets and the stars shown brightly in the clear, cool sky. John Henry sat shirtless on a throw rug on the deck of his estate. He was quite worn and tired from a trade run and presentation to the Zoner Council. Behind him, sitting on her knees, her shirt open in the front and showing her naked body, was Midori, the new love of his life, giving him a full shoulder and back rub that she had become so good at in the old Kusari traditions. The conversation was kept low as they both enjoyed the quiet night but more importantly, each other.
"So how was your first day with the Council?" she quietly asked.
"Busy. Very busy," John replied, "and so much work to do." He paused long as she worked his upper back, loosening several days work. She then instructed him to lay flat on his stomach, which he did willingly. She then continued, working on his lower back.
"Darling, you make me forget work entirely when you treat me like this," John said to her as he lay. Midori only chuckled in response.
"I think my only regret is that you are hear alone so much when I'm away," he said softly.
"Well, I have been doing some work out here for the Gas Miner's Guild," she replied.
"Really?'' replied a surprised John Henry.
"Yes, really," she answered, "just some records keeping and such and I still get paid what I was before."
"Very good, Darling. Very good," replied John.
For the next many minutes, there was no talk as Midori finished rubbing out many days worth of work from the man she found herself falling in love with. But, in as much as she loved him, she felt shame in wanting to ask for help. As she finished, the doctor could sense it. Gently, he rolled over beneath her to face her.
"Something is bothering you, Darling. Out with it," he kindly insisted.
She stood up and turned away, nervous. Her upbringing was coaxing her not to ask. She was taught that she was to be subservent to a man....and this was against that upbringing. John Henry stood up, approached her and turned her towards him. When she wouldn't look him in the face, he took a finger under her chin and lifted her eyes to his.
"You know you can ask me anything, Midori," he assured her.
"I want a ship of my own," she said in a shameful tone, "one that I can do some business in myself but..."
She then went silent, ashamed of herself. Still, John Henry wouldn't let her go. He then looked her in the face and with a smile just said, "If you need some help, I'll buy you one."
She looked into his face and quietly asked, "Really? You will do this for me?" John only nodded his approval. Midori then put her arms around him and hugged him, to which he did the same in return. After they seperated, she looked up to him smiling and gave a quiet, "thank you."
Under the cover of the starry night, they kissed.
As it was getting late, he looked into her face again and said, "we'll discuss it more tomorrow." Together, arm in arm, they went in to retire for the evening.
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A rainy stretch of days was upon the Estate and the continent on which it was built which gave the good doctor a chance to catch up on a few things. Some diplomatic issues after a recent Zoner and Corsair engagement was at the forefront. Fortunately, cooler head prevailed and for the time, things were normal. He had also addressed issues with the Zoner Council and made some private com messages with his friend and superior, Malcalypse.
Grady McCue, his hired hand, was holding down the ranch portion of the estate in the doctor's absence. The two men spoke often and at this point, the doctor had pretty much given control of the ranch to him. Still, Grady knew his place and didn't abuse his power and always maintained a high level of respect for his friend and boss.
Doc's mind was drifting as he stood in front of a sliding glass door, looking through the rain into a line of trees in the distance and sipping on a cup of coffee. His thoughts were with Midori, who was for the time, stuck on Shasta in the Baffin system. For a new pilot, it was a treacherous place to fly with ice and debris and what was worse, Bretonian patrols were for more of a threat to a Kusari woman who would make the attempt to fly through alone for the sole purpose of getting home. Also of concern was how she would be treated by Molly or Corsair patrols. A lightly armed Rhino was no match for any of them.
"I should never have let her go about this alone," he muttered to himself, "never!" Normally, he would let his temper show at his own poor judgement but he had already vented enough after the destruction of the Vor'cha. He just sighed and continued sipping his coffee. As he turned away, his eyes met a picture on his wall, a picture of Midori herself in her traditional Kusari dress. He just stared and managed a light smile.
"Miss Midori, you truly are a sight for sore eyes," he commented. After a few minutes of staring, the doctor made his way to his com panel and again attempted to communicate with her. Again, the transmission couldn't get through. The weather and strong ion activities didn't allow. Again he sighed in frustration.
"Miss Midori," he said softly out loud, "I do hope you are OK today."
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The storms around Sirius subsided and Midori was ready to head home. As fortune would have it, Malcalypse happened to be nearby to give her escort to Gran Canaria. It wasn't her piloting that concerned her as much as it was how the Corsair patrols and the Bretonian Crown would treat a Kusari woman, even if she was the lady of an Ambassador. The trip went uneventful and she soon found herself in the arms of the man she loved, Dr. John Henry Holliday. Having spent a good deal of time apart and both working, they took a weekend with themselves. With the recent aquisition of more land for the estate that included an old style cabin by a lake accessible only by caballa, they headed off.
The first day of the long weekend was cloudy and rainy. Still, the fog left by the weather over the calm lake was mesmorizing. With the warm waters and isolation, they dropped their garments before each other and took a long swim. They never were more than an arms reach apart.
Together, they would make a second home of the old western style cabin. Midori complemented the old west appeal with some Kusari charm, making curtains and burning Buddhist incense inside. A wood stove kept the chills out with Doc going out to cut and split enough wood to last for several days. Meals were prepared on the stove top in old west style and again, Midori would supplement that with Kusari herbs and cooking methods. And, when the day was done and the night had fallen, two oil lamps would light the small house as they sat together, cuddled on a small sofa.
"Was this how it was for you long ago?" inquired Midori, digging into his old Earth past.
"Unfortunately not," he answered. "Back then, the humidity would have killed me. It is why I left Georgia for the American Southwest and even then, I was always on the move. Remember, I followed my work with the law for a time or wherever the cards took me."
He then looked into Midori's face, "I'm guessing Honshu has such opportunities?"
"Yah, they do," she answered, "although this is a first for me. Kusari tradition would require us to share this with all family if it were on Honshu and that would spoil the charm."
Doc paused a moment in thought. Midori, ever conscience of shaming him, asked "What the matter? Did I say something wrong?"
Sensing her nervousness, he drew her closer, smiled a bit and said, "Oh no, no. You speak of family. It's not something I had much of nor cared much about. Then again, my lifestyle forbade it. Still, it's not something I think much about."
"You not like family much?" carefully asked Midori.
"No, Midori, it's not like that at all. It's just not been something I've thought much about. In time, perhaps but not right away," he explained.
"In time?" she asked quietly.
"Yes, in time" he reassured just as quietly, following with a kiss.
Midori then stood up and held her hand out with a smile.
"Come!" she insisted, motioning for Doc to get up from the sofa. He did so and followed her out into the moonlit night. Outside the door, with only the moon to reveal sillouettes, she again dropped her robes, leaving the outline of her curves before the doctor to examine, which he did. Before he could kiss her, she scooted away and jumped into the calm water of the lake. After a laugh, Doc followed suit and jumped in after her. They would spend many a weekend just enjoying each other's company.
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Life continued on for John Holliday having just returned from a iridium run from Omicron Delta. Entering his Estate house, he closed the front door and as he hung his trench coat on a hook by the door, he began calling for Midori.
"Midori, Dahlin," he shouted, "I'm home." He stood for a moment awaiting her reply but there was none. Confused, he headed to the "Wild West" room of the house and called again for her but still, no answer.
He just shrugged, figuring she had ventured off somewhere and went to check his messages in his office.
An incoming message from Midori answered his question. She was visiting her parents on Honshu and would be away for a few days. She was also visiting old friends she once worked with and began working on her life as a Zoner. With a kiss and smile, she ended her message with, "Love you, Baby. See you soon."
No messages of great importance crossed him. He cast his votes for some Council issues and replied to a request from of all things, Harvesters. Included in his messages was an encrypted message from Gallia. Securing the door of his office, he listened to it carefully. By the time it ended, he was smiling. Under his breath, he said, "things are falling into place."
Satisfied, he left his office to find his friend, Grady McCue, standing at the front door. With a smile and a handshake, he greeted him.
"Nice to see you, Grady. I trust you and the family are well," Doc inquired.
"Very much so, Lad," replied Grady. "While you were away, these came for you." Grady then produced two large envelopes and handed them to the good doctor. "Nothing bad I hope," asked a very curious Grady.
Doc opened the first envelope and found what he had been waiting for from Cambridge. Not only was he a dentist but he now had his certification as a medical doctor. He held the papers up and waved them a bit and with a smile said, "Grady, with these, I can now treat the many clients I see all over Sirius...and beyond...with full medical."
"Well congratulations, Doctor," responded Grady, "all those late hours finally paid off." He then got serious for a moment, "You know, a lot of refugees could use someone like you to help them."
Doc then placed a hand on Grady's shoulder and with a rub of approval, "I do when circumstance allows. I do it for many. Remember, I long ago took an oath to save lives."
The Doctor then placed the envelope on a table and opened the other one. Again, a smile crossed his face.
"Grady, you have a lot more land to watch over now," he announced, "The Estate is now 5,000 acres in size."
"I welcome the work," Grady replied, "let us drink to it."
"You, Sir, will get no argument from me," replied an approving John Holliday.
He then grabbed two shot glasses and a bottle of his finest whiskey and poured each man a drink.
Then they raised their glasses.
"To the Tombstone Estate," declared Doc, "may it continue to grow and prosper."
"And to you, John Holliday M.D. as well as D.D.S.," declared Grady. With a clink of their glasses, they drank.
"Grady, I think we should mount up and go check out our new grounds," declared the doctor.
"I agree, Lad," approved Grady.
With that, Doc got into his riding attire and headed to the stable where Grady had two caballas mounted and ready for riding.
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Location: Gran Canaria, Omega 49.
The Canarian night was pleasant and peaceful as the good doctor sat on his deck with a drink in hand. The sound of crickets filled the night sky and the distant howl of wild dogs could be heard. "Such creatures of beauty," he thought to himself. Doc smiled, knowing that they were protected on his lands.
Grady as usual was with his family in his own home. The only evidence of the McCue family being a light coming through a house window far off in the distance.
For his own estate, John Henry was alone as his beloved Midori was out working on her standing amongst the Zoners. Earlier in the evening they had spoken over the com. She looked beautiful even in a pilot's suit with her long black hair flowing over her shoulders. For this night, she called in from Planet Houston in Liberty space after a long trip from the Sigma 17 system.
"I promise I be home soon," she told him with a smile.
"Take your time, dahlin'," he answered, "I know how much work it is. Just be safe." With a blown kiss, a smile and a wave, she logged off. Doc felt good about where she was as she was amongst some old friends on Houston, a small group of Klingon mercenaries who made there home there.
He had a rule that once the work day was done, he stopped thinking about it after that. As time went on though, he realized that a diplomat's work is never done. There is always something needing attention to whether it be another council vote or dealing with other diplomats. He often said to himself, "How Mal juggled that work load before me......." This night was different as some of the issues before him troubled him.
A report he had received from Commander Matok was both an unpleasant surprise and disturbing. Earlier that day, Matok confronted some Bowex personel as the referred to Doc's home planet of Gran Canaria as Planet Sydney. Many Zoners had already resided on the planet as did a bulk of the Klingon population that he had rescued long ago. They had their own colony well south of the Tombstone Estate. From time to time, he would visit his old friends to see how they were doing but respected their privacy. Still, the more he thought about Bretonian imperialism and there expansion, the more he irate he would gate. For many Zoners, the annexation of their planet Erie in the Pennsylvania system by the Liberty government was still very fresh.
Also concerning him was a report from his beloved Midori. A group had an "interest" in her but not in a personal way as he could tell. He knew little about them except that they hated by many. Not knowing who they really were, he kept quiet on it as they had indirectly offered support for her. Besides, Midori was a very capable woman and knew Sirius better than he did.
He also had much reason to celebrate. He was now certified as a medical doctor as well as a dentist and his estate plans were going well. Wanting to use his know how to help beyond humans, he had approval to place Gaian wildlife on his estate ranch and accordingly, began the effort to expand his ranch from 5,000 to 10,000 acres. It would also mean hiring another hand which he didn't mind doing. Grady McCue's family was proof that hiring on a refugee family was a worthwhile investment and he had made plans to hire another. After all, 5,000 acres was alot for his current staff to handle without Doc around and 10,000 would be even more difficult.
For a moment, Doc closed his eyes to clear his thoughts. Once re-opened, he found himself at peace to continue enjoying his evening.
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Location: Planet Denver, Colorado system, Liberty space
John Holliday was dressed in his best suit as he sat in the luxury restaraunt on Denver's capital city. It was a common yet professional attire as he so often wore in public. He knew that Midori would arrive at any time and as well as he knew her, he was still nervous. In the course of a few minutes, he pulled out his gold pocket watch at least a dozen times to check the time. As he put it away the last time, he saw her at the hostess podium.
Seeing her, he stood up to seat her but had the chance to watch her walk towards him. She was in a white and red traditional dress that was cut just a couple of inches to the floor. While the dress flowed elegantly from the waist down, it showed off her well proportioned figure as well. Her long, black hair flowed over her shoulders and her sweet smile could have lit a dark room. A red chryanthemum showed through her hair, the stem tucked over her left ear. Mesmorized by her shear beauty, he never paid much attention to the many male patrons who eyed her as she walked in.
"Konnichiwa, Sweetheart," she said as she walked up to him and gave him a hug. As they seperated, he just held her hand and scanned her up and down, "just let me admire you for a moment, Dahlin'. You are absolutely radiant tonight." Before he sat her down, he kissed her hand like a chivalrous knight.
"I have so missed you, Dahlin'," he said as the waitress came to the table.
"May I start you with a drink, Ma'am?" she asked Midori.
"Yes, I start with some sparkling water, please," she requested through her smile.
"And you, Sir?" the waitress asked.
"I'll have the same," he answered. The waitress nodded with an "OK" and left to get their drinks.
The doctor and Midori took each other's hands on the table as they began to chat.
"So how was your trip here?" she asked.
"Not bad I guess, considering the pirates in California," he replied, "they remind me of why I usually avoid Liberty space." He then returned the question, "And how have your efforts been going?"
"Lot of work," she answered, "I hope it doesn't go on too much longer."
"I know the feeling," Doc responded immediately, remember the harrowing journey he took to get in good amongst fellow Zoners. "I just hope that you didn't have to deal with many pirates."
"No, no," she answered, "I ran into one but he was quite polite."
Doc just looked at her with a "you've got to be kidding me look" when she said that.
"Polite?" he asked.
"Yes, polite," she answered.
"And where was this polite pirate?" he asked.
"Texas system," she said, "he was a Rogue I think. Yes, he was a Rogue."
"Well, Dahlin', every Rogue I encounter in Liberty wants tax, even though I've never bothered them."
"That because you not a woman," shot back Midori with a grin.
He then just put his hands out to his sides and up and jokingly sneared, "because you're not a woman. Go figure." Then he got serious.
"That could also be your undoing so do be careful," he finished.
Then, the drinks arrived and after a quick glance at the menu, orders were placed. Doc ordered himself a medium cooked t-bone steak with all the fixings and Midori ordered up a plate of fish. As they waited, the continued chatting away.
"Did you ever hear back from that Outcast you told me about?" inquired Doc.
"No," she answered, "haven't seen him since. He said they have interest in me but he not harm me," she explained.
Doc just nodded and closed the subject with, "Lets keep this quiet. Even a friend amongst what many consider the enemy can be quite helpful."
"How about the situation on Canaria?" asked Midori, "the one involving Bretonia?"
"I'm still trying to make sense of it," was the answer. "For now, I wouldn't concern myself with it."
The restaraunt was a buzz with chatting patrons and soft dinner music being played by a live orchestra towards the back. Over their meal, they enjoyed each other's company and chatted even after the food was concerned. They then toasted each other with a glass of Gallic wine. It was expensive and hard to get but it was available.
"The Gallic Royals are good for something I guess," sneared Doc, his dislike of the Royals quite evident.
"John, behave yourself!" she ordered.
After a couple of dances and settling the bill, they left arm in arm for one of the fine hotels on Denver. Doc had reserved a luxury suite and requested solitude. As the door closed from them entering the room, the "Do Not Disturb" sign was hung on the door and it locked shut.
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Location: Tombstone Estate
Planet Gran Canaria, Omega 49 System.
John Holliday returned home after a lengthy trip of business and diplomacy, all which were a success in his mind. Joining several Zoners in a convoy of peaceful protest, they occupied Newark station in New York space to protest an illegal bounty in which others from different factions joined. Ian Collard, the Interspace Commerce administrator got the point and all went home peacefully.
While there, John also spent a couple of days vacationing with Midori on planet Denver. He hated spending days apart with her but he knew in the end it was for the best. She vowed the Zoner's life and swore to complete her quest in becoming one. He respected her wishes and didn't fight it. She told him to continue his business, go home and await her return. She swore it would be worth his wait and he in return swore the same. They both knew that there word was law when given and respected it.
"I have work to do, John," she said with a kiss and a hug as she opened the door to her Eagle, "and so do you. I will see you soon. Do not worry about me."
"I always will worry, Midori," he responded, "It would be inhuman of me not too."
With a final kiss, she put on her helmet, closed the door and began her launching sequence. With a finger tip wave and a smile, she headed out to continue her quest.
On the Estate, he received word that his final land purchase was finalized. His Estate now was 10,000 acres, all of which he declared protected. The wildlife of Canaria flourished and the shipment of Gaian wildlife he had brought in also flourished. It wasn't uncommon for him to mount up a caballa, ride out amongst it and just sit, often sipping on a thermos of coffee as he watched with a smile. It was these moments that he felt at peace. It was then he also realized just how big his estate was as he couldn't see across it.
He also had a guest staying on the Estate at his invite. He checked in on the guest to see that all was well...and it was. The guest house was well equipped with a com center and was well covered in a grove of trees. For the most part, Doc left him alone and did not reveal to anyone else of his presence, to include Grady, who was told to leave him be.
Returning after a day of riding, he then focused on what concerned him most for the time. Looking skyward from a chair on his deck, he scoffed.
"Damned expansionists," he grumbled, "No way do you take this place from us....from me."
Of course, no news was often good news and no new news had come across regarding Bretonia's expansion into Omega 49 to annex the planet. He only knew that Bowex ships continued bringing refugees and there was few ships around to stop them.....at least for now. He felt comfortable knowing that sentiments from other groups for the Zoners was gaining momentum and that they would not be alone. After all, smatterings of other groups made there homes on Canaria as well, to include some 300 Klingons who had no home. There were others as well, many others.
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