Pleasantview Lounge and Cafe

[Doc Holliday]

At a table near a window, John Holliday and Edward Tesh sat over a drink having just finished a meal at Pleasantview. With the ship back in orbit of Gran Canaria, life was somewhat back to normal.

"It's a relief to have you back, John," commented Edward, "we were worried sick. We thought you were captured or worse, dead."
Doc just smiled in a re-assuring way, "No, no, Edward. I had to do that. If anyone on this ship knew where I was and what I was doing, the whole ship and crew would be in jeopardy. I mean, we've seen in the past Corsairs bombing bases on assumption."
"Well," countered Edward, "since you mentioned them, the Corsairs could do that even if none of us really did know anything which we didn't."
"Point taken, Edward," answered Doc with a smile. There was then a brief pause.

"In case you may have forgotten in the course of everything that has gone on, John, Doreen will graduate from Cambridge next month," Edward explained, "we need to decide where to send her for her internship.
"Hm.." Doc nodded as he swallowed a gulp of his brandy, "I didn't forget but I would suggest Canaria Medical so that she doesn't have to raise Benjen on a ship."
"Agreed," responded Edward, himself taking a drink of his Vodka and Tonic.

Again, there was a spot of silence. It was evident that Edward had a concern. Finally, Doc swirled his glass.
"OK, Edward, out with it," he demanded kindly, "I can tell when something is on your mind." Doc then finished his drink and put his glass down as he awaited Edward's answer.
"All right, John, here's my concern. I saw the blood sample and the scanner readings in the laboratory of that woman you spoke to in New York. I oppose cardamine as much as you do but I am worried about the possible consequences of your continued research on the matter. I mean, every Outcast, Rogue, Hacker and Chrysanthemum will hunt you and those you love and associate with."

Doc just smiled reassuredly, "I know that, Edward. Do you seriously think that I would publicize my results? What few I do have aren't that conclusive and without greater help, I may never achieve that. That's why I haven't dealt with that work in some time now."

Edward thought a moment, "When I signed on, I did so because I shared the same vision you do. I still share it. Unlike you, I don't have a, well, violent past and I'm not a fighting man so if you don't mind me saying, I'm a bit scared by those thoughts."

Doc looked at him straight faced, "Edward, so am I."

The two men sat in pause yet again as a second round of drinks arrived. Edward smiled, "So, John, tell me how your time with Midori and Emiko is going........"

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