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//This is an MFE RP. If someone wants to join in, ASK for an invite. NO FIGHTING!!
There is an old rule somewhere that talks about not dating co-workers. When an organization spends most of existence in space and turnover within the organization is at worst, light, it's a common thing at Med Force Enterprises. Dating, marriages and families are nothing new.
There is also an old rule about medical staff not getting involved with patients. When it happens to the founder of Med Force Enterprises, the rules were changed. While most still don't, it has also become a reality but in very small amounts.
John Holliday spent the last many years as a widower. He managed the day-to-day operations of the enterprise while he had trusted members running departments and bases. By doing so, he was able to raise his remaining two children by his former wife, Midori, Aiko and Henry. He had a third, his eldest daughter Emiko. They hadn't spoken in years when she joined the Chrysanthemums. It was a subject he never spoke of and chose not to.
Aiko and Henry were a joy and had given their blessing to him when he mentioned his engagement. They would soon have a mother figure.
The relationship had begun some 3 years earlier, probably slightly more than. Isabella was a patient. Battered, bloodied, bludgeoned and near death when she arrived at his Baffin facility. A brutal ex-husband and an assault upon her ship left her that way. Had he not been at the facility doing some unplanned work that particular day, she would have been treated and released back to her lifestyle. Who knows what would have happened to her. Somehow though, fate put him there and he saw her through the worst of her injuries but that was a beginning.
As she healed and her confidence buried a shaded past, she worked hard on herself. She healed her body and through physical therapy. She healed her mind, taking that past and turning it into a reason to help others who suffered with mental illness. As she healed, she grew. She was young but John Holliday took notice. Quietly, so did she of him.
He still suffered from the loss of Midori. It plagued him at times. He was still angry with the Bretonian Crown for genocide on Gran Canaria. She learned to soothe his anger, comforting him when he needed it most. He found himself her patient as much as she was his. Together, they healed. Healing turned to friendship. Long walks on a base or a Med Force clinic vessel and at his Erie retreat. After she had become head of mental health, daily board meetings would turn into a lunch meeting or an evening meal. Eventually, he broke his own rules. He had fallen in love with both a patient and a co-worker and he couldn't stop himself.
She was young but mature for her age, smart and beautiful. Half Cretan and half Kusarian, she had a nice mix. It was never a secret that he had a thing for Kusari women and she was no exception. He doesn't remember where they first kissed but it caught them both off guard. Even in love, they knew how to separate their work from relationship. He was, after all, still her boss and he expected much from her professionally as a department head. The only thing he couldn't teach is diplomacy. That is something that is learned.
One kiss turned into another. One date turned to many. Even in their travels, they arranged to meet in space somewhere at a Freeport or wherever. Of course, those kisses finally led to consummating their relationship. Finally, one day, on a Baden Baden beach, he popped the question and she accepted.
It had been 8 months since then and the wedding was planned on Med Force One where the entire Med Force family would gather. Jill Xi would be Isabella's maid of honor while John's son would stand in for him. This is where there life as John and Isabella Holliday would begin.
Isabella smiled as the Silhouette of Medforce came into view. She had been on a Long Tour with her Dromedary and had visited many of her patients over the last weeks. She wanted to make sure that all of them were handed over for the Honeymoon after the Marriage, or were stable enough to be left alone for a couple of weeks. She would smile as she thought about all the good wishes and the couple of hugs she had received when she told her patients the good news. But now she had done everything that was on her list before the wedding and was ready for her big day. As the Dromedary would touch down in the Hangar and she could turn down the engines, the realisation would set in that she would not leave this ship as the same woman that had entered it. She would be Miss Isabella Holiday; no longer would she be Miss Saito. It was a long way for her to this point, but when she looked back then, she would realize that it was all worth it. From all the way back when she had almost died, and John had saved her. To the Day her old Life had ended, and her new had begun. It was a long and Storied life with many adventures. As she walked towards her new life, she would think about all the things that would have never happened if she had not met John Holiday on that fateful day. Her Cat Niki, would rip her out of her train of thought as she would notice how Isa would drift away.
She had many things to do before the wedding today. She had to get her hair done, Makeup, and many other Beauty Programs that would on a normal day be the purest form of Torture for her. But today she wanted to leave her usual Plain and Simple Self Behind. Today, it was okay to be a Princess that would marry her Prince. And so she would smile as she gave her cat a rub between the ears and would start getting the Program done. She knew her Maid of Honor would take care of many things today to make it special. But Isa also intended to give her a hand whenever possible. She didnt wanted to be one of that Spoiled Brides that thought they were the center of the Universe and everything had to revolve around them. Oh no, the Hell would Freeze Over before Isabella Saito would ever let that happen. She would definitely not become a Bridezilla.
In the Last months, she had spent many fun days with Jilla and her Adorable little daughter choosing the things for this event. From the Cake to the Dress, Jill and Anya were with her. And the Little Girl was always a Source of Sunshine and Happiness. Whenever Isa had wanted to give up, and believe me, after the 20th Cake Sample in a Single Day, you also would want to give up, Anya and Jill were there to save Isa from turning Crazy. Well, More Crazy than a Bride already is. Now, Isa was happy that John wanted to delay the Family Planning till after the Wedding. If she would only think about the fact that she had to do all of these Things while Pregnant with a Baby and all under Hormones and the usual pregnancy cravings, then this wedding would have turned out to be a Disaster, or Isa would have landed right in one of the Psyche Wards that she should actually run as the head of Psychology and Mental Health.
But all of these Worries and all of these Fears could now be left behind. It would only be a couple of hours until all of this was over, and she would be Miss Holliday. So Isa would do her best to have a nice time with her Husband. The fact that his Children had accepted her all these months ago was a big relief for her. And by today, she loved the two as if they were her own flesh and blood. To have John´s daughter as one of her Bridesmaids was a wonderful thing. And isa still had to smile as about the Happyness of Aiko when she was allowed to choose the Dresses for the bridesmaids was still putting a smile on Isabella´s face. This Girl would one day be a beautifull Bride on her own Wedding. That was if her daddy would ever give her away and not just chase all the boys away with his Shotgun.
Isa had to chuckle at this thought and would be much Calmer and much happier as she would enter the hairdresser's shop. Just a Couple more hours was the last thing she thought before she tried to relax while her Transformation into a beautiful bride would begin.
// this is the preparation for something which is being combined with the Doc
Somewhere on planet Erie, Marius is setting up another ambush, to another patrol that Liberty decides to send to Erie's wild land, when he receives a message about a rumor that Doc Holliday is preparing his wedding.
"Oh John! Really?" *he thinks* "Let's see if that's really the case!" * he sends a message, to activate a plan ... a plan that has been in preparation for a long time * " It is time for you to pay for your crimes my old friend!"
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This morning was different. Normally, he would go through his medical files for the day's rounds over his coffee. This morning though, he was a nervous groom. Sure, he had been through this once before, but this was different. He was alone getting ready for his ceremony with Isabella. He had no one to help him get ready. Really, he didn't need it. His tailed tuxedo was something he wore often at piano recitals. Today though, it felt different.
Finishing his shower, he started on his first cup of coffee as he paced in his quarters in nothing but a white t-shirt and underwear. He was in thought. Pretty soon, these quarters wouldn't just be his, they would be theirs. A remodel had been finished to accommodate her. He had been through things pretty thoroughly to not live in the past. It was time to move forward. With each slow step in his pacing, he was looking for that thing he might have missed. So far, he saw nothing.
Finishing a cup, he re-filled it but not before he put on his black socks and the shirt for his tuxedo. Again, he paced, deep in thought. Caffeine probably wasn't helping his nerves but, on this day, little would. He was getting married and any groom would be nerves even if it wasn't his first. But that was his thought, it wasn't his first. He thought of the lessons he learned from his marriage to Midori. Ultimately, she still loved him when she left. He had advised her not to have more children after a bad hemorrhage would probably mean death if she tried childbirth again. Her decision to try with another man was her end.
Of course, Doc himself wasn't blameless. Trying to maintain Med Force Enterprises on his own, making trade runs for needed goods and being a diplomat not just for his people but for that of others. He learned from all of this. He now had department heads to run things and he limited diplomacy to Med Force matters only. Naturally, there were some groups he had given up on entirely, the Bretonian Crown being his biggest dislike. "They have much to answer for," he would often tell people. Yes, he took those lessons and applied them accordingly.
He then put on his pants, tucking in the shirt and putting on his belt. He put his coffee down, went to the bathroom mirror and began fixing his hair. He hadn't cut it in awhile but his shoulder length locks were well kept. He looked at himself for a moment. Age was showing on his face. He wondered what she saw in someone old enough to potentially be her father but she told him more than once that it didn't bother her. He didn't doubt is. He finished with his hair, leaving it with a slightly wet look to keep it neat. It was when he left the bathroom and walked by his bed that he noticed something that he had missed.
On his nightstand was a picture of Midori, him and the kids from when they were little. Miidori was holding each of the twins, one in each arm. He picked it up and looked at it. This was his history. This was his family and the mother of his children even if his eldest, Emiko, had no more contact with him. He stared at it.
"Dah'lin," he said to it, "You said that what I am doing will be OK, that I deserve to be happy."
He wrestled with his thoughts. She was his past and his past was something he wanted to leave behind for his new future. Rather than put it away forever, he took it to the wall where pictures of old friends hung. He found a nice spot near his old friend, Wyatt, and hung it there.
"There," he said, "that looks right."
He then re-filled his cup. He had more time to prepare so it would be a bit before his bow tie and coat would go on.
Isabella would smile as she would enjoy the Beauty Program. The Hairdressers and Styleists would do a great job with her Hair Makeup and Nails. In Daily Life, Isa was mostly a plain girl; she did only a little makeup, and her clothes were mostly those of a Bookworm. She liked comfy things that would only needlittle caree or preparation. But for Special Ocasio, ns she would Glamour Upand choosee more Elegant Clothes. And her own Wedding was definitely one of these Special Days. And thankfully, she has little more to do but sit there and let the Professionals do their work. She would enjoy this Beauty Program, and it might be worth it to do such a thing more regularly. After all, she hoped this would have a Effect on John.
Once she was done with her hair and nails, she would get to a Cabin that was reserved for her. There she would find her Wedding Dress and would already be waiting for her. She had chosen a beautiful dress. It could have come right out of a Faritayle Movie, as she had chosen a Soft Fabric with lace all over, she would look great in it. The dress would look flattering on her body without revealing too much. After all, her body was only for John and no one else. Isa had experienced many things in her life, but nothing was so good as to feel the love of John. He would inspire her to be her best self, to expect more of herself, and try to improve. But he also knew when to take it easy and how important it was to relax after long and exhausting days. She knew he had Remodeld there new Shared Apartment, that he made compromises, and even some room for her cat. He knew they would only be a package deal. But he accepted her with all of her flaws and oddities. And this love that he had for her would inspire her; it made her love him back.
She knew he had gone through many things in his life. That he had experienced many Highs and Lows. That he had lost his Wife Midor, and that some part of him still loved her and would always do. But for her, this was okay, she accepted him for who he was and didnt tried to change him. He was who he was,s and that was something that she loved about him. He was a great man, and sheadmiredd how he aspired to bring some Light and Peace into this Dark and Chaotic world. Isabella didn't try to change his past; she wanted to shape the future together with him. She knew that there was a Age Gap between them and that some might see this as a problem. But for her, he was simply the love of her life, and she would enjoy every second and every minute that she had with him, and she would definitely not care about what others thought of this relationship. The fact alone that she wanted to take his Name and become Miss Holiday was a huge sign of Trust from her side. She was married before, and it was Pure Hell on Earth. That she was willing to get married again and that she wanted to take his name was a sign of great trust and great Love. She knew he was nothing like her ex ever was and that he would rather die than raise his hand against her in anger. He had taken away many of her fears over the year and showed her that things that she had believed lost were still a possibility for her.
And while Isabella would get her Beauty Program and get ready for the Big Event, a Elderly Black Man would come close to his door. He would wear a Robe, but couldnt realy Connected to a single Religion. He had a Kind Face that was signed by his long and eventfull Life. And his body and his Posture showed this as well, still he seemed to still be full of Life and Energy. He would knock against it and wait patiently till John would open the door.
Harlen: Good Day Mister Holiday. My name is Harlen, and it is my honor to be your Priest Today. I am here on the wish of Doctor Saito as the Priest from the Church of Deux got delayed by a Severe Dust Storm on Pygar. I am in Charge of the All Faiths Chapel on board the Healing Heart, so I think I can offer you just the Ceremony you and Doctor Saito had wished for. I thought it was just the right thing that I should introduce myself before the Ceremony Takes place. But if you want, we can talk through your wishes again to make sure I won't forget anything Important. After all, this day is for the Bride and her Prince, as Doctor Saito tends to call you.
He spoke with a soft voice that had a little bass in it. It was Clear that this man had seen many things in his Lifetime and that he would have traveled far and wide to collect a wide knowledge that only those could achieve who would be considered to be wise. John would be able to exchange Stories for Days or weeks with this man. And he had somewhat of a calming Presence that would make even the wildest of souls find peace in his company.
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When Harlen arrived, Doc had been playing his piano to relax a bit. It was something he did often to calm his nerves. Music was soothing to him, especially from classic composers. Hearing the door chime, he stopped and was curious.
"I am not expecting anyone," he said to himself as he headed for the door.
He listened as the man introduced himself. When he mentioned the Church of Deux, a light smile appeared.
"The Church of Deux," he said gently. "It is good to hear that that the church is still there."
He then thought a moment. If he was a priest, he would no Latin.
"Bona vespera, Pater. Confido iter tuum tutum fuisse. Hic debebis esse ut Isabella et ego in matrimonium conjungamur.," he said to him shaking his hand. He then invited him in to sit down and discuss the ceremony and offered him a drink.
Harlen was an older man with Dark Skin and a Friendly smile. His face showed the signs of Ageing and the many things that he had seen over the years. His clothing showed many Religious Symbols, but none seemed to dominate the others. He was a friendly man and would walk with the signs of his age. His Back was a bit bent, and he walked slowly and carefully with the care of an old man.
Harlen: Well, my Latin is quite rusty, but thank you, Doctor. As I already mentioned, I am the Priest of the All Faith Chapel on board the Healing Heart. At least as long as my Health Allows it.
He said and would sit down with John, and smiled as he would look a bit relieved to be able to sit. But even when his bones might be old and aching with each step he took, his eyes would still show the fire of a young man. He would have taken the Folder he had with him and would have laid it on the table. He would show him the things he had already discussed with Isabella.
Harlen: Doctor Saito told me that she wanted to have a Simple Wedding, Nothing too Fancy, but still with a Classical Elegance. I think that is something you two have agreed upon? She also told me she would write her own Vow. And that she will walk the Isle alone, after all, her parents are already dead. Now I have heard her Wishes, and I want to see what your plans are for this wedding. I know after all that, this won't be your First Wedding. You're an Experienced man, Mr. Holiday, so if you have a wish for this now, it's your Chance. Isabella told me that she wanted this wedding to be as much a day for you as it is for her. So if you have any last-minute wishes, I'll be all ears. After all, I am just the Emergency Plan.
Meanwhile, Isa would meet with her Maids of Honor and would take a little drink as she was a bit nervous before the Ceremony. Of course, she did leave the alcohol out of the picture today, after all, she didn't want to be drunk on her big day. But a nice Alcohol-Free Cocktail would calm her nerves, and the company of her friends would definitely help a lot too. She would almost be ready for the Ceremony, even when she knew that the time was near had even more Butterflies in her belly. But it was the Good Kind of Nervous, so it wasn't that bad.
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"To a point that is what we agreed upon," he answered. Doc was enjoying Harlen's company. "Simple in terms of vows perhaps but think of where you are and the organization you are visiting. We have about two thousand just on this ship alone. Factor in Med Force Academy nearby and other hospital ships that will send large contingencies here or should I say, have sent."
He paused a moment, "Oh yes, and some invited guests? Neither myself or Isabella will get off without a big party." He put on a shy face. "And I was already told by my senior staff that they were going to go big with this so...."
He went somber for a moment. The comment of not being his first wedding bothered him. He rose to his feet and looked out a window. "I removed the pictures of my late wife but I will always have a place for her." He took a heavy sigh. "Isabella knows this and is OK with it. Somehow, even Midori is." Doc had to be silent on the power of the thrall within Isabella that allowed him to see her one last time.
"Father, just leave it at that."
He turned back around after he took a moment to collect himself. "But we will be fine. I am ready to give my life to her. I trust her. My children love her." He smiled a bit. "Besides, it is time for me to be happy again."
He sat back down before Harlen and shook his head. "I have no special requests of you. I have no prepared vows. They will come off the cuff but from the heart. I have practiced to myself several times what I feel and it comes out differently each time so we will see."
As Harlen rose to meet him, Doc took his hand in both of his own.
"Thank you for what you are doing. The House of Deux will always have a place here."
He released his hand. "If you will excuse me, I have a wedding to get ready for."
Harlen left but not before Doc got him a cart ride. Doc was again alone as he finished getting himself together. His hair had a wet look to it but was well groomed and he was looking in the mirror when he adjusted the bow tie of his tuxedo, complete with tails.
"John Henry Holliday, I hope you know what you are doing."
Harlen would smile kindly at him; it was that smile that priests often had when they spoke to their flock and would show kindness and Empathy. He would let John speak and would give him the chance to get the things of his Soul that would burden him. After all, he had experienced many things in his life already. And Harlen understood this and would not put the finger in a wound that seemed to close slowly.
Harlen: The Heart is still a big mystery to us. Sure, we understand its function and can even repair or replace it when it is damaged. But the Feelings that come from the Heart are one of the Divine Great Riddles that Humanity might never solve. And you're absolutely right that you deserve to be happy again. I lost my Dolores five years ago, and I was never happier than when I was with her. And I am still not at the point where I can love another woman the way she deserves. But I find peace in the knowledge that I will see her again in the Afterlife.
He spoke softly and friendly, and with a Voice, it showed his age but also that he was still a strong man who intended to stay a while longer in this life. He would smile and take a sip of the drink that he had with him in that Flask. Of course, it was not alcohol; instead, it was water. He had Stoped Drinking when he had met his Dolores all these years ago. He would look at John and nod.
Harlen: I am a Priest for all the Religions out there, not just the Church of Deux. But I know enough to make a Ceremony like they do it if that is the Wish. And from what I have spoken with Isabella, she does have similar worries to you. She wants to make you happy and has her worries. But that is something that everyone has on their Wedding Day. The thoughts raise, and you ask yourself, "Do I do the Right thing?" or "Am I able to make my Partner Happy?" Worries like this are absolutely Natural and nothing to be ashamed of.
He said and would slowly get up. He would smile and lay a Hand on John´s shoulder, and would smile gently and softly at him.
Harlen: Worry not too much, Mister Holiday, the Divine have brought you two together. There is a Plan for you, and I am sure that part of the plan is that the two of you will be happy. Trust an old man when I say that Love can solve any problem, no matter how big it might seem.
He smiled as he left for the Church. Meanwhile, Isabella would finish her beauty Program and would also start to slip into a Lovely Dress. She would be sure that John would love to see her in it. But the Closer the wedding came, the more nervous she would be. After all, she loved John with all her heart, but after this day, she would be his wife. That was a big change in her life. Not to mention she would move in with him and would Learn under him. But these were things that would have to wait a bit more, for Today she would hold the wedding, and then they would have a lovely honeymoon ahead of them. So all the other things could wait a bit.
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So Doc was alone again in his quarters. He looked at himself in the mirror as he checked himself over one last time. Wedding time wasn't that far away and he had a walk before him. He chose to walk so as to get his thoughts in order. Satisfied that he was as prepared as he was going to get, he stood in the open doorway to his quarters and looked in one last time. He just sighed.
In a few hours, he would return a married man and with him would be his bride. He had some renovations done so that she would have accommodations as well. She would have her own walk-in closet and the bathroom was modified. The quarters were clean and a new door was in the back wall. Minor things, really, as his quarters were good sized as they once housed four other people. Satisfied, he again sighed. "John Henry, time to head to the lounge."
He used the walk to clear his mind. The crowd was light in the hallways as he had authorized the day off for anyone who wanted to attend the wedding. A skeleton crew was on staff. A few emergency personnel, a light staff to monitor the ICU and other patient areas and of course newborns couldn't be left unattended in the maternity ward. All in all, there were about two thousand people that worked and lived on Med Force One and most of them were at the piano lounge and cafe, a central place where the union would take place. Why not after all as there was food and drink for all, a place for music and a dance floor. It just made sense.
He was about halfway there. The only sound was the sound of his shoes hitting the floor as he walked. He stopped for a moment to look out a window. Passing off in the distance was a Corsair patrol. They weren't interested in the festivities or a late shuttle arriving. He turned and continued his walk. As he got closer, he got a bit more nervous. After all the closer he got, the bigger the reality became. He got close enough to hear guests making their way in. He could hear them but stayed back enough to not see them.
"Doctor Holliday," he heard behind him. He turned to see a security guard.
"Let me take you to where you will wait," he told him. "No crowd."
The guard escorted him through a store room and into where he would await Isabella's arrival. With a nod, the guard left but another voice spoke.
"Yeh didn't think I wosn't gunna show did yeh Lad," spoke a gruff voice. Turning around Doc was talking to his old friend, Grady, who was in a suit.
He took Grady's hand and forearm in his and the two men man hugged. Doc then stood back and nodded.
"You clean up well, Old Friend," Doc told him. "There is hope for gruff old Junker mountain men like yourself after all."
For a few minutes before things started, it was if two teenagers were just having a good time and it was just what Doc's nerves needed.
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