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One wouldn't recognize him from the once great man that John Holliday was. His departure from the Temporary Autonomous Zoners, a sense of failure to his old fallen friend, Malaclypse, his wife deceased, his children now managing for themselves, a love lost and a some poor decision making was nothing of the John of old.
For the moment, he was just off the shore in a canoe fishing. His hair was down his back and unwashed, a loose shirt, opened up the middle, revealed his still fit body but the pipe in his mouth demonstrated an old habit returned. He live alone, secluded in the Erie escape cabin that had for the most part become his permanent home. For all that was visibly wrong, he was at peace.
The Corsairs weren't threatening him, his people or his operation anymore. The SCRA wasn't meddling with the excuse of "protecting civilians" either. He no longer had to hide his hatred of the evil Cardamine and tolerate the Outcast. Lastly, considering no one knew where he was hiding, he didn't have to answer to governments.
One thing he still had was his edge. He still drew a quick gun and kept plenty on hand. He still kept a boot knife accessible and some felt him to be quicker with it than his gun. His witticism? Second to none!
Still, he was alone. He hid his depression well. He had his two horses, George and Gracie, when he needed conversation.
After catching several trout, he came into shore, tied his canoe to the dock and headed to the cabin to clean his fish. What would this day hold? Even he didn't know.
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It was a new morning. Like other days, the day before was largely uneventful. It was an overcast day and as Doc was set for food and wood, he opted to catch up on other things as the rains would arrive. Checking his com link, he found an old friend calling from the Omicron system.
Dear Dr. John Henry Holliday,
It has been a long time since I had the chance to meet you.
I must confess that my life I've been pretty disorganized during the last years but I am now back in business in Sirius.
Recently, I've participated to the creation of a new zoner society in omicron-74, we call ourselves the Zoner Consensus. You might recognize our ships in space thanks to their identification sign >Z|.
Basically, our primary goal is to improve the welfare of human beings in Sirius. To reach this goal we are taking several actions :
1. Develop and spread knowledge necessary to transform our societies into an improved society regarding the welfare of people
2. Help the people in need through humanitarian projects: providing food and other essential goods, health care, basic education, etc.
If you are interested you will find a more complete description here.
The reason why I am contacting you today is that we would like to establish a partnership with Med Force Enterprises. While it is obvious you have a greater expertise in medicine, we could provide logistic support (transports of goods and persons) and share results of research activities in the field of medicine (physiology, psychology, epidemiology, toxicology, etc.)
We hope we will hear soon from you and be able to collaborate with Med Force Enterprises.
Sincerely,
Dankien Moebus
He sat back for a moment with his coffee. "Dankien Moebus," he said under his breath, "The Zoner Consensus.......that's new."
As he sat back with the message on screen, he remembered all the turmoil from the Omicrons. Miguel Sephardi wanting Freeport 9 for the Corsairs and the constant battles between them and the Outcasts. The very thought actually turned him off.
He also thought of where he was now. While this little bit of lakeside heaven was secluded and wonderful, he was, after all, a doctor and scientist. One couldn't wallow in self pity forever.
"Perhaps Mr. Moebus would like to visit for a chat," he commented under his breath.
Standing up, he stood in the doorway and looked out over the lake. Even rainy days here were beautiful. But, as he told himself, one can't hide forever. He would later send a reply to Dankien Moebus.
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Rainy days were often productive days as Doc took refuge in his cabin with a beverage and medical records. It was beginning to be evident that it was time to return to his work. Even he wondered how long he could sit alone, avoiding the universe and holding off insanity if he stayed alone for too long. Gone was Midori, gone was Ashley and his kids could use Dad closer.
Dankien Moebus wanted to meet. It sounded like a new opportunity, a chance to be relevant again. Most recently, his services were requested by Geoffrey Enfield. And who knows, maybe there was "someone" for him out there. His mind a whirlwind of thoughts, he stood up. A glass of Scotch in hand, he walked out to his deck and stood, looking out over the lake that was his refuge.
The sound of the rain on the roof was peaceful. He closed his eyes as he took a deep breath and thought. His old friend, Wyatt, came to mind. He too walked away from what he was good at but found his recall...and that special someone as a result. Those thoughts flooded him. Exhaling, he would open his eyes, give a light smile and say, "Damn you, Wyatt."
Finishing his drink, he headed in. He had packing to do.
After a quick preparation, Dankien is on his way to Liberty with a gunboat.
To Corinth Research Station he said: "I am leaving your space, I am going to Omicron-theta jump-hole. Over"
Damned, I thought he was on Planet Gran Canaria... Planet Erie, that's quite a different destination. I am even not sure to remember the last time I came to Liberty...I hope the jump-holes are still in the same places, I don't want to explore the entire omega again.
During the trip to Liberty, Dankien made some new contacts with various parties regarding possible contribution to humanitarian projects. It's good to be involved and to help these people, but soon we will need to have our own projects if we want to make the difference.
There is so much work to do with the zoner Consensus, we are still emerging and developing our organization. I hope they won't need me for the next few days. At the same time, he is keeps on discussing with his new colleagues about the organizations. While there is an idea for a global consensus it is not clear how the divisions can remain independent without affecting the global coherence of the faction.
Finally, arriving in orbit of Planet Erie, Dankien thinks: At last, I arrive! I hope I won't have difficulty to find Doc. After landing, Dankien parks the gunboat in a hangar and rent if for a week. Now, let's find a shuttle to Bristol and talk to Skip.
Some hours after, Dankien is traveling through the country, admiring the landscape. Finally he arrived to Bristol. After a few hesitations, he found the trading post and hopefully Skip is there and ready to drive Dankien. At the end of the day, both reach the cabin of Doc Holliday.
Wow, that's a quiet and secret place for sure!
Dankien warmly thanks Skip for his help and looks for Doc around, feeling excited to meet him again.
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The two men entered Doc's cabin.
"Doc," yelled Skip, "where you at?"
He came down stairs where he was doing some packing. He didn't even have the chance to button his shirt. After all, visitors were rare so he it was usually something of importance.
With him was Dankien. He shook his old friend's hand as he greeted him, "It's been too long. It's good to see you again."
Skip excused himself, "Doc, I need to get back so I'll leave you two men to your business."
Doc gave him the tour of his home. It was of old world style. It was a log house with a great view of the water and distant mountains. Not far was a horse stable and off in the distance, in a small clearing was a shuttle.
"That, Dankien, is all I have for coms," he explained, "It's a low band but connecting with Skip's base, I can get through to most people."
With that, Doc offered him a drink.
"It'll get dark soon," he explained, "you can stay here if you like. At least stay for dinner. I'll be cooking some trout in a bit."
Getting him a drink and one for himself, the two men sat in his living room.
He sighed, "I'm sorry you found me in this state," he explained, "I needed some time away from it all. A lot of things were of my own doing. I'm a physician and I was trying to do that, lead TAZ and try making everyone get along. In all of that, I forgot about family. I blame no one but me and now......" He sighed again and finished, "I'm paying for it. I have a beautiful place to hide whenever I want but I'm totally alone."
He sipped his drink, "So the Zoner Consensus is it? I read a little on it. You have my attention and I'm listening."
Dankien is surprised by the appearance of Doc Holliday. Thinking: That does not fit with my last memories, he must has been through hard times ... or is it simply because he is in his cabin?
Dankien keeps smiling trying to not pay attention to the look of Doc Holliday. "It's been too long. It's good to see you again."
"Definitively... It's really good to see you today."
While Doc Holliday shows him the place, Dankien says: "Stations are more comfortable every day, but I fear they will never replace living on a planet. Like you proposed, I would be happy to stay at least one day.
With that, Doc offered him a drink.
"I drink to this reunion. Cheers!"
"I'm sorry you found me in this state," he explained, "I needed some time away from it all. A lot of things were of my own doing. I'm a physician and I was trying to do that, lead TAZ and try making everyone get along. In all of that, I forgot about family. I blame no one but me and now......" He sighed again and finished, "I'm paying for it. I have a beautiful place to hide whenever I want but I'm totally alone."
"No need to apologize, I must confess you surprised me at first but I don't mind about appearances, I am more interested in acts and opinions. Actually, I wish I can help you to feel better.
"So let's talk about this new Zoner Consensus.
Well... the main idea is to help the humankind to evolve to a new state of welfare.
So the goal is colossal and it will require a lot time and efforts but we, I mean a few other zoners and I, felt we should still try it.
We have seen the pain, the distress and the suffering all around Sirius. And we believe it's a non-sense.
Why would we be able to create spaceships to fly across the universe, develop technologies to overcome all kind of problems but remain helpless about bringing welfare to all? hum? I cannot accept answers such as: "it is the economic system, it must be like that, we don't have other choices.
Of course I don't have answers now, but we decided to create the Outer Rim University to look for future solutions. We are now recruiting professors and researchers to develop a new social and economic system that would benefit equally to all. We know that even when we will have a suitable solution to propose to the rest of Sirius, there will be huge resistance because some will probably have to loose part of their wealth so the other can live in better conditions. So we will also have to find a way to bring a peaceful transition. We really don't want a bloody revolution.
But... this is the very long term goal, and it is probable that we will never see the result in this lifetime. And this bring us to the second goal of the Zoner Consensus.
Since it will take time before the transition to this brave new society is completed, we have to help the people in need now. And this is why we funded The Seraphim in reference to these super-angels helping the humans in some of the old-earth religions. So the objectives of the Seraphim are to support existing humanitarian projects and to propose new ones where needed. Once again, the task is huge but we have already a few motivated people working on it, new recruits are coming every week and with some sense of organization and priorities, I am pretty sure we can achieve something that will the difference.
Probably soon or later, we will create other sub-organization to solve other type of problems, we feel like a flexible organization.
So basically, this is the idea....
Oh, maybe one more thing. We decided that we would not have a leader. Instead we govern ourselves on the basis of the members agreement. And that's interesting, it enhances the feeling of belonging to the group."
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He nodded as he listened to Dankien speak. A group wanting to help all. It resonated well with him. He did, after all, make his life mission to do just that. He relaxed in his seat as they spoke.
"You remind me of someone with such ambitions year ago," he answered. "I think you know why I created Med Force Enterprises. I created it to do just that, to provide medical care via medicine and research to anyone, regardless of affiliation. While it was a great premise, it is also a tough sell. Look no further than the continuing conflict between the Corsair Empire, the Outcasts and the two having conflict with the Bounty Hunters Guild. Each claimed I was aiding their enemies. Each threatened my operations and family on numerous occasions. As I said, it's a tough sell, especially where, as I see it, the Consensus would have to give some favor to the Corsair Empire in the area of operation you are at."
"But," he continued with a sip of his drink, "we aren't here to discuss the Sairs, the Outcasts or the Hunters or anyone else for that reason. Already we have some common ground and you are giving me a reason to get back to work. "
He thought a moment on his last statement about not having a leader. It sounded good but was also troubling.
"You mention not having a leader," he inquired, "how do you propose to make this group work? A conglomerate of independent groups in a council? While that idea is a noble one, remember the old Council of Zoners and how that idea didn't work......twice. Each group will have it's own problems and relations or in my case, I'll have a piece of all of those problems. I think I'm just curious as to what you have in mind."
"What I can provide you with is immediate medical and research facilities and personnel. I have Med.Force.Three at Freeport 9 under the command of Alicia Cook." He snickers a bit, "If you can get past her heavy Bretonian accent, she's approachable....so long as you're not an Outcast."
"Med Force One will remain in Omega 49. I conduct a lot of top secret research there to include Nomad research. I can provide you with a list of services."
"So," he asked, "what do you think so far? I tend to get long winded."
"You remind me of someone with such ambitions year ago," he answered. "I think you know why I created Med Force Enterprises. I created it to do just that, to provide medical care via medicine and research to anyone, regardless of affiliation. While it was a great premise, it is also a tough sell. Look no further than the continuing conflict between the Corsair Empire, the Outcasts and the two having conflict with the Bounty Hunters Guild. Each claimed I was aiding their enemies. Each threatened my operations and family on numerous occasions. As I said, it's a tough sell, especially where, as I see it, the Consensus would have to give some favor to the Corsair Empire in the area of operation you are at."
Dankien nods in agreement. "That is an important point you rise here. Our neutrality will be indeed harder to maintain than in the "usual" zoner situation. Yes, the Consensus will have to be useful enough to its neighbors if we want to live in peace. I was thinking to contact the Corsairs to evaluate how we can collaborate. But of course, at first I need to discuss about it with the rest of the Consensus."
"But," he continued with a sip of his drink, "we aren't here to discuss the Sairs, the Outcasts or the Hunters or anyone else for that reason. Already we have some common ground and you are giving me a reason to get back to work. "
"Indeed, but your experience and advices regarding that matter will be still appreciated when we will prepare our diplomatic relations with these communities."
"You mention not having a leader," he inquired, "how do you propose to make this group work? A conglomerate of independent groups in a council? While that idea is a noble one, remember the old Council of Zoners and how that idea didn't work......twice. Each group will have it's own problems and relations or in my case, I'll have a piece of all of those problems. I think I'm just curious as to what you have in mind."
Dankien changes of position on his chair. "That is the tricky part. The idea is that the decisions are made by mutual agreement of the Consensus members. So yes, there is no leader, and each member has the same power of decision than the others.
Usually, when there is a need to take a decision, someone will make a proposal. Then the members can ask questions, debate about pro and cons. After this discussion, the members emit their opinion which must be one of the three:
A: "I like that"
B: "I am not fan but I can live wit it". In this case, the member can propose a change to the proposal so he would like it (opinion A)
C: "I don't like that, but I will modify my opinion (to A or B) if you change the proposal". In this case, the member has to propose a change that would make him accept the proposal (opinion A or B).
It means you might have to modify the proposal several times before it is fully accepted (opinion A or B) by everybody. But the advantage is that all will endorse the decision. It is not like in a vote where you have winners and losers. The consensus has only winners.
So far we have not totally followed this approach. I think I need to reexplain the concept and the procedure to the members. The problem is that people tend to confuse the vote and the consensus. Moreover, some ...at least one (Dankien smiles) want to make swift decisions.
Also, you truly address another good point, since we have several sub-organisms in the consensus, we need to manage the cohesion of the whole thing. I think it is needed to remain united and coherent. This means to me our sub-organisms must have the same diplomacy, make the same decisions, overcome issues together, and so on... But I am not sure we have actually an agreement on this. This is still a point to clarify.
"What I can provide you with is immediate medical and research facilities and personnel. I have Med.Force.Three at Freeport 9 under the command of Alicia Cook." He snickers a bit, "If you can get past her heavy Bretonian accent, she's approachable....so long as you're not an Outcast."
"Med Force One will remain in Omega 49. I conduct a lot of top secret research there to include Nomad research. I can provide you with a list of services."
"So," he asked, "what do you think so far? I tend to get long winded."
"I think that would be wonderful!"
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Doc gave a smile and held up his glass, "I will send Commander Cook a message. She'll be relieved to have a greater sense of purpose."
"Indeed, but your experience and advices regarding that matter will be still appreciated when we will prepare our diplomatic relations with these communities."
"I will do what I can but the Corsairs aren't the same people I once had cordial relations with back when Elder Miguel Sephardi managed to keep Corsair groups somewhat cohesive," he explained. "The day a Sair Ambassador threatened my late wife's life was the day I pretty much broke of relations with them. I'm sure personnel have changed."
He then stood up and took a couple of steps, standing room center between the chairs they occupied.
"I see a group approach," he explained, "members of groups working together for a common goal of humanity yet maintaining their the individual identity of their organizations. I am comfortable with that."
He gave a "hmph" as he thought, "One Zoner, one vote. I thought that was a poor idea and what effectively ended the old Council. That is one policy I will never support. I didn't then and don't now."
He then stared off a bit in thought as he spoke to Dankien. "The Nomads," he started, "I don't know what your status is with them but I make no secrets that I have spend a great deal of time researching them, probably more than the Order and I probably have a lot more on them than they do. I keep that info under wraps and I personally will not allow myself or my people to take hostile action near them. I already have a sticky relationship with Admiral Golanski and don't need him prying in."
He paused a moment and looked directly at Dankien, "I have communed with them before, Dankien. No, I'm not infected but I understand why they feel as they do."
He turned toward his couch still speaking, "I learned much through a peaceful approach. I cannot explain without you or anyone else thinking that I'm crazy or even infected of what I experienced through that commune. I felt both hate and peace but we established some understanding and respect through it. It's helped a lot on Nomad research labs that I have...."
He turned back to Dankien and softly smiled, "...which is why I keep their locations secret and the information classified. it's people like the Order and Bounty Hunters that I must do this."
He then sat back down. "I know we'll work well together. We have in the past. I just want the identity of Med Force Enterprises to be a relevant partner yet maintain it's independent identity."
"I'm sure you have requests of me. I just want to know what they are."
I remember the time we tried to negotiate peace with corsairs after they assaulted us some years ago. It took days before we were able to achieve something and the relations were pretty tense. I remember Senor Benitez, he was really reasonable. There was also a second one but I can't remember his name and his personality, he was representing the Brotherhood. Then, (Dankien makes a pause) there was Senor Sanchez, he was really rough but in the end, I think we had a better understanding of each other and have a form of mutual respect. I did not hear from any of them for a long time. Not sure who is in charge now.
Ah nomads... Basically I don't know so much about them and I fear them due to past conflicts. I did not know you were conducting research on nomads. Then, it is really fortunate because I dramatically lack of knowledge about them.
Dankien seems really surprised and destabilized by the revelation of Doc Holliday about communing with nomads.
How? ... why?... Sorry I am confused. I realized that despite I fear nomads and possible contamination I still put blind trust in you.
I mean if you are infected, then infection is a good thing.
But please tell me, what is it about these infected people? What is the process of contamination? Can it be reversed?
Regarding Med Force Enterprises, I don't see any issue that it remains independent. Personally, I don't mind about the names of ships and people, what matters to me is what we do. As I see it, our humanitarian aid project is flexible and can operate with partners without problem. We are currently doing it with IMG. Do you know Jack Henderson? He is leading a project of hospital to help people addicted to cardamine. Anyway, I will talk to the rest of the Consensus, but I would surprised they refuse your offer.
Request? well not really, we are all volunteers here. But maybe we could discuss concretely what project we want to set up together. I was thinking to help civilian Bretonian affected by the war against Gallia. Do you see other emergency in Sirius? Also, coming back to the nomad topic, would you teach us how to have peaceful relations with them? And talking about teaching, would you like to teach medicine at the Outer Rim University?
![[Image: 7Md2x4D.png]](https://i.imgur.com/7Md2x4D.png)
Some hours after, Dankien is traveling through the country, admiring the landscape. Finally he arrived to Bristol. After a few hesitations, he found the trading post and hopefully Skip is there and ready to drive Dankien. At the end of the day, both reach the cabin of Doc Holliday.