The disclaimer saying I don't own any Galaxy Rangers characters has taken off to the Bahamas for a while. Just a fun fic inspired by watching a lot of Thin Man movies and wanting to play around with Doc's past.
Doc Goes Home
PART I
"This was a great idea Doc," Niko smiled as she looked out the window of the small plane. "We all needed a vacation after what we've been through." She was wearing a purple dress with a silver belt with matching necklace and earrings.
"I'm surprised you were able to get Walsh to approve it," Shane Gooseman looked out the other side of the window. He was dressed in his usual black cowboy getup.
"Then again I guess he'd do anything to get Bubblehead out of his hair for a few weeks," Zach smiled. He wore a red shirt and jean jacket with jeans and boots.
"Party time!" Bubblehead chirped as he sat on Shane's shoulder.
"It was really nice of you to let us all stay at your place in the Jamaican Islands for two weeks," Zach said as he held his wife's hand. "I hope we're not putting you out."
"Don't worry Captain," Doc smiled as he wore an orange and white Hawaiian shirt and white cargo pants. "A few weeks of rest and relaxation at my summer cottage and everyone's batteries will be recharged."
"I admit I am looking forward to this," Waldo agreed. He and Zozo were also on the small plane along with Zach's children and their friend Billy Sawyer. "I have never seen this part of the Earth before and I am looking forward to studying the flora and fauna of the area."
"I just wanna go swimming in that nice clear ocean!" Zozo called out.
"Wow two weeks in the islands with Mom and Dad!" Jessica cheered. "It's like a dream!"
"A beautiful dream," Eliza smiled at her husband. She wore a beautiful red dress.
"It'll be like a second honeymoon," Zach smiled.
"I'm just glad you're okay Goose," Billy remarked.
"I'm glad to be here, Kid," Shane smirked. "And I'm glad Walsh let you come too."
"Walsh?" Zach Jr. asked. "Oh right, Commander Walsh is your legal guardian isn't he?"
"Yeah my Dad signed some papers giving him guardianship in case something happened," Billy nodded. "He let me go to the same school as you Jessica. I just wish we could have brought Sundancer."
"Sundancer will be fine at Longshot," Shane smiled. "I don't think there would have been any room on the plane Doc hired to carry him."
"Oh Mr. Hartford owns this plane," The pilot said cheerfully. "It's easier to travel to his island that way."
"Doc owns a plane?" Shane did a double take. "This plane?"
"And an island?" Zach also did a double take. "You did say his island right?"
"Well technically I don't own a plane or an island," Doc coughed. "I own twenty seven planes and two islands."
"Say what?" Shane blinked.
"Oh look we're coming up to the cottage now," Doc looked out at a small island below. It looked like a tropical paradise with a gigantic mansion in the middle of it.
"There it is," Doc smiled. "Home sweet home! It's great to be back. See that's where you guys will be staying."
"We are going to be staying…There?" Billy blinked. "In that big mansion?"
"You call this a summer cottage?" Zach's jaw dropped.
"Whoa," Zozo blinked. "Doc's rich."
"Rich? He's not rich! He's like a bazillionaire!" Zach Jr. whistled.
"Hey what's all the commotion at the house?" Shane noticed.
"It looks like some kind of party," Jessica said. They could see a huge crowd of people gathering on the lawn. Balloons, music, a huge buffet. Also they could see dozens of yachts and sailing vessels parked at a private marina. And more were coming in.
"Knowing this area it is some kind of party," Doc groaned. "Oh man I told them I didn't want a fuss! Oh well at least it's not that big a splash."
"Not that big a splash?" Zozo did a double take. "I think I see twelve more yachts coming in!"
"And a helicopter! No wait! Two helicopters!" Jessica pointed. "And people are riding in them!"
"Check out that live band!" Zach Jr. pointed. "Are those elephants? Are they having some kind of elephant rides down there?"
"No that's just an elephant polo game," Doc said. "It's a popular sport with all the millionaires that live on either the man made or natural islands here."
"Elephant…polo game?" Niko blinked. "Is that helicopter made of gold?"
"And you call this a small party?" Waldo was incredulous.
"Please, you should see these islands on New Year's Eve," Doc grunted. "This is nothing. We'll land on the southern landing strip. Less attention that way."
Soon they parked on a small airport hanger. "Thanks man," Doc waved. "Come on, we'll use the back door."
Doc guided the party into an elevator. "This will take us to the main house," Doc said.
"First floor! Ladies wear! Men's wear! Underwear!" Bubblehead chirped. "Wear and tear!"
"Kids keep a close eye on the bird will ya?" Shane groaned.
"All right now let's see what's going…On?" Doc blinked when they got out of the elevator.
The elevator ended at a large hallway that was filled with well dressed, rather tipsy people. The hallway led out to a huge room filled with lavish decorations, expensive furniture and the largest buffet any of them had ever seen in their lives.
"You could feed half a planet by that buffet!" Shane was stunned.
"Catch me! Catch me! Catch me!" A blonde woman laughed as she was chased by two drunken suitors.
"Doc don't you think you should tell people you've arrived?" Eliza asked.
"In a minute," Doc looked around. He saw well dressed man singing to himself. "That's quite a catchy tune friend."
"Thank you," The drunk hiccupped. "I gotta, (hic) gotta get my voice ready for when we sing 'Surprise' or 'Fellow Jolly He's Good' or whatever."
"Right? So uh, what's going on here?" Doc asked.
"You don't know?"
"Just got from the coast," Doc nodded. "You know how it is."
"Oh right. You see we're throwing a surprise party for the dude that lives here," The drunk giggled. "Walter Hartford. Ever hear of him?"
"No," Doc kept a straight face. "Not a word."
"Don't worry buddy I won't tell," The drunk laid a finger aside of his nose. "Actually the only reason I'm here is that I overheard my butler's friend tell him about this party and I snuck in. I don't think half the people here even know who the guy is or what he looks like!"
"Apparently not," Zach winced as he heard something break. "Don't you think you should do something?"
"What and ruin their fun?" Doc asked. "Come on everyone. Follow me."
"WHEEEE!" A drunken girl danced by wearing a live chicken on her head.
"Now this is my kind of party," Bubblehead chirped.
"They do seem to be quite a lively bunch," Waldo winced as more drunks danced around.
"I've seen mobs that were more orderly," Shane winced at the noise and the insanity around him.
"Watch it pal!" A woman snapped as Doc accidentally bumped into him. "You nearly spilled my drink all over this sofa! You wanna be inconsiderate to the guy who lives here?"
"Pardon me," Doc smiled. "We wouldn't want that would we?"
"Doc do you know any of these people?" Niko asked as they made their way through the crowd.
"Uh no, but that's never stopped me before," Doc grinned. "This way!"
"What's that lady doing with those hot dogs?" Jessica asked.
"Never mind!" Zach immediately covered her eyes. "Doc!"
"Right in here," Doc guided them inside a huge kitchen where a large staff was shouting orders, hustling and bustling around.
"We need more ice at the indoor pool!"
"The one filled with champagne or the one filled with fruit punch?"
"Both of them actually."
"Just got another boatload of caviar! Send someone around back to unload it!"
"Watch your step! I think some of the lobsters escaped!"
"Make sure those buffalo steaks are medium rare!"
"Someone get those fools to stop those motorcycle races on the roof!"
"Anybody seen my knives?"
"Can someone get out there and get that drunk off the chandelier before it falls?"
"OW! I found one of the escaped lobsters!"
"Black coffee! We need more black coffee!"
"The cakes are ready! Gotta get the cakes ready!"
"Ooh cake," Doc reached over to taste the frosting when his hand was smacked by a spoon. "Hey!"
"How many times have I told you fools to get out of my kitchen and…" A stout Jamaican woman in a blue maid's uniform bellowed. Then she saw Doc. "WALTER!"
"Nana!" Doc opened his arms and was nearly crushed in a huge bear hug by the woman. "OOF!"
"Everyone! It's Walter!" Nana yelled.
"Master Hartford it is you!" A British butler with grey hair and a mustache was stunned. The entire kitchen staff shouted with joy as they crowded around him.
"Finally! Someone who actually knows Doc at this party!" Shane remarked.
"Guys, this is Nanette Jameston, but since the woman practically raised me I call her Nana," Doc introduced. "Everyone I want you to meet my friends. Captain Zachery Foxx and…"
"Oh we know who all of you are," Nana interrupted. "Walter always sends pictures along with his letters and phone calls and has told us all about you! You must be Eliza. Oh my dear you look so lovely."
"Thank you," Eliza blinked.
"Let me finish the introductions," Doc said. "This is Jenkins the butler and he runs my estate here. That's Mabel, head of Housekeeping. Mook, my chauffer, handyman and all around good guy."
"Mook?" Niko looked at the huge Jamaican man that looked like he weighed four hundred pounds.
"My real name is Niles Mookasi," Mook broadly smiled. "Mook for short. I also take care of the animals around here."
"There are animals here?" Jessica asked.
"Yes indeedy Little Miss," Mook smiled. "We got horses, cattle, cats, dogs, chickens, peacocks, swans, parrots, koi fish…"
"Elephants?" Shane raised an eyebrow.
"You play polo?" Mook asked.
"Just out of curiosity whose idea was this party?" Doc asked. "I know none of you would start something as crazy as this."
"You're dang right," Another maid said. "It was Pinky's idea! You know that fool. Any excuse to party!"
"I knew it," Doc laughed. "Never could keep a secret from him."
"I was my fault Walter," Nana sighed. "You see I wanted to cook you and your friends a proper meal but we were running low on supplies so…"
"So you went to the only man in the world who could get dodo eggs for breakfast if he wanted," Doc laughed. "That's Pinky for you! No matter what or where, Pinky can get the best stuff for the best parties. Don't worry Nana. It's no one's fault where Pinky is concerned. He's a force of nature all to himself."
"See Nana, I told you Master Hartford would not blame you," Jenkins nodded.
"You were always such a good boy," Nana beamed. "Not like that no account sister of yours!"
"Sister? Doc has a sister?" Zach was surprised.
"Half sister," Doc sighed. "Three of them actually. Which one?"
"Who do you think? Her royal highness, Wilamina Bankerton!" Mabel snapped.
"Mina? Let me guess, she wants money or something?" Walter grumbled.
"Exactly," Jenkins nodded. "And if I may say so Master Hartford, I fear it is my duty to inform you that more than once I have caught Madame Bankerton trying to abscond with some of your personal belongings. But I fear even with my vigilance she's stolen a few objects for her personal profit."
"That's Mina all right," Doc groaned. "Why doesn't she put that loser husband of hers to work? Or better yet put herself to work?"
"I've suggested that once or twice," Mabel grinned. "Not to mention one or two professions she would have been perfect for."
"I'll bet you have," Doc smirked. "I guess I'm going to have a talk with her sooner or later. But let's let it be later. There's a party out there that's been going on without me and I think it's high time I joined it! Now let me help you with that ice bucket."
"You are not helping with anything, child," Nana said firmly. "This is your party so sit back and relax! And somebody get these children here some food in them! They're skinnier than a starving cat in winter!"
"Not to mention that elements of that party are probably moving past the PG rating," Doc winced as some more drunken caterwauling was heard outside. "Hey Mook, could you do me a favor and show the kids the elephants and the outside buffet?"
"Sure thing!" Mook nodded. "Come on kiddos, Mook will show you the best food in the world!"
"And take Bubblehead with you!" Shane said. "Be good!"
"We will," Billy said.
"I was talking to Bubblehead," Shane groaned as the kids left to enjoy themselves.
"Oh before I forget where's Mama?" Doc asked Nana. "Is she here?"
"Sorry baby, she's on a nature safari on Irwin Five," Nana said. "Won't be back for another month. Truth be told I think she left to get away from your sister. She's been pestering her for money too!"
"And Mama's heart is too soft for her to say no so the most polite way she could think of to handle it was to get out of town," Doc groaned. "What about Dad?"
"Oh honey that bridge was burned a long time ago," Nana waved. "You know those two never saw eye to eye on anything. Truth be told it's not from lack of trying on your father's part!"
"Yeah I know Mina," Doc nodded.
"Out of those three girls she was always the worst," Nana sighed. "Giselle is just flighty, she can't help half the things she says or does. And at least Eleanor has enough gumption to work for her own money and not sponge off of other people."
"Eleanor lives for making money," Doc snorted. "That and ruining the lives of the men she's slept with."
"And I thought I had family problems," Shane remarked.
"You don't know the half of it!" Mabel said. "She always resented Master Walter because she has this fool idea that he loved his adopted son more than his own daughter!"
"Adopted?" Niko looked at Doc. "You're adopted?"
"My biological father wasn't exactly the best parent in the world," Doc sighed. "When my mother married her second husband he adopted me as his own son. And he treated me like his own. As far as I'm concerned he became my real father."
"Your father's not here either," Nana said. "He had business on Mars and he won't be back until tomorrow."
CRASH!
"I guess I'd better go out there and face the music," Doc sighed. He walked out into the huge room with the guests.
The drunk was standing in the corner. "Hey buddy? People don't know who you are yet?"
"Nope. Thanks for keeping my secret pal," Doc smiled.
"Walter!" A tall Jamaican woman with long black hair in a tight turquoise dress squealed. "You're back! Hey girls! Walter's back!"
"Walter!" A blonde woman with pigtails and a pink dress squealed.
"Walter! Honeybear!" A dark skinned woman with short curly hair in a green dress jumped up and down.
"Yoo Hoo! Walter!" An Indian woman in a lovely red sari like dress and a ponytail squealed.
"Walter! Darling!" A lighter skinned Jamaican woman with auburn hair and wearing a yellow dress cried out.
The women squealed as they crowded around him. "Ladies! Ladies! I can't believe you all showed up!" Doc smiled.
"We wouldn't miss this for the world Walter!" The woman in the green dress squealed.
"Walter? You mean that guy is…?" The drunk pointed at Doc. Shane nodded. "Well son of a gun…"
"Gang this is Sandi, Candy, Tandi, Randi and Mandy," Doc introduced the girls who crowded around him in order.
"Oh Walter we've missed you so," Randi purred.
"And we can't wait to show you how much!" Candy smiled seductively.
"Ah the hero arrives triumphant!" Doc grinned. "Guys make yourselves at home and relax. The ladies and I have a lot of catching up to do!" He beamed as he went off with the women.
"Holy…" Zach's jaw dropped.
"Unbelievable," Waldo was stunned. "Simply unbelievable."
"And people crack jokes about me having a harem?" Shane yelled.
Next: The party goes on in full swing and we meet more fun people! Whoopie!