[h1][center]Kai’mos Varthus[/center][/h1][hr][hr]
Pain for the young mercenary woman was felt as not a ripple but a wave throughout the ship, and the Captain was no exception. Kai knew she was hurting, especially having to carry the weight of guilt for crewmates lost to war, and while he could come off as a very stoic individual, the empathy he endured was still there regardless.

“I know this”  Kai’mos responded to Maria with a nod and smile. “Although I do hope we may honor their memory by surviving long enough to right a few wrongs out there.”

“I didn’t realize there was monetary compensation for my medical services.” 

The Ithlo smirked, as that was one of very few attempts at humor, especially for one of his kind. Still, Kai hoped to lift the otherwise dreadful mood that had been looming over the entire ship since the attack. So much destruction in so little time. And deaths of beloved crewmates, one confirmed and the other...hanging by a mere thread which was continuing to fray. But all hpe wasn’t lost thankfully, and the technology they did have at least was operational enough to assist in mending the First Mate Vin'Akali, and while they may not have spoken much during their time together on the Veritas, Kai was thrilled that the Naka had made it through and would hopefully get to know him going forward. He respected Kevej for the bravery shown during the attack, and that was something which could never be forgotten.

“Do not move too quickly, Mister Vin'Akali.” Kai’mos mention, helping the First Mate to sit up. “The antibiotics are still working their way through your system, so you may experience mild disorientation for the next few hours.” 

The Doctor ran another scan along the affected areas of Kevej’s body to ensure internal healing was as successful as externa, and with a satisfied nod he powered down the machine. “And from what I can see, all healing agents are doing precisely what they are supposed to do.” 

Kai’mos took a few steps over toward the back wall and picked up what appeared to be a seemingly unremarkable walking cane. It was a silvery metal alloy of some make, had an adjustable height that worked off of internal hydraulics controlled by a button on the handle, and a galvanized rubber end. “So, whenever you are ready to stand, sir, I would recommend that you utilize [i]this[/i] to keep yourself steady until at least a few days from today. You also need to keep pressure off of your forearm, so no heavy lifting of [i]any[/i] kind. Do I make myself clear?”

The Ithlo turned his attention to Maria for a moment. “Captain, if I may, I’d like to continue monitoring Mister Vin'Akali until weeks end, and would suggest he is put on light duty.”

“As for Miss Taggart…” Kai paused for a few moments, not so much to think about what to say, but moreso, [i]how[/i] to formulate the words in a way that did not appear as though he was giving up hope on her. But there was none. Truly, based on the mercenary’s current condition, there was little chance of survival, and he knew they knew that. “I shall stay with her for as long as she holds on.”

He turned his attention back to the datapad held firmly in his hand, pulling up readings on the ship’s CO-2 levels and air quality, ensuring there were no toxins that could be potentially fatal. No one needed that. A few minutes passed, as Maria spoke to Kevej and the mention of a “Pink Ithlo” piqued the Medic’s curiosity.

“Had we taken on a guest, Captain?”