Two months since joining the crew of the
Veritas Lux Mea had cruised on by much quicker than the Ithlo physician realized, and yet it didn't come as a great surprise considering ship's duties and general work were in constant motion. As the only full-time medic aboard, Kai -with the Captain's expressed approval of course- made several changes and minor upgrades to the medical bay, which had previously been in a rather sad state of affairs. Aside from a lack of proper surgical tools and the like, cabinets needed to be restocked a lot of the fundamentals, including fresh latex gloves, sterilized bandages, and a thorough cleaning, free from any dust, dirt, or debris. The last thing needed on a ship full of people flying in space was infection spreading from lack of hygiene.
The single day of shore leave bestowed upon the crew by their benevolent Captain was time well-deserved by all, and Kai'mos would make the most of every minute knowing a place like the Hub would fill a great many needs on his list. One of those tasks being the tending of a second degree burn to the underside of Maria's forearm due to contact with an extremely hot pipe in the engine room the previous day. It would heal naturally over time of course, but Kai'mos -being well versed in herbalistic remedies- had a salve which would not only soothe the skin and accelerate the healing process, but repair lost tissue and any possible nerve damage with near perfection. The key ingredient, truly only ever found on a few planets within the galaxy, is also the toughest to procure without knowing precisely what you're looking for, as there are a handful of false plants sharing similar traits. Fortunately, the Ithlo knew of a place within the Hub which carried the exact specimen, however gaining access would prove to be more the challenge.
“You know we banned you, Apothecary, from your last visit to our
humble establishment.” The short, stout creature, similar in appearance to what a human would consider a Dwarf, stood behind the counter of the small shop which was situated to the rear of the bazaar, giving Kai’mos a very suspicious gaze as he stroked a dark, wiry beard. “We don’t need trouble like last time.”
“And there will be no trouble from me, I assure you. I only-”
“Right!” The vendor interrupted in a low, gruff voice. “That’s what ye said last time as well before putting three of me business partners in the infirmary. I thought ye were supposed to be some kind of pacifist.” His voice took on an almost condescending tone. “Ye know, all ‘spiritual’ and queer religious beliefs of some such.”
Kai’mos, gazed at the other across the counter with a neutral expression, unphased by childish insults and wild assumptions. “Ah. You are referring to the moment your henchmen assaulted me, unprovoked I might add, and I simply defended myself?” The Ithlo nodded as he continued. “And I only came for what I have requested of you. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
“Well, we don’t have any in stock.” The Dwarf retorted, crossing his arms in a defensive posture.
The Ithlo cocked his head slightly and raised a quizzical brow, pausing for a few moments before flicking his eyes toward the bushel of reddish-voilet colored plants hanging near a shelf behind the short vendor.
“You mean,
those?" Kai lifted his finger and pointed in the direction of the dried plants.
“It ain’t them.” The stubborn near-human stood his ground, arms remaining crossed, as he continued to stare up at the Ithlo with a frown.
“I beg to differ, it is the-”
“Nope.”
Kai couldn’t help but allow a slight smirk to form on one side of his lips. He knew the games of these vendors well, and while this particular fat, lazy, pile of useless matter was the only thing between him actually procuring the very herb needed for his captain, he was also well aware of what piqued the greed of such a creature. With a graceful motion, the Ithlo slipped his hand into the interior pocket of his long coat, and pulled out a small object wrapped in tanned parchment. He could then see the expression on the vendor’s grubby face softening just a bit. Kai, holding out his hand with the object, slowly unwrapped, until the object was free of its enclosure, revealing a most precious of gems.
“Rythian crystal…” The words emerged from the Dwarf’s mouth as a whisper while he gazed upon the glistening facets of green and blue hues. “How did ye find such a prize?”
“Will it suffice to trade for the entire lot of my request?” The Ithlo said flatly, which was usually an indication he was ready to wrap up his business.
“Are ye kidding, Doc?” The vendor chuckled heartily, leaning in to get a better look at the gem. “This could buy ye half my stock of medicinals.”
Kai’mos paused for a moment without taking his eyes off the other, and a smile eventually creased his lips.
“Excellent.”
Back on the ship, Kai’mos carried a large bag that the Dwarven vendor had graciously filled for him with various premade ointments, herbs, disinfectants, bandages, and a myriad of other needed medical wares, which the Ithlo wasted no time in restocking within the MedBay pantry. Shortly after, he began grounding up the ingredients needed and preparing a pasty substance that he immediately presented to the Maria in order to apply it to her burn wound.
“As promised, Captain.” Kai bowed his head in respect to the young human who oversaw the ship he would be travelling in for an unknown amount of time.
Lord Wyron
Dion
Heat
Lady Arya
