TBT: To Clan and Conquer

Several runners and the opposing team’s hurler were vomiting from the kurble ball poison.  The sound rocked Tranis’ still complaining stomach.  It groaned loudly.

Degorsk’s grin stretched his face.  “It speaks!  You’re looking a little green, Commander Tranis.  Shall I grab a basin?”

Between clenched teeth Tranis muttered, “I’m fine.”

The Imdiko snorted and set the suturing device down.  “Injured Nobeks are a pain in the ass to deal with.  Now I have to treat masochistic Dramoks too?”

He grabbed Tranis’ hurling hand and looked the swollen appendage over.  Tranis hissed at the slight pressure of Degorsk’s grip.  A noxious scent issued from the blue-tinged flesh.

The medic took an appreciative sniff.  “Smells like good income, were I in private practice.  A beachside retreat at the very least.  Damn my love for duty and Empire that keeps me poor.”

While Tranis gaped at the man’s antics, Lidon shook his head.  The Nobek’s smile was getting larger, and he watched Degorsk intently.

Tranis didn’t know whether to be pissed off or amused.  He scowled, deciding indignation was the best option.  “Do you offer any treatment or just talk your patients’ ears off?”

Degorsk gave him wide eyes, but his smile never wavered.  He shot a look over his shoulder at Lidon.  “He’s a mean one, isn’t he?”

Lidon pressed his lips together as if to keep laughter in.  Then he said, “Five older Nobek brothers.”

Degorsk rolled his eyes.  “That explains a lot.  I’ll add a lack of humor to the list of disabilities in your file, First Officer.  Excuse me so I can get you your treatment and salvage your ears.”

The Imdiko moved towards a bank of shelves lined with bottles and jars of medications.  As he passed one of the examination tables, he peered into a bowl of puke a sick Nobek had balanced on his thighs.  Degorsk ordered the attending medic, “Don’t let the dining hall have this for soup base, okay?”

Tranis shook his head and looked at Lidon, whose gaze kept watch on the irreverent doctor.  “Is he always like that, or is he drunk?”

Lidon never took his eyes off Degorsk.  “It takes a great deal of time to learn to appreciate the doctor’s attempts at humor.  He is … unique.”

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