Destiny

[jammi]

Slowly I came to again. I was in a small cabin that was lit by a strip of tube lighting. The place looked dirty, as did the sheets of the bunk I was laying in. Peering around, I noticed a man with his back to me bent over a work bench. He appeared to be wearing some kind of apron and cloths that were once white but now a kind of off-white. Then he turned around and noticed I was awake, breaking into a kind of wonky smile. His teeth were yellow and crooked. There were also faded crimson stains on the front of his apron.

Now I could imagine why I was here... I felt sick on the inside at the thought of this horrible little man treating me. Low key was one thing, this was another.

Gmornin sunshine. Youve been out like a whistle since last evening. I took the liberty of cleanin out that there laser wound you got on your arm n all. I deducted my charge from that wad of cash in your pocket. I pushed the sheets back to look at the wound to find it was padded out by a mass of snowy white burn bandages. He rocked back and forth on his heels for a moment before continuing. Im the local saw-bones as ya can probably tell.

Is my ship still in the hanger? I asked coldly. Id heard that unless you tipped the guards to actively look out for your ship on Freeports, they were liable to be stolen. He chuckled to himself for a moment.

Dont you worry, I put in an IOU with the guards for you. Itll be there when you get back. Mnames Silver. You? I looked at him critically for a moment. I could imagine he got his name from his hair.

Im Aldridge. When can I leave? He whistled through his teeth, as if deep in thought.

Stand up. I rolled out of bed and did so. Does it feel like your brain is about to leak out your right ear? I shook my head. Well, it should do. I had to give ya some pretty strong stuff to beat off the fever, infection and pain. Still, if ya think you feel alright, you can go. Been doing business with you.

I nodded then took my leave, glad to be away from the hovel. Then it occurred to me to check my credits. I still had a healthy amount. Enough for now, anyway.

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