University of Rigel Medical Center at Rhydin

Although the Bravetown Expedition was successfully concluded, it cost Xenograg his most precious magical item. Using it saved his life—as it was meant to do—but Xenograg was alarmed that it was needed the very first time he fought a battle after receiving it. Something had to be done about his physical debility. Not even Teleperien’s healing power had restored him to the level of health he had before fighting the Chalkotu.

Naturally, it was Toby who suggested trying scientific medicine. An examination of Xenograg by Toby’s family physician led to an appointment at the University of Rigel Medical Center, Rhydin Campus, on Gateway Station. Toby flew Xenograg into orbit and to the station. Xenograg was deeply moved at the sight of Rhydin as a planet in outer space. He told Toby he wanted to see more of this at a later date. Grinning, Toby promised further wonders of that kind.

Toby guided Xenograg through Gateway Station to the University Medical Center. Making their way through the very large hospital, Toby explained that the Department of Neurology dealt with conditions affecting the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves that ran through every millimeter of an animal’s body.

The appointment was noteworthy for two things. The first was the news that science had actually found something wrong with Xenograg’s nervous system, and that it was treatable using technology. The second was an unusual extra consultation.

Both long residents of Rhydin, Xenograg and Toby were used to encountering new and unusual species. They were unfazed by the sight of a large falcon intelligently driving a wheeled perch past them in a hallway before they reached their destination. The falcon did a double-take looking at them, though. They shrugged to each other and kept walking.

The neurologist who gave Xenograg the good news was using a handheld digital tablet to schedule the necessary procedure. She suddenly paused and looked up, her eyes focused upon the optical screen she wore like eyeglasses. After a few moments, she turned to Xenograg and Toby and informed them she had just received a request from a colleague to speak with them. She explained that the individual was not a doctor on staff—not a doctor at all, in fact, but a visiting professional who called himself “a healer.” One who had unpredictable interest in various patients. He always needed prior permission from the attending physician before even approaching a patient. She wanted to know if either of them objected to such a consultation. Xenograg and Toby exchanged a quick look indicative of an inside joke. Xenograg replied that he had no objection. The neurologist looked at Toby and said that the consultation was with both of them. More wary now, Toby nonetheless consented. She stood and said she would go speak with her colleague first.

A minute after her exit, the door reopens. The visiting healer rolls into the room. Indeed, it is the falcon they encountered earlier.

“Allow me to introduce myself,” are the words emitted from a small speaker mounted under the perch. “As my name is unpronounceable by hominids, I am called Vikvam. My species name is likewise unpronounceable. Gateway Station Authority identifies us as Species Zero-Two-Nine. I invite you to check the station PIN about us. I will wait.”

Xenograg looks to Toby, who is already accessing the public information network. Finding the GSA record, Toby holds his tablet between himself and Xenograg. One item is listed early and prominently. Toby looks to Vikvam who nods knowingly.

“Yes. I confirm that all of my species are psions. My title of Healer identifies my mind as being well above average for my people, and as having the training to match.”

“I suspected,” Toby says.

“Ethics demand that I also confirm that I have no access to any medical records. I have no idea who you are or why you are here today.”

“My name is Xenograg. This is my friend, Toby.”

“A pleasure to meet you both. Lastly, I must admit that my request to speak with you, both, has nothing to do with medicine. Our brief encounter in the hallway earlier left me insatiably curious. The likely possibility that neither of you would return here drove me to seize this moment. If I have given offense, wasted your time, or simply wish not to interact with me further, I ask for forgiveness and will depart immediately.” Xenograg and Toby look at each other a moment.

“Why both of us?” Toby asks. Vikvam’s body shifts slightly, and the speaker emits a sound like a short laugh.

“I could not help but notice that both of your minds are blind to me. This is not the first time I have encountered the phenomenon, but it is quite rare. Two at the same time, together, is extraordinary. Furthermore, you are blinded in different ways. As I said, my curiosity was overwhelming.”

“And if we do not wish to discuss this?”

“I will again ask forgiveness and depart.”

Xenograg has been studying Vikvam while Toby interrogated the healer. Vikvam turns back to meet his gaze. Xenograg smirks.

“A question for you, Vikvam,” he says, but says no more. Instead, Xenograg reaches up between them and draws a complex shape in midair with his index finger. Toby does not see or sense anything, but Vikvam does. The falcon’s body twitters on the perch, and the speaker emits the sound of laughter. Vikvam blinks, and Xenograg’s pictogram becomes visible as lines of light floating in air. The pictogram then begins to be undrawn, line by line, until it is gone.

“Thank you for sharing that, Xenograg. My curiosity is sated. I would like to speak with you, again, at some later date.”

“I will be returning to the Department of Neurology for a procedure. I do not know the exact date, yet.”

“Let me invite your neurologist back into the room so you may receive that date.” The door opens—surely by Vikvam’s psychic manipulation—and he departs. The neurologist returns shortly.

“Now this is a lengthy procedure, Mr. Darelir,” she states. “I calculate 22 days for complete regeneration.”

Xenograg is flabbergasted. “Twenty-two days?!”

“An induced coma is part of the procedure. You will not notice the passage of time.”

“I should hope not!” He looks at Toby, who is amused by Xenograg’s agitation. Xenograg takes a deep breath to calm himself.

“My apologies, Doctor. How soon are you scheduling this?”

“The regeneration unit is currently in use. It will be available in 13 days.”

“So anytime after that. I do not see a reason to delay starting, though. Schedule me for thirteen days from now.”

“Very good, sir.”