tushanshu | 004 ◉ audio; dated to the 14th

Great. I'll be there with bells on.

[ It'd sound a little more enthusiastic if McCoy wasn't a hollow shell of his former self after a day on an unknown planet with only Jim and a tribble for company. A TRIBBLE, Kyle! ]

I'll keep my ears peeled.

[And with that, he signs off, and goes outside to wait for Bones to come. He's wearing a simple dark coloured pants, and his Corps shirt which reads in bold capitals: YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A STUBBORN JERK TO WORK HERE, BUT IT HELPS. It's not his usual fare but they serve his purpose well enough. His posture is full of youthful energy, but muted, because he's tired, but the restlessness is all there in the way he holds himself, tapping his foot to an unspoken tune, looking at the crowd for the grumpy old man he heard over the network. His ring, on his right hand, glints in the sunlight, and there are still a few bandages on his wrists, covering part of a faint, silvery scar. Another is visible on his arm, where it meets the shoulder, and one looks carefully, he's resting some of his weight on one leg, suggesting a light injury to the other. His breathing is also shallower (broken ribs that haven't healed properly yet).]

Edited 2013-07-14 05:46 (UTC)

[ Luckily for Kyle, at least, McCoy fits his ample voice and description to a T: He's an older man who is gruff-looking and sounding. Perfect. Unfortunately for McCoy, Kyle is just another young man with a young man's voice. Over the years, the doctor has realized there are a lot of those floating around, you know, to keep the population steady.

So he hopes the expectant look from this particular kid--Fully covered in bandages, holy Lord!-- he locked eyes with is the one he's looking for.]

Kyle? [ For a volunteer at a pseudo hospital, he sure is looking pretty shitty. ] Good God, man, what kinda barbaric place is this? [ He shudders to think of staying in such a medically retarded planet as this. Well, whatever. All the more reason he needs to help out here. Sticking his hand out to the man, he introduces himself. ] Leonard McCoy, your new doctor--Yours, too. [ Something about this kid already makes him think he needs to clarify that. ]

[Kyle spots him and he flashes a smile—]

That's me. We're working with a pretty low level of technology—

[And then Bones speaks and Kyle freezes. He knows that look, that posture. That's a doctor telling him to get on the table and sit down while he's examined and he's having none of that thank you very much. Soranik's bad enough and even she knows when to back off and leave him alone.]

[Stiffly, he shakes hands. His ring is cold to the touch.]

Nice to meet you, Doctor. My medic [very slight emphasis on those two words] is out getting us some supplies, but I'd be happy to show you around.

[ The shake's a little longer than necessary, but the doctor suspects this is probably the only time he'll be able to hold the man captive long enough to assess just how beat up he really is. Could be worse, really, but anything below 100% nettles the hell out of him. But the doctor keeps anything he has to say on the matter to himself. For now. ]

Sure. I'd like to see what kinda set up you've got here.

[ He is so proud of himself for not letting any condescension creep into his voice. Professionalism is totally what he's going for, even if this place terrifies him. How anyone ever survived before twenty-third century medicine is beyond McCoy.]

I brought my medical kit-- [ Sans tribble ] --if there's any serious injuries that need immediate attention.

[He notices. Already he's blanking his body language defensively, withdrawing. He knows, acutely, where his injuries are, and he forces his body to compensate and hide them (the ring's always helped and it does now, quietly). This is Jim's doctor, and Jim's people are the best at what they do. Kyle can't stop him from seeing all the damage, but he sure as hell can dig his heels in the ground and resist being treated. He might be a friend of the Corps, but there's still a long way to go before he earns the right to touch Kyle with compassion.]

[If he notices the good doctor's taking the trouble to be wary, he doesn't comment. He flashes his winning smile and gestures towards the doorway.]

Most of the injuries here are simple: burns, cuts, bruises. Occasionally we have large accidents [and getting tortured] but the worst it gets is a few broken bones.

[A beat, and a little icily:]

My ring has regenerative capabilities, it can manage most of the work, but it's no substitute for a real doctor.

[ McCoy makes a non-committal noise at the list of cases as he enters the simple sandstone building and waits to be directed. At least this place gets a lot of light. That's one nice point.

At the man's admission, though, he can finally understand why Jim and Spock made Kyle privy to their own technological world. Okay, adding another point! The less he has to fumble with the Prime Directive, the better. ]

All that in a little ring, huh? Fascinating-- [ The doctor's face takes on a look of horror and nausea after realizing what he just said. ] I mean, that's pretty impressive. Technology being so compacted into a piece of jewelry, and all. I have somethin' like that--Not so small, though...

[Kyle just raises an eyebrow. Judging by the earlier conversation he'd overheard on the network didn't think Spock and Bones liked each other very much. Given how his Vulcanbro sassed away like no tomorrow.]

All that and a lot more. [Almost airily, just to see McCoy's reaction-] I think Spock nearly fainted when I named specifics.

[But that's neither here nor there. Kyle reaches an emptier desk and clears what's on it. It's in an excellent position: facing the door and much of the room, so its owner can see almost everything that goes on, and definitely everyone who enters.]

You can use this while you're here.

Ha, if only I'd been there... [ The mental image of Spock fainting like a maiden under the duress of too much science is going to keep a smile on McCoy's face a few days at the least. Of course, now that he thinks about it, if Kyle ever gives him the same rundown, he probably will faint.

Yeah, best not to think of that. Instead, he sets his medical kit on the offered table and begins unlocking the front of the case. ]

So, that ring of yours... Can it be reproduced? Replicated?

[He smirks, also pleased at the mental image.]

You might be, next time.

[Beat.]

No, [his can't, anyway, he's not about to mention the differences between his and Sora's.] and no one else can use it. Safety mechanism.

Oh. Well, that's a damn shame [ Having one tool to take place of several would certainly revolutionize the medical industry, especially during surgery and away missions. McCoy's drooling just thinking about the possibilities.

Opening his case, the doctor surveys the damage. Thankfully he is so OCD with restocking that there's no shortage of any common supplies. ]

If you can dream it, I probably have it. Burn salve, antibiotics, antiseptics, bandages, dermal regenerator, anesthetics, pain killers... [ He picks up one package to study its contents a little more closely. ] I think this is for diarrhea. Anyway, I can make the doctor in residency here a list of my supplies. The only problem is they're emergency field rations. Won't take long before they're used up... Still, better than nothin', huh?

[He doesn't think so. The power ring, it's magnificent, yes, but it's also highly dangerous. The risks are great and-- well, he tries to look at it from the medical perspective. Something that can aid the body's natural healing processes (but it couldn't save Ma, just like it was useless when the important things needed doing) was probably godsend to a man who wasn't used to being with such a low level of technology.]

[Speaking of technology, he's looking at that case's interior with interest.]

Incredible. She'll be happy with it, that's for sure. Hopefully you won't have much use for a lot of it - we don't get that many serious injuries.

[He points his ring hand at a different desk, and a green catapult forms on it, launching a book at him. Kyle catches it, and opens it.]

The people here use herbs, they're reasonably effective too.

[He holds out the book, for Bones to see.]

Well, let's hope that continues to be the........ case... [ Is his jaw hanging open? Well, he snaps that trap shut and eyes the book in Kyle's hands like it could bite. Or is just one big joke. ]

... I see... [ Narrowing his eyes ever so slightly, waiting for this to blow up in his face and then everyone laughs and laughs, the doctor slowly reaches for it. His fingertips touch the hard cover and the grain of the spine. Okay, so, it's real. Big deal. McCoy takes it to inspect with a wary gaze. ] Hmph, analog. [ How quaint. Licking his thumb and forefinger, the older man begins flipping through the pages. ]

So, technology's backwards as it comes here, and yet you can deconstruct and reconstruct solid matter. That's some ring...

[ And isn't that such an understatement. He is like two seconds away from asking what other capabilities it has, if it serves mint chocolate chip ice cream as well, but damn if he is going to seem that eager already. He can't crumble to its technological prowess like Spock! If anything, he'll just ask Spock to give him the specs or something. ]

[Kyle is utterly entertained, but he mutes his amusement.]

Well, the good news is you're not a robot. That's people's usual reaction the first time they see the ring in action.

[He falls quiet and lets the doctor thumb through the book. It's one of Kyle's: his notes and drawings are detailed and clear. None of the species have been named, because he's not terribly scientifically minded, but the common names are all there.]

Most of the technological advances are by people like us, who either bring objects from home [case in point: his ring] or find the materials to make them while they're here.

Christ [ Ohhh, you can just hear the horror behind that bitter laugh. ] A bunch of warp-driven techies running around brandishing advanced gadgets to a species that doesn't even have washing machines. The Federation would have a field day if they could see us down here! I'm sure I've broken at least seventeen First Contact regulations just by offerin' to help this place with my medical kit.

[ If they ever did find a way out of here, they will be looking for new jobs. In a day, The Chief Medical Officer of the StarFleet's flagship has tossed the Prime Directive rule book right out the figurative window, let alone the Captain running around like a damned idiot with their First Officer--And aren't StarFleet officer supposed to give their lives before damning the Prime Directive also?!

Shit they are so screwed when they go home. New job? Hell, they will be lucky if they aren't incarcerated for the rest of their lives after this botched episode! ]

Will the doctor mind if I borrow this? I'd like to go over this myself, especially the chemical properties in these herbs...

I'm pretty sure nobody really cares about the Prime Directive here. People who aren't used to it just get used to it or live in denial. Works out, eventually.

[It's not really reassurance, it's the closest he gets to don't worry.]

No, she wouldn't mind. If you need any help finding these plants, I know where they're sold.

Edited 2013-07-15 06:46 (UTC)

I'm more worried about the people up there [ He nods his head up once to make his point while his eyes stay glued to the book in his hands. McCoy would never say the Federation is like Big Brother.... But in this case, he feels like Winston Smith blaring thoughtcrime left and right--Okay, that's a little over dramatic, but still! ]

Well, I appreciate it. I'll bring it back once I'm done... Might make a few copies of some of these pages...

[ And then McCoy is in his own little world for a bit, mumbling to himself as he leafs through the pages. After a long moment, he closes the book slowly and sets it down on the desk behind him. ]

So... [ He folds his arms over his chest and eyes the young man with that intuitive gaze of his. ]

[He doesn't comment, content to let Bones ramble. Superiors, always think they know what they're doing, and his nonverbal language conveys his sympathy. When Bones puts down the book, however, Kyle withdraws again, folding his arms, raising an eyebrow.]

So.

So, we gonna talk about the elephant in the room or just let it breathe up all the goddamn air? 'Cause I'm already startin' ta get light-headed... [ McCoy lifts his hips off the edge of the desk and walks a step forward. ]

I'm a doctor. [ As if that should just explain everything. ] You can't expect me to stand here and ignore how god-awful you look.

[That... surprises him, genuinely. A doctor on his world knows better than to offer to treat him, or is usually more occupied with someone else to really care about where Kyle's getting his medical treatment. He'd snap, but the anger of losing the clinic is tempered by gratitude at somebody - anybody showing concern for him.]

S'not as bad as you make it sound. [He speaks with far less sharpness than he would, normally, but he holds his ground, firm.] I've been tended to.

[That last bit is added slightly defensively, but it's in contrast to his body language, which is very much stay away. Implying that he hasn't been properly treated is a bad reflection on Sora and Kyle won't stand for that.]

Okay, sorry, let me downgrade you from god-awful to crappy then. It's still an unacceptable level... [Turning around, McCoy takes out a small instrument from his kit and holds it in his hand like its simply an extension of himself. ]

Yeah, I can see that. [ There's no condescension in his voice, just the simple fact that, yes, clearly someone (that doctor) has helped him. That doesn't excuse the way Kyle is obviously compensating, though. ] And every treated patient needs a follow-up whether they're fine or not. [ His dutiful StarFleet patients always schedule a check-up once they are freed! Then again, they can't leave until they do, so... Hmm... ]

Your doctor isn't here, and I am, so [ He sort of brandishes his hands over the length of himself like a magician that just suddenly appeared onstage. Except magicians usually smile. ]

No, thank you.

[His voice is carefully controlled. He isn't backing off from where he's standing, because he won't - can't - show fear or weakness, but the warning is there in how his jaw tenses slightly.]

Dr. Natu is monitoring my vitals with her ring, all medics in our Corps do. I'm fine, if I was otherwise, she'd be here.

[I don't know you. You shouldn't be seeing the scars.]

[ He isn't surprised by this reaction. Frustrated, yes, but not surprised. It seems comical why someone would refuse, but after meeting a man-child of a Captain and a Vulcan so tight-lipped about his alien physiology that his medical log is practically question marks, McCoy is fairly confident he can meet any challenge head on. With a shot of bourbon, of course. ]

Jesus, kid, it's free medical care I'm offerin'. And as Spock would say "'fine' has variable definitions". [ Christ, has he really just stooped so low? Well, whatever. He will go to any lengths to rein his patients in like fish on a line. Eventually they get tired and all you have to do is reel and reel and reel before they can start the struggle all over again. ]

Look, I'm not askin' ya to sit down and stick out yer tongue, here. Just let me take a reading. Won't even have ta touch ya!

[ It's been awhile since McCoy has to actually use compromise when doctoring on someone, and he already doesn't like it. Usually he can simply bark and pull rank, but it's hard on a planet where the Federation doesn't mean shit. ]

[He doesn't like being called 'kid'. People have to earn the right for that - he attacked Shayera for it, and he rejects a lot of Jim's attempts to treat him like a subordinate. People in the Corps call him 'kid' but they respect him. He isn't less than they are, he's just their little brother and they let him be a child, when he needs to. But from a stranger? It's the height of condescension, and if he wasn't watching himself carefully he would bristle with barely-contained rage.]

[Instead, firmly, and politely, he replies:] No.

[End of discussion.]

[ McCoy doesn't stop himself from rolling his eyes at the stubborn he is surrounded by. ] You fool... [ It's mumbled under his breath as he returns his instruments to his kit and locks it. ]

What about the rest of the patients? I'm here, I may as well treat someone...

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imaginate - 2013-07-20 01:32 (UTC) - Expand

004 ◉ audio; dated to the 14th

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Good. Stubborness. McCoy's favorite.

he's a magnet for it

Clearly :|

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A WIIIITCH!

EXCUSE YOU

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