Chapter 4.8 : The Doctor’s Visit

Scene One — The Summons

Morning comes to the ad hoc starport beneath a pale, cloud-filtered sky. Beyond the earthen berm, Balac Pontli is already awake. The distant city presents itself first as sound rather than detail: machinery working somewhere beyond sight, the intermittent rise and fall of traffic, and the low, layered murmur of a population too large to ever become entirely quiet.

Inside the cutter, the preparations made the previous evening remain visible. Dr. Shone’s medical equipment has been separated into carefully considered groups: essential diagnostic instruments, treatments likely to be accepted without argument, and more advanced devices whose purpose may prove difficult to explain across both language and custom. Virel’s notes concerning Ziyótl and the petition procedure rest nearby. Elsewhere, JEEM and Bohdie continue refining the information passed down from the Azure Voyager, though the orbital team’s work has not yet produced anything resembling a complete picture of the city.

The first indication of visitors comes from the cutter’s external sensors. Two Alejia are approaching the vessel from the direction of the starport checkpoint. Neither is accompanied by the larger escort used during the visit with Dominicus.

Ziyótl Toha’kai walks in front. The knotted cords identifying him as Speaker Under Knot hang openly across his clothing. Several paces behind him is Tavek, the Alejia who previously guided the group through the market. Tavek carries no visible cargo and does not approach the cutter’s ramp until Ziyótl has announced them.

Sera, who had come over to the cutter after breakfast and was sharing coffee with the crew, sets her cup aside as she watches the two Alejia approach. She glances toward the waiting team. "They did not send witnesses," she observes quietly. "That means this is probably not another accounting. Not yet."

When the cutter’s ramp is lowered, Ziyótl waits at its foot rather than attempting to board. His Anglic is as precise as before, though this morning he speaks more slowly, making certain that every word carries the intended meaning.

"The request for sight of Tomas Kade has been answered. Those who hold his keeping will allow the healer called Victor Shone to look upon him and judge whether his body remains properly maintained."

Ziyótl pauses before continuing. "They have allowed one other from your company to accompany the healer. I suggested Virel Kilmire."

His attention settles briefly upon Virel. "He has stood within the petition and understands witnessed speech. He has also accepted responsibility for helping me carry meaning between your people and mine. Those who hold Tomas Kade’s keeping have accepted my suggestion."

The selection is revealing. The Hídaska did not independently choose Virel or impose a companion upon Dr. Shone. Ziyótl used his limited standing as Speaker Under Knot to recommend him, and the Hídaska accepted that recommendation. Virel is therefore being admitted as a recognized participant in the exchange rather than as a medical assistant or guard. It is also the first indication that Ziyótl is beginning to exercise judgment of his own within the proceeding.

Ziyótl shifts slightly, allowing Tavek to step forward. The guide produces a short length of dark cord bearing four distinct knots. He does not offer it to anyone. Instead, he holds it where the humans can see it while Ziyótl explains.

"The first knot permits the healer to examine Tomas Kade. The second permits treatment only where delay would place life in danger. The third permits questions concerning pain, illness, food, sleep, injury, and the proper maintenance of the body. The fourth closes all questions concerning placement, transfer, obligation, or the acts that brought him beneath Hídaska protection."

Tavek turns the cord once and then returns it to a pouch at his side.

"If the healer wishes to provide treatment that is not required at once," Ziyótl continues, "he must first state what will be done and what change he expects it to make. Those holding Kade will decide whether that treatment changes the accounting attached to his keeping."


Sera’s attention moves from Ziyótl to the prepared medical equipment. Her voice remains low enough that it does not carry beyond the ramp.
"They are giving the doctor access, but they are protecting their claim. If he improves Kade’s condition, someone will want it recorded who caused that improvement—and who becomes responsible if it goes badly."

Ziyótl appears to catch at least part of the exchange but does not object. Instead, he adds the remaining conditions.

"No instrument may speak beyond the place of examination. No image or voice may be preserved without permission. Nothing belonging to Kade’s place of keeping may be removed. No marked hollow, container, cord, wall-space, or covered object may be opened or touched."

That final prohibition is delivered with unmistakable emphasis.

"The healer may carry what is necessary for healing. Virel Kilmire may carry what was permitted during the previous witnessing, except that no writing instrument will be admitted. Sera Vorn may travel with us as far as the Hídaska boundary because she has previously carried words between your company and the city. Beyond that boundary, whether she proceeds will be decided by those who hold the way."

Sera gives a small nod. She seems neither surprised nor particularly pleased by the limitation.

---

Ziyótl then looks past Dr. Shone and Virel toward Chaala.
"There is one matter that must be understood before we depart. Sight of Silvia Dominicus was granted beneath the first petition. Sight of Tomas Kade is being granted because the healer expressed concern for another of his people. This is not yet permission to join their accounts, nor is it acknowledgment that their obligations are the same."

For the first time, there is a trace of discomfort in Ziyótl’s delivery. The distinction may have come from the Hídaska, from the petition witnesses, or from someone advising them beyond the visible proceeding.

"Tomas Kade is kept separately. What is learned of his body may be returned to your people. What he says of other matters may remain beneath witness until it is called before the accounting."

Tavek steps aside and looks toward the checkpoint. The visitors are evidently expected elsewhere, and the permission has been granted for a particular time rather than as an open-ended invitation.

Ziyótl does not hurry the team, but neither does he leave the timing ambiguous.

"We should depart when the healer is prepared. The way is not short. Before we cross from Xá’kai keeping into the ways held by the Hídaska, the healer must show what he carries and say which things may enter the body."

What the PCs can gather is that the summons is genuine but narrowly constructed. Dr. Shone has been granted access to Kade. Virel has been accepted at Ziyótl’s recommendation as the doctor’s companion and a participant in the witnessed exchange. Sera may accompany them for only part of the journey. Chaala and the remainder of the team must remain at the starport unless they choose to challenge the terms before the party departs.

The immediate question is no longer whether the Hídaska will permit the visit.....It is how much the team is willing to accept—and what Dr. Shone and Virel will carry into Balac Pontli.

GM Comment: WHat are your actions currently and did the PCs prepare anything before hand??? Do you have any OCC questions?

Victor took the same instruments that was allowed during the visit to Silva Dominicus. Too much of this customs were complicated for him to keep in mind. Instead he kept his thoughts on the possible scenarios that Kade was probably in. He mentally reharshed what he will do and what he will suggest this Alejia faction. After setting up all the instruments he turned to Virel and gave a nervous smile, "Well, lets go then. I hope we don't complicate it."

Chaala nods, "Not ideal, but not unexpected or unacceptable. Take care to not increase any obligation or ask unwarranted questions, but listen carefully for anything Kade says. Do not act on it, but we will let it inform us when the accounting of obligation procedes further." She looks at Dr. Shone, "If he needs further medical attention, confer with Virel on how best to present it, but your judgement on that is the deciding factor. We want to avoid increasing our obligation, but if he sickens further that is on the Hidaska, especially if you have made it clear what he needs. I don't want that to be a point of negotiation because I want Kade and the others home safe."

Virel gave Chaala a slight nod, then turned to Dr. Shone.

"We will stay within the boundaries they’ve given us. They’ve already told us a great deal by placing those restrictions, and we’ll learn more from what they choose to show us."

He paused briefly, his expression becoming more stern.

"For now, we’re concerned with Kade’s health. One step at a time, we unravel the knots and bring them all home."

"We will await your return, hopefully with good news." Chaala does not say what she's thinking about keeping an eye on them all the way.

Bohdie works from a console from within the cutter, working and orbital eyes they may have over the Starport and city. While he is watching, best as he is able, the path of the Dr and Virel, it is not his only concern on the ground. He sets multiple monitors and algorithms to watch the general traffic patterns in the city with sensitivities set to alert if patterns change significantly. His first priority is the path taken by the medical "knot", but he keys several secondary thresholds on vectors and masses. He also make sure to watch the areas around the city…

"I've got a crawling sensation, boss. Nothing I can put my finger on at the moment… just that the Alejia aren’t the only thing we are facing down here… or the only mystery… or something like that."

Scene Two — The Journey into Balac Pontli

Dr. Shone makes no attempt to alter the equipment already prepared. He takes the same instruments permitted during the examination of Silvia Dominicus, preferring familiar ground to another negotiation over unfamiliar technology. The restrictions, obligations, and distinctions of Alejia custom remain difficult for him to hold together, but the possible condition of Tomas Kade is not. As the final cases are closed, his attention remains fixed upon the medical problems he may encounter and what he may need to recommend to Kade’s custodians.

Chaala’s instructions follow them to the ramp: do not increase the obligation unnecessarily, do not press Kade for information beyond what has been permitted, but listen carefully to anything he chooses to say. If further treatment is needed, Dr. Shone is to confer with Virel on how it should be presented—but the medical judgment remains his.

Virel’s task is less tangible. He carries no medical equipment and has been denied anything with which to write. He accompanies the doctor as a participant in the petition, a witness to what is said, and the person most able to recognize when a medical statement begins to acquire a second meaning within the accounting of obligations.

Chaala remains beside the ramp as they prepare to leave.
She does not mention the orbital surveillance, nor the effort already being made to follow their route from above.

Bohdie remains at his console within the cutter. One display holds the best orbital image available of the starport and the surrounding districts. Others track traffic density, unusual gatherings, changes in movement around the berm, and the routes by which larger bodies might approach the ad hoc port. The Azure Voyager can provide position and movement, but not intention. Buildings, covered passages, thermal clutter, and the sheer density of Balac Pontli turn much of the city into overlapping uncertainty.
Whatever else may be hidden in Balac Pontli, Bohdie sets the departing medical party as his first priority. Secondary routines begin watching the districts around them even before the group reaches the checkpoint.

Ziyótl and Tavek lead the way across the packed ground of the starport. Dr. Shone and Virel walk together behind them, while Sera follows far enough back to avoid appearing part of the formal knot. No armed escort accompanies them within the Xá’kai enclosure. The knotted permission cord carried by Tavek appears to be sufficient authority—at least here.

At the checkpoint, they are taken beneath a fabric awning erected against the pale daylight. The same guards who watched the party’s earlier passage through the starport now examine them with greater care.

Dr. Shone places each medical instrument upon a low table and explains its purpose through Ziyótl. The examiner does not attempt to understand the science. Instead, each object is placed into one of three practical categories: something that looks, something that measures, or something that enters the body.

The instruments already accepted during the Dominicus visit pass with little dispute. Greater attention is given to the medicines and injectors. Ziyótl translates every explanation precisely, while Tavek marks the permission cord with small temporary ties. Nothing is confiscated, but the number and type of treatments are counted before the cases are closed again.

Virel’s permitted possessions receive only a brief inspection. The absence of a stylus, recorder, or visible transmitter appears to satisfy the guards. His role is not to preserve an account in an offworld device. He is expected to remember it.

Beyond the checkpoint, a local ground vehicle waits in the road. It is narrow enough to pass through the crowded streets, with a covered passenger compartment and open sides screened by patterned latticework. Its exterior bears old repairs in several different materials, but its electric drive is quiet and well maintained.

Tavek takes the forward position beside the driver. Ziyótl sits facing Dr. Shone and Virel. Sera boards last, remaining nearest the open rear of the compartment.

The vehicle pulls away from the starport and passes through a break in the surrounding earthen berm.

Balac Pontli does not rise gradually beyond it. The city closes around them.

The outer streets are broad enough for cargo vehicles, handcarts, draft animals, and dense streams of foot traffic, yet every available space appears occupied. Tall, earthen-colored buildings stand shoulder to shoulder, many of them ten stories or higher. Their lower levels are windowless or protected by heavy shutters, while the upper floors lean over the roadway behind latticed openings and patched awnings. Bridges connect some structures above the streets, turning entire blocks into continuous masses of habitation.

The buildings are not uniform. Old walls of packed earth and masonry have been repaired with cast panels, salvaged metal, poured compounds, and pieces of manufactured siding whose colors no longer match. Water pipes, power cables, drainage channels, balconies, and suspended walkways have accumulated across their faces in layers. What might once have been a planned district has become a vertical record of generations adding whatever space they could secure.

Between these crowded structures grow the signs of the fertile plain upon which the city was built. Flowering grasses push through cracks in drainage beds. Thick bushes grow in protected courtyards and along raised water channels. Vines spread across walls wherever they are not cut away. Their colors soften the city without making it less crowded.

The deeper they travel, the more difficult it becomes to understand where one neighborhood ends and another begins. There are no signs declaring tribal jurisdiction. The distinctions appear instead in repeated colors, woven patterns, doorway markings, and the cords displayed by those responsible for the street.

Ziyótl watches Virel studying them.

"Balac Pontli has many ways," he explains. "A road may belong to all who walk upon it, while the doors beside it belong to one people and the water beneath it to another. To cross the road is not always to cross the same boundary."

Sera glances through the latticework at a group of Alejia watching the vehicle pass.

"And sometimes," she adds, "the person who knows which boundary matters is the person who controls the journey."

Ziyótl considers the observation but does not dispute it.

At the first major junction, the vehicle slows. Two Alejia wearing the colors that have accompanied the party since the starport step away from the roadside. Another pair approaches from beneath a covered arcade. Tavek shows them the knotted cord. There is a brief exchange—formal, quiet, and apparently expected.

The original pair remain behind. The newcomers take up positions ahead of the vehicle.

From orbit, the change is almost invisible. Bohdie’s systems can distinguish four bodies becoming six, then four again as the vehicle clears the intersection. The movement does not resemble an ambush or a growing escort. It looks like responsibility being handed from one group to another.

The route turns away from the wider commercial avenues and enters a district where motor traffic becomes uncommon. The vehicle passes workshops opening directly onto the street: metalworking, fabric production, food preparation, repairs, and trades with no immediately obvious offworld equivalent. The smells of heated oil, spice, damp earth, smoke, and too many Alejia mingle in the confined air.

The inhabitants do not react to the visitors with one shared response. Some stop to watch. Others deliberately turn away. Children follow the vehicle until an elder calls them back. A few adults study Dr. Shone’s medical cases rather than the offworlders carrying them.

What draws the most attention, however, is the arrangement of the party: Tavek carrying the permission cord, Ziyótl wearing the knots of a recognized speaker, the healer and his witness seated together, and Sera behind them without any visible place within the formal structure.

To the Alejia along the route, they are not merely foreigners passing through the city.

They are a proceeding in motion.

At a second boundary the vehicle stops completely. Here, the transition is marked by a shallow channel of running water crossed by three narrow bridges. The escort confers with an older Alejia waiting beneath a flowering canopy. The knotted cord is shown again, but this time the discussion lasts several minutes.

Sera leans slightly toward Dr. Shone and Virel.

"This is as far as I was promised," she says quietly. "Whether they let me cross will tell us something. Do not argue for me unless you are prepared for them to ask why I am necessary."

Ziyótl is called forward. He listens, answers, and then turns toward Sera.

"You may cross the water, but not enter the place where Tomas Kade is held. You may wait beneath Hídaska protection until the healer and Virel Kilmire return."

Sera accepts the limitation without protest. It keeps her closer to the visitors than the original terms guaranteed, but leaves the final approach entirely in Hídaska hands.

As the party crosses the bridge, one of the previous escorts does not follow. Instead, he moves rapidly into a side passage and disappears beneath the upper stories.

Bohdie’s orbital tracking loses him almost immediately.

Several minutes later, a second Alejia emerges from another covered passage more than a block away. There is no visible meeting between them, but the second figure begins moving across the flow of traffic rather than along the medical party’s route. Bohdie’s software marks the motion as a probable relay and continues following it whenever the city allows.

It does not travel toward the districts associated with the Wiyá’hka.

It turns toward the older central quarters—the same broad political circle from which Ziyótl and the petition intermediaries emerged.

The observation proves nothing by itself. Messages undoubtedly cross Balac Pontli every moment. Yet its timing is exact: the party has entered Hídaska keeping, and word of that passage is already moving elsewhere.

Beyond the water, the streets narrow again. The buildings are older, taller, and more carefully maintained. Doorways bear layered cords and small objects worked into the surrounding plaster. Armed Alejia are visible, but none display weapons openly in their hands. Their presence feels less like a patrol than a reminder that every entrance belongs to someone.

The vehicle stops before a high-walled compound set back from the street. The entrance is not grand. There are no banners, guards in ceremonial armor, or public signs of authority. Only a recessed doorway beneath a row of dark wooden beams and a patterned cord stretched across the threshold.

Two Hídaska wait outside.

Tavek steps down and presents the four-knotted permission cord. Ziyótl follows. Dr. Shone, Virel, and Sera remain within the vehicle while the first quiet exchange begins.

Somewhere behind those walls is Tomas Kade.

The journey has brought them into Balac Pontli, but it has also carried them through a chain of hands, witnesses, and unseen reports. The Hídaska control the doorway before them.

Someone else is already being told that they have arrived.

Chaala watches the monitors as the movement is tracked. At each transition, she rewinds slightly and looks for any radio signals just before or just after the exchanges. She looks for anything moving or signalling in the buildings overlooking the exchanges. She coordinates with Bohdie and the others as she does so.

During the journey, Virel sat back and watched the surroundings, taking particular note of Ziyótl’s explanation when Ziyótl noticed his attention. Nothing in his manner suggested anything beyond ordinary curiosity, but inwardly he filed away every detail in case it became useful later.

When they arrived, he said nothing. He gave Doctor Shone a slight nod, more reassurance than instruction, then settled in to wait quietly and allow the Hídaska whatever time they required.

Victor tried to remain calm throughout the journey by observing whatever was inside the vehicle and what was visible outside. He silently listened to Ziyótl when he talked or gave any explanation. As the journey came to an end he disembarked with others and patiently moved with Ziyótl and others wondering how this visit will turn out. In front of the doorway he stood silently while casually eying the surroundings and the Hídaska guards that were posted there.

Bohdie silently tracks the procession using noninvasive means, mostly by visual but he tasks extra computing power whenever visual tracking becomes difficult, using intelligent systems to project movement if it becomes occluded.

When the Alejia ‘runner’ sets off, he sets a tracking ‘bug’ on the figure to keep track of any approach that may indicate who might be receiving information. He makes sure Chaala is aware of both the development and the tracking routine.