Traveler's Blessing

Chapter 6: The Cadet & the Medic

Eric Jackson is going out to celebrate passing his medical exam. It was not a difficult test since he is actually a neurosurgeon in his previous life. He has also been working for Abby since he was 14 as her medical assistant, which doubles as his cover when he visits Clarke and Miller. On the Ark, life is about conservation and recycling. So alcohol is a luxury. People would save their rations to make moonshine, and it is often traded as a commodity. But the good and expensive stuff is made with spirulina algae and distilled using special equipment. Each glass can cost upwards of a week's salary. But Jackson could care less and plans to splurge his money tonight because he has an ulterior motive.

He has recently helped conduct physical checkups for a group of new cadets that just turned 18. Amongst them, there was one who he is especially interested in befriending.

"Bellamy! Over here."

"Hi, doc." Bellamy pushes through a crowded bar to meet his new friend.

"I am not a doctor yet." Jackson quips.

"Well, not a lot of medical tech on this metal box, so you are to me. Congratulations, by the way." Smiles Bellamy.

In truth, Bellamy is here with a hidden agenda as well. Epidemic on the Ark is controlled by immunizing all citizens, so people rarely get sick. But when an Arker does get sick, medicine is hard to come by, and most people cannot afford treatment. Knowing people in high places helps. This is why even though Abby Griffins is not as charismatic as Thelonious Jaha or as politically savvy as Diana Sydney, she was able to climb the leadership ranks. In reality, Bellamy doesn't trust people from the Alpha Station or what he would call the privileged. However, this time he is desperate. His responsibility is really sick, so he has befriended this unusually friendly and newly minted medic.

"Do you want a drink?" Jackson motions for the barkeep.

"I don't think I can afford this place." Bellamy really couldn't.

"No problem, it's on me."

"What can I get you, fellows." The barkeep asks, eyeing Bellamy suspiciously. Bellamy is in his cadet uniform, and this bar is not a place the likes of him can afford. But then again, no one would dare to skip out on a bill on the Ark, even if Bellamy doesn't look like he belongs.

"Give me a Galatic, and you?" Jackson motions to Bellamy.

"I'll have what he is having." Bellamy doesn't even know what a Galatic is.

"Right Away." The barkeep pulls three different bottles of alcohol from the top shelves and pours them into two cups of ice. The Galatic is a mix of blue, red, and green spirulina algae alcohol. It got its name because the swirling colors make the drink look like galactic space. "Here you go."

Jackson pulls out his ID and gestures that he will be the one paying. The barkeep scans the ID and leaves to help other customers.

"Thanks. To the new Medical Tech," Bellamy raises his glass.

"And to the Cadet."

Both men chuckle awkwardly, each taking a sip of their drinks. Bellamy had never tasted alcohol this refined. The infamous home-brewed Ark moonshine is more about the effect than the taste.

"Hey, listen, I have a favor to ask." Bellamy leans back and hesitates for a moment.

"How can I help?" Jackson is familiar with this routine. As a medical assistant, many people have come to him for favors. He will always turn them down because there are laws in place that prevents medicines from being bartered.

"It's my mom, she is sick, and I was hoping you can help." Bellamy's mom is only slightly ill. Whatever she has is not life-threatening. However, Bellamy believes Octavia got what his mom has and is trying to see if he can score some medicine from his new friend.

"As in, get you some medicine?" Jackson ask.

"Well... I don't have much, but if..."

"Look, I'm going to stop you right there. You know I can't get you anything, not legally. But, I do have some personal stash, leftovers from my training. I can give those to you, but I will have to see your mom first to properly diagnose her." Jackson offers, knowing Bellamy would not have asked unless his mom is really sick. Also, this is his chance to get in contact with Octavia.

"Seriously?!" said a surprised Bellamy. It can't be that easy, can it? He has seen what men in power would do to those that are less fortunate. Grus comes to mind. "Why are you helping me?" Bellamy blurts out. He didn't mean to question his new friend's intention, but life has not been easy for people at the Factory station.

Jackson takes a sip of his drink. His eyes looking into the distance. Because of Octavia. " What are friends for. Besides helping people is why I want to be a doctor."

Bellamy looks at his new friend warily. Perhaps Jackson is helping him because he's a cadet, and life is finally turning around. In any case, he is not going to pass up the offer. "How about I bring my mom to the clinic tomorrow?"

"Yeah, that is not going to work. Dr. Griffin is always in the clinic with me. I don't want her seeing me giving out medicine. Why don't I go over to your place instead?" Jackson thinks of an excuse.

That might work. I'll just have Jackson check out my mom while O hides under the floor. Whatever Jackson ends up prescribing, we can give it to O after he leaves, thought Bellamy. " Sure, my place is on the Factory Station, sector 17, 20391."

"Great, I'll come by after my shift at the Clinic." Jackson smiles reassuringly and pats his friend's shoulder. I need to tell the gang about this and figure out how to send a message to Octavia.

"Now, are we celebrating or what?" Jackson raises his glass, gesturing for a toast.

"Thanks, doc." Bellamy smiles back, clicks his glass with Jackson's, and down the rest of the content. I can get used to this.