"Strange, isn't it?" Dr. Ranya grinned. "These nameless plants are considered weeds by the Nyxian pirates. They are treasures to me, though. They are actually feeding on Kavenit to grow."
"Really?!"
Ves studied the soil and found out that it largely consisted of finely-ground Kavenit ore. The unknown plants seemed to derive almost all of their energy and all of their nutrients from this sole material.
This must be why the plants looked very stiff and rigid.
"So what is the use of this plant?"
"On its own, it's not that useful. It's when they are combined or altered that they become of use to us. It will take a lot of research, though. I don't have enough samples to start a big research project."
"Don't forget your primary responsibilities."
"I know. This is just a side activity."
He quizzed Ranya a bit further. While she hadn't made any major breakthroughs in her current research projects, she still figured a bit more useful insights about the high-grade life-prolonging treatment serum.
None of them immediately helped him, though. After he finished his questioning, he left Ranya to conduct her examination on Ketis and returned to his stateroom.
He sent a quick message through his comm before sitting down to wait. He played around with Lucky for a time.
"Meow."
Ves tossed his cat into the air in a spin. Lucky didn't look dizzy at all. Instead, his metallic frame seemed to drift up and down as if he was as light as a feather.
"You haven't produced a gem in months, Lucky. When are you going to pay your rent?"
"Meow!"
"C'mon! You ate so many valuable exotics from the pirate bases we've raided! Where is all of that going?!"
The argument lasted until his latest guest arrived. Ves stopped arguing with his cat and instead stood up to welcome the new arrival.
"Dietrich! It's good to see you again!"
"Hello, Ves."
Though the two hadn't been in touch very often, they were still friends.
Both of them soon sat down.
"So, I believe you'll be a part of the group that will pay a visit to Ulimo Citadel in disguise, right?"
Dietrich nodded. "Yup. I've already become familiar with the fake pirate outfit we've invented. I know many of the fellows who will be a part of this charade. We have had a lot of fun trying to plan out our disguise."
"That's good to hear." Ves was already aware of some of the details. "Let's get to the reasons why I called you here. First, I told you to bring your gear along so that I can upgrade them in person. How are you faring with my old stuff?"
"The Peaceful Repose is very powerful, though it doesn't quite fit me. The Sparous Vize possesses many functions that are too complicated for me. It's frankly a waste for me to wear such an advanced suit."
"I don't think so. Our Larkinson Clan already has better. Since you have some misgivings about your gear, I'll go ahead and make some additional modifications while I upgrade them. I'll automate some of the hacking and scanner functions."
"That will be very helpful. Thank you, Ves. I don't really deserve all of this attention from someone important like you. There must be better ways for you to spend your time."
Ves smiled and faintly shook his head. "I don't think so. While I am showing some favoritism, I don't give a damn. You're one of the few Larkinsons in the clan that doesn't look at me like I'm some sort of great figure or a superstar."
He shrugged in a nonchalant manner. "It helps that I've been in your chair, if only for a brief amount of time. Becoming the leader of an organization is a huge burden. The moment you became the clan patriarch is the moment you put yourself on top of other people. I figure you don't want to lose the few close relationsh.i.p.s you have."
He was right. Ves found it hard to make any new friends among the Larkinsons. He mostly clung to his existing circle. This was a bit shortsighted as the clan had absorbed many new talents and notable people.
"I'll pay more attention to this issue." Ves pledged.