PNPC Lieutenant Kyle Morgan - No Bloodletting for Me!
Addison MacKenzie
(( Market District, City One – Rylor ))
Morgan: You know, on second thought, I think you're right - I remember Captain MacKenzie scheduling a meeting with the senior staff for this afternoon, but I know for a fact that you aren't on the duty roster this afternoon... This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for in-depth medical knowledge from an absolute expert in his field. I'd hate for you to miss out on it...
Morgan shifted his position so that Roy was now between himself an Acula, and he'd have a clean shot at the exit. He was impressed with how the junior officer was able to hold his face so... still. But for as still as his face was, he was sure that Acula could also pick up on the throbbing of the carotid artery now visible in Bancroft's neck. If his face didn't move, his neck sure gave away the game...
Bancroft: ::without looking directly at Morgan:: Sir, I’m quite certain Captain MacKenzie would never forgive me for failing to complete all of the charting I missed while on Callis I–
Acula moved in between them, definitively severing Bancroft's hope for escape.
Dr. Acula: Oh, I wouldn’t think of depriving you of the opportunity, Doctor Bancroft. Your colleague clearly has an unfortunate scheduling conflict. In my experience, the most worthwhile instruction is best conducted… individually.
Morgan raised his eyebrows in a look that could only say, "tough luck, kid," as he stepped away from the counter and past Bancroft. His movements were unhurried, yet efficient, and his footwork light. When he was nearly at the door, he stopped to look back.
Morgan: What do you want him to show you first, Dr. Bancroft?
Acula turned just slightly, enough to place one pale hand against the frame of the shadowed doorway behind him.
Dr. Acula: You needn’t decide at once, of course. ::his gaze settling, calmly and quite deliberately, on Roy:: I would never dream of rushing a serious mind.
Bancroft: While I’m always eager to expand my medical understanding, I–
Morgan: And I think you'll find that Dr. Bancroft is an excellent student... Perhaps you should make some recommendations of where you might begin...
Acula's attention now seemed focused on the more junior of the two medical officers.
Dr. Acula: ::slightly sing-song:: My volumes of notes alone would certainly interest a physician of your disposition. The preserved samples… far more so.
Bancroft: ::carefully:: When you say preserved samples, Doctor Acula… I assume you mean the sort that remain politely sealed ::muttering to Morgan:: and in no way require me to become one.
Acula’s expression did not so much change as soften into something perilously close to fondness.
Dr. Acula: I mean only that I have spent a great many years assembling a collection worthy of proper appreciation. ::beat, softer:: I suspect you may be the first person in some time capable of not only appreciating that collection, but even adding to it. ::quickly:: Your analysis, I mean.
Bancroft finally turned his head, just enough to look toward Morgan.
Bancroft: ::quietly, with the brittle composure of a man trying not to become local folklore:: Sir… am I to understand that you are actually going to… miss such an opportunity?
It took everything in Morgan to hold his face completely still, though he could feel his eyes soften slightly.
Morgan: I'm afraid so, you know how the captain gets when paperwork isn't filed on time... Unfortunately, that unenviable task falls to me as the department head. You, however, should feel free to take advantage of the fact that you are completely unburdened by such tasks. And on shore leave.
Bancroft/Acula: Response
He couldn't tell from this distance whether or not that was a tear forming in Bancroft's eye.
Morgan: Don't worry, Dr. Acula - Dr. Bancroft is both a quick and thorough study. I am sure he will be a more than suitable proxy on my behalf.
Bancroft/Acula: Response
Kyle, with his index and middle fingers together, offered a half-salute to that happy couple as he turned to the door.
Morgan: I look forward to reading about your discoveries, Dr. Bancroft...
As he pushed out the door and into the sunlight, the Acting Chief Medical Officer of the Artemis was never more relieved that his blood would be remaining in his body. He hoped the same would be true for Bancroft, but, again, what were junior officers for, if not to sacrifice themselves for the preservation of the hierarchy?
Tag, and End Scene for Morgan!
Acting Chief Medical Officer
USS Artemis-A