Ensign Roy Bancroft - I'll Bring a Poncho Next Time
Carter Schimpff
(( Second Promenade, Upper Level, Observation Alcove - Deep Space 224 ))
Bancroft: I know we’ve technically met – combat zones tend to rush the usual introductions. But I just wanted to say – formally, finally – Ensign Roy Bancroft, Medical Officer aboard the Artemis… reporting for duty, ma’am.
She didn’t respond at first. Just furrowed her brow – expressively, but with unmistakable precision. The kind of look that suggested she not only remembered exactly who he was, but had already filed a working hypothesis about his decision-making process.
Still, she hadn’t stopped him, sent him away, or summarily introduced him to the cold vacuum of space – which, given her reputation – felt like a small victory.
MacKenzie: Dr. Bancroft. I see you’ve discarded your cheezy poof-covered uniform. That’s good – you smelled like crap.
Bancroft: ::evenly:: Yes ma’am, I did. ::beat:: As a doctor yourself, I’m sure you’re no stranger to the splash zone risk of treating a pregnant woman experiencing significant adrenal fatigue. ::dryly:: next time, I’ll bring a poncho.
She raised her eyebrows – just a touch. A gesture that fell somewhere between ‘I’ve acknowledged your existence, pray I don’t end it’ and ‘this better get interesting fast.’
MacKenzie: Has your eyesight returned to normal, Doctor?
Bancroft: Kind of you to ask, ma’am. All’s well. ::beat:: I haven’t mistaken a potted plant for one of our scientists in nearly two weeks.
She nodded.
MacKenzie: Very good. That was quite risky business on Galaris IV. I’m glad that you gambled and won. This time. (beat) What can I do for you?
Bancroft: It was, ma’am. Risky, messy, possibly inadvisable… but in the end, worth it. ::a beat, respectful:: I know you’ve got better things to do than listen to a junior officer rehash. I just didn’t want to let shore leave go much further without doing this properly.
He stood to attention, expecting to be dismissed – most likely with a chin flick or a casual hand-wave.
MacKenzie: Response
Ah. Now, that was unexpected.
But then, this felt like more of the same: detached, polite perfunctoriness, delivered with just enough eye contact, hand gestures, and eyebrow movements to count as engagement. He suspected she was stalling – not out of interest, but out of etiquette.
The verbal equivalent of backing slowly out of a room without turning your back on the furniture.
Bancroft: Mostly pulling extra shifts in Sickbay, actually. Worthwhile in its own right – but more so for the distraction. ::beat:: There’s something oddly calming about cleaning up and organizing after triage… especially when the alternative is reflection.
MacKenzie: Response
He nodded in understanding, though inwardly he was running diagnostics on this entire exchange.
Why was she still asking him questions? Had he misread the body language? The tone? The distinct vibe of ‘wrap it up, Ensign’ she’d been broadcasting since minute one?
Bancroft: Galaris left a mark, no question. But then… so do all the best lessons. ::a beat, wry:: Turns out, the fastest way to grow as a doctor and an officer is through dangerous situations, uncomfortable choices, and the occasional no-win scenario. ::pause:: The method leaves a bit to be desired – but the outcome? That part sticks.
MacKenzie: Response
TAG/TBC!
===
Ensign Roy Bancroft
Medical Officer
USS Artemis-A
A240205RB1