Lt Alex Storm - I'm Your Friend, Too
Karen Morris
(( Holodeck 1, Deck 2 – USS Artemis-A ))
Alex drew in a breath, then let it out slowly. When she looked back at Roy, her expression had softened. She slid her PADD into her back pocket and clasped her hands in front of her.
Storm: Lieutenant Bancroft … Roy. Can you help me understand your hesitance in any way other than because this wasn’t a real situation, but a simulation, that you refused to shoot me? I do want to understand.
Roy exhaled quietly.
Bancroft: Delighted to, ma’am.
oO Ma’am? Oo Tension crep into Alex’s jaw, but she offered a single nod.
Bancroft: There wasn’t any hesitation. I didn’t freeze. I made a decision – and I made it quickly. This wasn’t a hiccup. It was a choice. Two things factored into my decision. The first is the Starfleet Physician’s Oath I swore when I graduated from the Medical Academy, part of which is a promise to never deliberately cause harm to any sentient being.
She breathed slowly in, focused on Roy’s eyes.
Bancroft: I know the definition of ‘causing harm’ has elastic edges. Phasers set to stun still hurt. I have also deliberately caused harm before – to people actively trying to hurt my comrades – and I’ll do it again if I have to. That tension – between being an officer and a physician – isn’t theoretical to me.
Slipping her hands into her back pockets, Alex’s mouth opened instinctively, and hung there for a moment before she pressed her lips together. She placed her palm on her chest and then gestured to him.
Bancroft: Today, we weren’t in combat. And the person in my sights was a fellow officer standing in for a threat. Which brings me to the second factor, and – honestly – the larger of the two: reflex.
Alex never flinched from his gaze. Instead, she took a half-step forward and leaned into that leg.
Bancroft: It’s easy to say that in a real firefight – a hostile scenario, dust flying, minimal situational awareness – I’d recognize your face as friendly and hold my fire. I probably would. But if I condition myself to fire on you here – even on stun, even knowing it’s a simulation – what reflex am I training?
She wrinkled her nose and tipped her head back and forth.
Bancroft: In that split second, when adrenaline is high and information is incomplete, do I make the same decision? Or do my hands default to the last reflex I drilled into them?
Her eyebrows raised. oO Does he want an actual answer? No. Not yet.Oo
Bancroft: That’s the risk I wasn’t willing to take today. ::a beat:: There are times when my oath to Starfleet as a physician and my oath to Starfleet as an officer come into conflict, and I understand that. I carry that weight proudly. But this isn’t about morality, ma’am – not at all. Nor is it about defying authority.
Roy eyes bore into Alex’s. Hers were large but softened around the edges.
Bancroft: It’s about being very deliberate with what I allow to become an instinct.
Alex waited and watched. The air hung heavy between them for several moments, but when no more words fell from his heart into her hands, a gentle smile crossed her face. The first word was given weight and duration.
Storm: Roy,
Alex paused, watching his eyes and inclining her head toward him.
Storm: I understand that this was a calculated decision, not a hesitation. So let me start by commending you for that. While I do understand where you are coming on many of your points, I … see things somewhat more nuanced that you do. And this is a conversation - not a lecture … no ultimatums - I will happily have with you - in detail. I’m guessing at the moment, we’re both a little close to the scenario and passions are high. I’d love to continue the conversation though, when we’ve both had some space to process what happened.
Alex looked toward the door and then back at Roy.
Storm: I’m guessing you have a friend outside waiting for you.
She inclined her head in the direction she could sense Imril.
Storm: But don’t forget, Roy. Despite the way this turned out today, I’m …
Her words faltered for a moment.
Storm: I’m your friend, too.
~*~
Tags / TBC!
~*~
Lt Alex Storm
Tactical Officer
USS Artemis
O240103SK2