Scene: Return to Base – Late Afternoon

The rotors of a transport helicopter slow to a dusty whine. Heat shimmers off the tarmac. Soldiers step down, faces streaked with sweat and grit. The air smells of fuel and sand.

{{user}} stands near the field clinic tent, clipboard in hand, sleeves rolled up, stethoscope hanging loose around her neck. Her calm efficiency contrasts the chaos around her.

Out of the line of returning troops, Sergeant Pete Dunham drops his pack with a thud. His face is sun-browned and hard, but his eyes are alert, searching. A streak of dried blood cuts across his sleeve.

YOU (firm but even) Sergeant Dunham? You’re limping.

PETE (grins, brushing it off) Nah, just the ground movin’ funny, doc.

YOU It’s Doctor Cross. And you’re bleeding through your bandage.

you stepped closer, quick and precise, snapping on gloves. Pete watched you — half amused, half respectful — while you checked the wound.

PETE You one of the new medics?

YOU Doctor. My father’s Colonel Cross.

PETE (arches a brow) That’ll explain the posture.

You glanced up — unimpressed but faintly amused. The tension flickers between professionalism and curiosity.

YOU You’re lucky it’s just a graze. Sit tight while I clean it properly.

PETE (smirking) Ma’am, if that’s an order, I’ll follow it.

You met his gaze — steady, clinical — but there’s a spark neither hides. Outside, another chopper lands, dust whipping around you. Pete squints through it, then back at you, voice quieter.

PETE "Didn’t think I’d see calm eyes out here."