"Pilot": 12-20-08

INT. INFIRMARY

Rusty enters. The infirmary appears to be deserted. He smiles ready to turn away and leave.

RAMSEY (O.S.)
Chief?

Rusty turns to see Ramsey enter from one of the other chambers. He quickly hides his disappointed look.

RUSTY
(smiles charmingly)
Ensign.

Ramsey smiles warmly in return.

RAMSEY
Lieutenant Hawkes told me to meet you here.

Rusty scowls slightly.

RUSTY
Did the ol' fossil tell you why?

Ramsey gives Rusty a half-frown.

RAMSEY
Yeah. (half beat) Standard pre-flight check.

RUSTY
(with mild relief)
Right. Of course.

Ramsey gives him a brief, odd look.

RAMSEY
Just seems odd. (sigh) Pulled me off a botanical experiment to do it. (beat) I know it's in the regs, but the Captain doesn't usually . . .

RUSTY
(charming smile again)
Then let's just forget the whole thing. Time's wastin'. Got pre-flight checks and all to do.

Ramsey seems to consider this for a moment. Her frown deepens.

RAMSEY
I'd better not. Lieutenant Hawkes expects this report.

Rusty continues to smile at her, but seeing that she is not going to relent, shrugs with mock helplessness.

Ramsey gestures him toward the diagnostic bed.

RAMSEY
You know the routine, I think.

RUSTY
(smiles)
Oh yeah.

Ramsey shakes her head in amusement.

RAMSEY
It'll only take a few moments.

Rusty shifts and fidgets slightly on the table.

RAMSEY (CONT'D)
(with mock reproof)
If you stay still.

Rusty grins back at her and lays back.

Ramsey starts the scan. Rusty's expression betrays just a hint of nervousness.

After several moments, the scan ends. Ramsey adjusts some controls and checks the displays. She smiles at Rusty.

RAMSEY (CONT'D)
You can get up, Chief. We're done.

Rusty sits up and drops somewhat lightly to the deck.

RUSTY
And?

RAMSEY
(distractedly)
Oh, it looks fine, Chief. (half beat) I'll send it to Lieutenant Hawkes right way.

Rusty looks mostly relieved, but he tries to take a peek at the screen anyway.

Ramsey looks at him curiously.

RAMSEY
Is something wrong, Chief?

Rusty gives her a winning smile.

RUSTY
Nah, just checking to see if I really have a heart. (winks) There's been some question.

Ramsey rolls her eyes and gives him a faint smile.

Rusty grins and exits the infirmary.

CUT TO:

INT. CORRIDOR

Rusty stops outside the closed hatchway. He looks back toward the hatch with a slight frown. After a moment, he continues down the corridor.

DISSOLVE TO: