dear_mun | re: something the mun didn't notice before in the opening to Agents of SHIELD 1x01.

[If it counts for anything, May's mundane took umbrage to it on Bryce's (and Bruce's) behalf. She clasps her hands behind her, stiffly withholds the unneeded detail.]

Gracious of you, Dr Banner.

Do I... Know you?

[Bryce is not used to support from anyone who doesn't personally know. Comes with being a monster and all. The media isn't exactly convinced she's not a danger to anyone and everyone.]

[There's an obvious 'no' in the cautious professionalism of her body language.

She doesn't assume, however, that her initial reply was poorly received as a consequence of coming from a stranger. As far as strangers go, she's adequately informed.]

Agent May. [It should be obvious, but she's obliged to add,] I'm with S.H.I.E.L.D.

[Ah. Of course. Bryce is frankly a tad surprised that a SHIELD agent would bother to say anything, unless they're placating her. She is, after all, still a loose cannon. Just because she could help in the battle of New York doesn't mean she's not still a danger.

She offers up a smile, awkward and tinged with the kind of wariness you get from being hunted by government agents for several years.]

Nice to meet you.

Likewise.

[Dr Banner is a constant danger, a valued resource, a threat to be monitored and an ally to be respected. She has a lot to tip the scales either way, but the danger is SHIELD's first concern out of necessity. If the world is very lucky, there won't be many situations where the Hulk's wanton destruction is acceptable collateral damage. Bryce's full potential can't be quantified. Her strength is directly proportionate to her anger, and if there's an upwards limit on that, SHIELD doesn't know about it.

She isn't classified as an unknown, but she is unknowable, subject to variables like no other Avenger.

No one else is equipped to fully understand.

But there's something (not a similarity to Bryce by any means, just her limited basis for comprehension) May used to think of as the Romanoff rule. In the aftermath of New York, she might have to amend it to the Barton rule. It refers to a government operative's need for self-awareness about their own skills, their constant mindfulness, the importance of not being used for the wrong purpose. Once that responsibility is impressed upon an agent, it never goes quiet, and it definitely doesn't retire.

May isn't the asset she used to be — isn't the threat she used to be, but she still has the inner voice that reminds her of what she could do and has done.]

A minute of your time? [That's a request, not orders from on high.]

Of course.

[Bryce slips into a slightly more professional demeanor, and it shows. She's less guarded, more comfortable in her skin. It's easy to see why she passed so well as a medical doctor (in addition to her more than rudimentary knowledge of the human body); she has a nice bedside manner.

(Experience tells her it's usually best to be as professional as possible when SHIELD agents start asking questions. Sometimes she gets tired of being treated like she's about to explode.]

What did you want to talk about?

An inactive operation. [A completed mission, she means.

Somehow that lead-in sounds like SHIELD code for 'Don't freak out, but,']

We found a device emitting gamma radiation in an enclosed space. The device has been disposed of, but we could use a second opinion about the area.

[So not something to do with the Other One. Good. She can handle that.]

Of course. Do you already have readings, or...?

I do.

[She brought a readout along, offers that now. If it's inconclusive, they can arrange to escort Dr Banner to the site.

Coulson probably would have wanted this job, but secrecy. Bryce is stuck with May.]

Hard place to secure.

[Meaning she doesn't want to hear that it's unsafe, since that would force SHIELD to maintain a presence, and the sociopolitical situation is fraught already.]

[Yeah, this isn't giving her a whole lot. The area looks radioactive, but it's hard to tell from this if it's dangerous and needs to be evacuated and contained or... well, anything.] I think I'll have to get some equipment in there for a better idea of what's going on.

Understandable. "There" is in Peru.

[May doesn't expect that to change anything. Dr Banner is nothing if not a very, very experienced traveler.]

I'm also authorized to give you our findings from the device itself.

[Right now, our findings refers broadly to SHIELD. It's not important who handled it specifically, or that she was there herself. They can talk about that part once Bryce establishes whether they have something to be worried about.]

Right.

[She offers up a wry smile.] Guess I should pack up my bags, then.

I'll take point.

[Bryce doesn't need a protective detail (in this reality), but she will need supervision for Director Fury's peace of mind, not to mention a guide.]

You have time, Dr Banner. Pack, but don't rush.

[Her tone is even, not unkind. No return on Bryce's smile, though.]

I tend to pack light, anyway.

[It's amazing, the habits you pick up on the run.] When do we leave?

I know.

[That was a certain, possibly loaded reply.

It's amazing, the habits you pick up in the chase.

Both the people who run and the people who pursue have to be able to travel light and run silent.]

How's 0600 tomorrow? [She wouldn't need that long, if she didn't have to borrow another plane.]

That's fine. Gives me some time to figure out what equipment I'll need.

[She nods her acknowledgement, starts as though to leave without saying more —

Realises there's no one around to pick up her slack, conversationally. No one else to say things she doesn't.]

Thank you for agreeing to help.

[She glances up, a little surprised. She doesn't get thanks all that often - at least not from government types.] You're welcome.

[It was a little stilted and unnatural; that part probably clicks into place with the government agent standard.

She's gone then, but not so early that she didn't hear the reply.]

re: something the mun didn't notice before in the opening to Agents of SHIELD 1x01.

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