In which the writer makes it clear there are no villains here, only fools.


    Captain Arasha’Ssabi found herself in yet another stupid conundrum, and all because the offending officers in question did not have an obvious “we are evil” sticker on their backs.


    “<Good physical capabilities, good spacefaring skills and zero known psychological issues since their inclusion on our crew…>” Concluded the Captain about the medical report.


    The Head of Medical Staff nodded in silence.


    “<And their work ethic is acceptable. They have zero known incidents besides a couple of pranks amongst fellow officers, which their workmates would state for the record “were pretty harmless”, and thus no complains were made. And they were efficient and professional with every order so far.>” She concluded about the career report.


    The Head of Security nodded in silence.


    “<Ok then...>” Captain Arykins sat back to look at her two confidantes in this matter. “<Am I correct in my assumption that this was nothing more than a prank gone wrong?>”


    “[The evidence seems to support that.]” Said COREMASTER, Dorarizin Head of Security (and goodest boy of Starbinder). “[I have no personal issue against pranks amongst my team, but it baffles me they would target civilians this time. That, I cannot ignore.]”


    “<I have the feeling they targeted the Potatoes due to their “celebrity” status amongst the crew.>” Said The Doctor, Jornissian Head of Medical Staff (and certified Papa Snake). “


    ”


    “<Regardless of the reason…>” Said the Captain, sipping a cup of tea. “<Their lack of consciousness almost undoes 6 months of hardwork. That alone justifies their discharge.>”


    “<True, but we must also consider the other half of this issue.>” Said Doc, sharing a medical report on a projector wall in the meeting room, and the others turned their attention to it. “<The Potatoes were already under stress due to their own activities. This ensured their reaction to the prank was tenfold what I presume would be nothing short of a dismissal from their part. Granted, it does not excuse the prank itself, but it does put in perspective the possibility that these officers would benefit from a lesser punishment than a discharge. I understand that the rest of the crew are in good terms with them, yes?>”This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    “[They have good synergy with the rest of the team.]” Said COREMASTER. “[They still think they fucked up, but they are willing to give them a different kind of punishment for it. As for others, we haven’t received any complaints, far as I know.]”


    “<Most of the crew are neutral about them.>” Said Arykins, putting her cup down on the room’s big nondescript table. “<Those who are acquainted with them have expressed their disappointment about their actions, stating they had never acted that way with them. They agree they should be given a fair punishment, but they leave the decision in our hands.>”


    There was a pause for thought.


    “[Hmm…If we discharge them it means transfering new recruits to replace them.]” Said COREMASTER, paws together in deep thought. “[That would undo the dynamic we have built these past years. Not to mention the paperwork and necessary training to get them up to speed with our specific mission.]” He leaned back. “[On the other claw, this incident may have soured the crew’s image of its security staff, and if we don’t make a proper example of it, they may start to question our discipline and trustworthiness.]”


    “<If I may suggest.>” Ventured Doc. “<I believe it would only be proper to share the Potatoes’ current health evaluation with the rest of the crew, from the perspective of keeping caution around them so this kind of incidents do not repeat in the future. It might also help mitigate the crew’s uncertainty about this event, and if discharge isn’t the final punishment, it might help the crew be more open to accepting these officers again.>”


    “<Are we going to classify the Potatoes as “special needs” now?>” Said the Captain, raising the equivalent of a snake’s eyebrow.


    “<Not exactly.>” Said Doc. “<This would only be a reminder to the crew that the Potatoes are part of a project and must be treated as such, regardless of our good intentions to welcome them into our cultures.>”


    “<Fair enough…>” She took her cup and drinked a sip from it. “<Going back to the matter at hand. If we were to go with a punishment other than discharge, what should it be?>”


    “[Obligatory retraining, for starters. Zero weapon privileges until complete.]” Said COREMASTER.


    “<We should keep them away from the Potatoes until we are certain they can interact safely.>” Said Doc. “<Assigning them exclusive ship duties should be enough.>”


    “<Hmm, we could have them do community service on the Recycling Sector.>” Said Arykins leaning back and looking up, caressing the cup in her hands. “<9 months sounds good to you?>”


    “[Sure, that might let the crew get used to them again. And it’s ample time to evaluate their progress.]”


    “<It’s certainly better than starting over for them.>” Said Doc. “<I believe they will comply.>”


    “<Then, we are in agreement to issue this punishment instead of a discharge?>” Concluded Captain Arasha’Ssabi.


    “<Aye>” “[Aye]”