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.

  “” Concluded the Captain about the medical report.

  The Head of Medical Staff nodded in silence.

  “” She concluded about the career report.

  The Head of Security nodded in silence.

  “” Captain Arykins sat back to look at her two confidantes in this matter. “”

  “[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.]”

  “” Said The Doctor, Jornissian Head of Medical Staff (and certified Papa Snake). “

  ”

  “” Said the Captain, sipping a cup of tea. “”

  “” Said Doc, sharing a medical report on a projector wall in the meeting room, and the others turned their attention to it. “”

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  “[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.]”

  “” Said Arykins, putting her cup down on the room’s big nondescript table. “”

  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.]”

  “” Ventured Doc. “”

  “” Said the Captain, raising the equivalent of a snake’s eyebrow.

  “” Said Doc. “”

  “” She took her cup and drinked a sip from it. “”

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

  “” Said Doc. “”

  “” 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.]”

  “” Said Doc. “”

  “” Concluded Captain Arasha’Ssabi.

  “” “[Aye]”