Chance

Chapter 10: Planning

Maxson spent the next couple of days trying to come up with just what to do. He felt that a full display of whatever happened would be the best, as it would deter any other personnel from repeating Ashley's misdeeds. Although, he was left with the nagging question of just what should be done. Taking a diplomatic approach would likely be slow, and have less of an impact. A more direct and physical approach would go down faster, and stay in the minds of the Prydwen's crew for far longer.

This faster, more severe approach seemed to be the best option to Maxson, and far more appropriate. Although the Elder was not normally one to turn to violence to communicate a point, he was far from being entirely above the idea. The way he saw it, the occasional show of force was the key to keeping one's men in line. Showing strength ensured that they had a healthy inkling of fear, which would make disobedience seem like something to be avoided like a plague.

Now on his mind was just what to do. He did not desire to strictly humiliate the Initiate, as that could cost the respect of his men. Although, the use of too much force could have a similar result. The line which needed to be walked between the cause of too much shame and the use of too much force was a fine one, which had to be tread upon lightly. After hours of debating, the Elder found he was getting nowhere on his own. The man rose from his seat behind his desk, feeling there was only one man aboard who could actually offer assistance. Donning his battle-coat, Maxson went to speak with Paladin Danse.

The Elder found the Paladin alone, tending to his power armor. His uniform was unzipped, with the sleeves tied around his waist, leaving a dull gray undershirt exposed. With his attention fully trained on the power armor suit in front of him, the Paladin gave no indication that he had noticed the Elder.

"Paladin," Maxson curtly addressed. The kneeling figure of Danse jumped at the sudden sound of the Elder's voice, and turned, rising to his feet to face the man, and he gave a salute.

"Elder Maxson," Danse addressed. "I apologize, my attention was directed to making some repairs," he stated, explaining his initial lack of a reaction.

Arthur nodded, "Of course. I came to speak with you about Initiate Thomas," he stated.

"Which Initiate Thomas, sir?" Danse questioned.

"Initiate Ashley Thomas," Maxson clarified.

Danse nodded, "Trying to figure what to do with her?"

"Yes. Days have gone by, and I still have no solid plan."

"I presume you'll be using this to set an example?" Danse asked, as he turned to pick up a rag to wipe his oil-covered hands on.

Maxson gave a nod, "I see it as a fair opportunity. It would set an example for the crew, and send a message to Thomas herself."

"Well, you could use the standard method."

"I suppose, though, would it leave enough of an impression?"

"I believe so. It is rarely needed, at this point in time, and so the only real factor is how much you put into it."

Maxson nodded a bit, thinking this over. Danse had a fair point, an open display of disciplinary action was less common among the Brotherhood now, and it was only ever used in serious circumstances, to begin with. This would leave an image in the minds of the Prydwen's crew, no matter how it is executed.

"Thank you, Paladin. I appreciate your input," Maxson stated.

Danse nodded, "Of course, Elder," he replied, before turning back to his power armor.

The Elder went back to his private quarters, finding he needed to think things over once more. He had witnessed this sort of action be carried out only a few times in the years gone by, but he had never been more than a bystander. He had never carried out this punishment, and had been lucky enough to never receive it, himself. Back then, it had been difficult to watch, the visual itself coupled with the sound of the implement and the cries of the unfortunate soul to be on the receiving end only added to the harsh nature of the spectacle. Many members of the Brotherhood had witnessed this, and some had been unfortunate enough to be the one to receive it, and so they all knew how it worked.

The member being disciplined would often be dressed in only their boots and a pair of shorts, (female members would also be clad in a cropped tank-top to ensure their chests were covered), and nothing more. Their wrists and ankles would be restrained, exposing their torso and back. At times, depending on the circumstances, the two highest-ranking members present (often the Elder and the next highest in command) would have water retrieved and have the cold liquid thrown over the restrained body. The main part of the punishment was the most difficult for many to witness. The lashes would fall across the back, leaving angry red marks, which would often bleed. Following this, the victim could be once again doused with water before their restraints were removed, allowing them to get themselves cleaned up, and treated if it was needed.

Maxson took a breath, the thought of what he was going to do brought about an odd mix of emotions; pride and anxiety being the most obvious to him. The Elder himself was still young, only maybe two years older than the Initiate in question. Having this much authority was a hard-earned place, filling him with pride at having achieved it so early on, but it terrified him just as much. Maxson had to maintain a careful balance, and work far harder to keep the respect of the men and women in his charge, despite his accomplishments.

The Elder took a breath, and rose from his seat behind the metal desk. He knew this had to be done, and it had to be done soon. Maxson pulled himself together, and left the room, going to prepare things. That evening, Ashley Thomas would see what she had evoked by defying the values of the Brotherhood of Steel.

((A/N: The next chapter is going to be pretty intense, as well a good amount of the story from this point on. So, I'm going to take the opportunity to warn all you readers now, that this is going to be a thing. I'm going to be bumping the rating up, just to be safe, though nothing is going to be getting sexual as far as I have planned for the time being. It's just going to be getting intense, is all. That's all I have to say on this, I'll be putting another note at the start of the next chapter, just to be safe, and we'll be getting right back into the story from that.))