I may not be licensed, but I will hold this child. They're crying, they need help. I don't give a damn about your rules. You're not licensed either, and watching a young child wailing in fear and discomfort without aid is cruel. -- BKF
[AN: I understand the spirit of the prompt, and am writing for that. With reference to @internutter/challenge-04984-m235-post-trauma-trauma-comfort ]
Prentice Medik Jarl, do you understand the charges you are answering for today?
I don't, sir. I did my job with all possible speed. I assisted the full Mediks to the best of my ability. I was told I had an outstanding performance.
You ignored a child in need, something a Medik should never do.
The child was green-tagged. I was told to leave the green-tagged ones to their own devices. I followed instructions. How can I be in trouble for following instructions?
[Video exerpt of Prentice Medik Jarl passing by Toddler Dar several times. Apologising with each pass until a survivor gave Dar a teddy-bear to hold]
That was you. We have verified the identification. You ignored a child in need, which is a violation of Basic Training.
Sir, they needed every hand on the job. I could not stop to cuddle a baby. They were only in distress.
You apologised to the child. You could have used the same breath to deputise one of the others who were green-tagged. Just enough to hold and comfort a child.
I... didn't know I had that authority, sir.
Then you need to return to Basic Training, since this was covered in that particular unit of your education. Your student credits must be in error for you to get this far without remembering Basic Training.
Sir! That will set me back Years.
Do you deny your actions?
You know I can't. You have me on securicam. I was rushed. I forgot that part of my training because of the situation. Sir, I really want to help people.
Then you should know fully how to help people. Especially the people who are 'only' in distress. One passing word with the right authority behind it can make a big difference to those who are suffering. Remember, you can say a lot with small words[1].
I spent five years learning this.
Now you can spend five years learning it better. You are also going to be billed for any therapy that Toddler Dar may need in regards to trauma following this event. It is your mistake to mend. Do you understand?
(Sigh) Yes, sir. May it go on the record that I am sorry? I can apologise to Toddler Dar if it will help.
You have apologised to them enough, in my opinion. Leave the matter alone until it comes back to you. Consider that an order.
Yes sir.
May you go forward in learning from your mistakes, and thereby do better.
[1] Tip of the entire hat rack towards Lois McMaster Bujold. Love your work ma'am.
[Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash]
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