<strong>Dark Star Dropship</strong><div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/e/ef/Damian_Harper.jpg)</div><br/><br/><div style="text-align: justify;">Kari's response was exactly what Damian had expected, though he was glad to see she realized it to be the necessity it was. Laying people off was never easy. Well, it was for the clanner, but that was because he had the annoying tendency to be able to look at figures and facts, and completely take people out of the picture. Maybe that was why he, as a clanner, did so well with the bureaucratic side of his work. Most of the people on the list were names that were underperforming to begin with and even if a stern warning might whip them back into shape, the corners still needed cutting. He reached out for the datapad he had already slid towards Kari when she requested he send the information to her. Two digits tapped the surface calmly as he silently implied everything she needed she could find on there. As always, he came prepared. However, one reaction he had not expected was Allia's. But, than again, they were not that well-acquainted, so surprises were bound to follow at every turn.<br/><br/><strong>"We are hiring new warriors and combat troops to replace a minority of the personnel we lost; which will still leave us with a surplus,"</strong> Damian started, his voice not holding an inkling of compassion towards the situation. He shifted in his seat as his back straightened and his hands clasped to rest on the tabletop in front of him, eyes firmly fixed upon the young lieutenant's as he relayed the reality of the matter.<br/><strong>"Commander Moreno informed the crew of the current situation, to the point where it is considered appropriate. There is little else we can do. They are aware of what was lost, and they are aware corners will be cut. It is as simple as that."</strong><br/><br/>Allia persisted, trying to find solutions to a problem that only had one solution at present time. <strong>"Lieutenant, do you not think I have investigated alternatives? If we cut your pay, we will have to provide you with food and other costs, which would have normally come out of your wages to begin with. That will leave us in no better a position than we are right now. We are talking about a significant number of supporting staff, not just a handful of people. Some of these positions have higher paid wages than you, and I sincerely doubt they will all accept a pay cut on which they can barely support a family back home,"</strong> he continued, as he believed Allia did not seem to realize not everyone was a bachelor and especially among the non-combat staff, there were a lot of people who were working hard to put food on not just their table, but that of family and those close to them. Even if they were willing, they -could- not go along with pay cuts.<br/><br/>Damian shook his head slowly. <strong>"It will not work,"</strong> he responded resolutely, though he turned his attention to Kari. <strong>"The decision is yours. But the minimum goal of lay-offs I have presented you with is already on the cusp of what we can handle. Furthermore, informing the crew of how bad our financial situation is will not aid morale. You would be surprised how many people value their paycheck more when push comes to shove, and we may lose more valuable members as they jump ship, instead of the bottom of the barrel whose names are on that list,"</strong> it was cruel, yes, but necessary in his eyes. </div>