[It's not fair, Steve's right, and Scott has zero intentions to argue against him. He may be benefiting from the system, but he's not blind to it. He's seen how lower ranks are treated by staff here and no matter how many times he tells them to stop, they only really do so temporarily.

It's not enough to cut the stem, they need to reach the root and yank it out.]

Probably meant as an incentive.

[But that's all he has to offer, Scott's own deposition taking on a more serious note because this conversation, with one of his arms crossing against his chest. He's more than willing to answer Steve's questions, they're just unfortunately quite unhelpful.]

For what we know, it's all random. If the higherups are using a guideline, no one seems to know it. [He's not exactly apologetic, but he's not totally unaffected either.]