Psych Report 4 (Keith Todd Oster)

SOLDIER: SGT Keith Oster DOCTOR: Dr. Cassie Aklin

NOTES:

When I broke the news to Keith, he immediately tried to bargain his way out of it. He asked repeatedly who chose him and how he could appeal to "him" (of course assuming that the person in charge was male). I froze up. How could I explain that I was unwilling to make the decision myself, so I pawned off the responsibility to a group of strangers?

So I took the blame. Even though it was a lie, it was the right thing to do. He deserves to put a face to this terrifying experience and I am, unfortunately, the one he sees every day.

When he heard that I had selected him, he went silent for a moment. I have to admit that his stare frightened me; this is a violent man, after all. How selfish could I be? Keith is facing almost certain death, or at least a nearly lethal affliction, and I was worried about myself?

My fears aren't completely unfounded. He sent one dissenter, named Elden something, to intensive care after bludgeoning his face with the butt of his rifle repeatedly. Elden's jaw was caved in irreparably and he suffered minor brain damage. However, Oster's commanding officer never officially reprimanded him for such brutal actions, instead dismissing the event as necessary and swift action against a clear and present threat to national safety.

Oster has a lot of demons to work out - I just hope I'm not around when he erupts. But I have to maintain my objectivity. Otherwise, I won't be any good to these soldiers.