While pursuing another Artifact, Walter guides you to Neon. After navigating numerous challenges, you manage to arrange a negotiation between Walter and Musgrove. However, the situation takes a turn for the worse when Slayton, Musgrove's previous employer, reclaims the stolen Artifact, leaving Musgrove critically injured in a workspace.
Musgrove is an ex-employee of Slayton Aerospace. After dedicating a decade to a corporation that overlooked him, enduring life in a confined shipping crate, and then being wounded, it's evident that he had a struggling journey. These circumstances might explain his decision to steal from his employer. Nicolaus Slayton offers you a choice to decide Musgrove's fate. You can release him, imprison him, or end his life.
The 3 Choices

Players are presented with three distinct choices:
- Set Him Free: This choice reflects mercy and forgiveness. By setting Starfield free, players choose to believe in redemption and second chances. However, this decision might come with unforeseen consequences, as there's no guarantee that Starfield won't revert to his thieving ways.
- Throw Him in Jail: This is the middle ground, a choice that balances justice with mercy. By choosing to imprison Starfield, players ensure he pays for his crimes while also giving him a chance at redemption. This choice is recommended for those looking to increase affinity with their companions, as it demonstrates a sense of fairness and justice.
- Kill Him on the Spot: The most drastic of the three options, this choice reflects a no-nonsense approach to justice. Players who choose this option believe in the adage, "an eye for an eye." However, this decision might alienate certain companions who believe in mercy and redemption.
The Recommended Choice (Jail Him)
While each choice comes with its own set of results, it is recommended to jail Musgrove. Choosing to imprison him is the best way to build a stronger bond with your allies. This decision is not just a test of your judgment but also a reflection of your moral compass.

This decision aligns with the game's broader narrative and offers several benefits:
- Increased Affinity with Companions: One of the primary reasons to choose the jail option is the positive impact it has on your relationships with in-game companions. By demonstrating a sense of justice and fairness, players can foster trust and strengthen bonds with their allies.
- Balancing Justice and Mercy: Sending Musgrove to jail strikes a balance between retribution and compassion. It ensures that he pays for his crimes without resorting to extreme measures.
- Potential Future Interactions: Incarcerating Musgrove might also open up opportunities for future interactions or quests related to him, adding depth to the game's storyline.
The Impact of Your Decision
While each choice leads to different outcomes in the game, the recommendation leans towards the jail option. Not only does this choice increase affinity with companions, but it also strikes a balance between retribution and redemption. Companions in the game value justice, and by choosing to imprison Starfield, players demonstrate a commitment to fairness without resorting to extreme measures.
Related: Starfield: Should You Spare Or Kill Ron Hope?