Looking forward to seeing things from Sam's point of view. Even though he seems to have a good deal of self awareness, he still would have a good deal of self justification and that will be interesting to read.

Well, I'm about to post the first part from Sam's POV, only to realise that I think I definitely need/want Richard's POV. Argh. :-(

Poor Richard. Whatever he found out probably has made him even more depressed then what he was. Maybe he found another way to commit suicide, "death by owner".

I do like the way you think! Without comment as to how this approaches what's-going-on... ;-)

Off course he has to be punished, but punishment would have to be pretty horrible to even make an impression on Richard. He wants to be isolated, he doesn't want to eat, he hasn't any privileges to take away, that leaves only physical punishment and I think that would cause Richard just to shut down and die completely.

All absolutely true - and a serious problem. What do you do with someone who really can't be punished?