Tales of a Former Admin

[Garrett Jax]

Well, damn.

Garrett watched the Blossom disappear down the tradelanes, not understanding where it all went wrong. He ran the entire encounter back through his head. He did as he was instructed...check. He played within the rules of interstellar law, sort of...check. Everything was going great, clear up to the moment he asked about the curtain. He couldn't help but notice how disgusted the Golden Chrysanthemum's voice sounded after he asked that question. Was it that bad of a thing to want to meet face to face and get to know people?

The android approached. "Aw, so close."

Garrett turned around to face the android with a raised eyebrow. "I wasn't that close."

"Keep trying," said the android, encouragingly. "You're not going to give up after one encounter, are you?"

Garrett considered it. He thought again about the encounter. It was enjoyable. The pilot was friendly and helpful, even if she sounded a bit annoyed when he told her he was a former Admin. Maybe she had a bad experience with Admins in the past. Regardless, she pretty much saved his crappy ship from solar meltdown. He completely forgot his ship didn't have Admin shields anymore, nor armor, nor any Banhammers--he was quite harmless now that he thought about it. It's a wonder he even managed to stay alive. The Blossom pilot even allowed him to keep the four million credits they extorted from the trader. It was a shame that he wasn't allowed to commandeer the tradeship though.

Overall, there were enough positives from the encounter to warrant another try. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try again," he told the android.

Over the course of several hours and countless retries, however, Garrett eventually gave up. It was the same scenario every time. He encountered an individual, didn't matter what faction he was aligned with, and things would move along splendidly. He learned a little about what they did, worked with them for a time, had some success, offered to open the curtain and....rejection. Some flew off silently. Others activated their cloaking devices and just disappeared. A few made some disparaging remarks and called him perverted and sick.

The last was a young Kusarian girl, flying a Templar with a Bretonian Police ID of all things. When he offered to open the curtain, she called him a disgusting bastard and told him she was going to notify the authorities. His webcam button flashed red, indicating that his camera was on. Garrett had a feeling his picture was taken.

What the hell?

Finally, Garrett shut the program off. He was confused. It began to dawn on him that he was missing a key bit of information relating to this place. He turned, and flat out asked the android, "What exactly does it mean when I ask to open the curtain?"

The android replied matter-of-factly. "It means you want to cyber with them. Or, possibly more..."

"What?!?" Garrett screamed. "Are you freaking kidding me? I think some of those people might have been underaged. I had no idea that was what was meant by opening the curtain." It all made sense now. The reactions of all those people. What must they have thought about him?

"That would explain things sir," the android remarked. "I was wondering why you were trying so hard to have sexual encounters with every man, woman, nomad and child you came across. Actually, I'm quite relieved now that I think on it."

Garrett felt sick and dirty. "Why didn't you tell me that's what it meant?"

The android got defensive. "You didn't ask, so I assumed you knew."

Garrett got up in a rush, the chair pushed aside. "I need to get out of here, quick."

The android put a hand to it's ear, as if listening to something. It raised it's other hand requesting Garrett to hold up a moment. "I just received a transmission from the Liberty Police. They are on their way to arrest you for soliciting a minor. I'm very sorry, but I've been ordered to detain you."

This isn't happening. Garrett implored the android, "You know I'm innocent. I had no idea. Please let me go." Sweet Igiss, but he was in trouble.

The android appeared reflective for a moment. "I believe you, sir. For your sake, I will pretend I had difficulty locating you, giving you the opportunity to escape. I suggest you hurry."

Garrett ran like hell.

It took only moments, moments that seemed an eternity, until he reached his small ship in the docking bay. He ran down how much time he thought he might have. Five minutes to fire up the engines. Another five to start up prelaunch sequences. A few minutes more to get flight clearance. How long would it take for the Liberty Police to arrive? Coronado wasn't in the heart of Liberty space by any means, but if some officers happened to be in California system, that would spell trouble. It was going to be close...

Another eternity passed. Garrett managed to undock from the base. He was never coming here again. As the docking bays opened, flashing red and blue lights blinded him. Three police Liberators, armed with eager Magma Hammers threatening to destroy him in a single volley. An emergency transmission overrode his comm system:

THIS IS THE LIBERTY POLICE. DOCK YOUR VESSEL, IMMEDIATELY!

Garrett's heart sank. He was caught. They were going to throw him in the nearest hellhole prison station. He imagined being in a cell with a huge inmate named Og, who really liked former Admins. He shuddered.

Left with no choice, Garrett began to turn his vehicle and comply with police instructions.

Just then, a massive bright light indicating a decloaking ship emblazoned the starry sky.

A blue vessel of enormous size began to materialize above the three Liberators. Was that a Marduk? The Libbies looked like play toys in comparison. They scattered, in response, seemingly forgetting all about Garrett.

Lovely. Certain death was imminent. He tried to look at the bright side. At least he wouldn't have to worry about spending intimate nights with Og.

//End of Part Two

---