Imprisoned on Dabadoru Station

[Agmen of Eladesor]

"I'm quite aware of your ... shall we say, taste, or perhaps passion, or maybe even near sexual desire ... for killing people that cross your path and annoy you. Or that don't cross your path and don't annoy you. Or that just happen to be cute kittens stuck in a tree, for that matter."

"So what?"

Max smiled again. "There's an old saying, that which does not kill you makes you stronger. I happen to believe in another old saying. Think of it as evolution in action. On the whole, we as individuals matter to each other. To the species as a whole, as long as there is proper genetic material, we don't matter at all. More importantly, though, is ensuring that the proper genetic material helps propogate the species. Thus, sometimes you have events come along that help cull the species, removing the weak from the herd while the strong survive. And then the strong passing along their genetic material is what helps a species survive."

"While I'm certain that this primary school science lesson is boring to you, it also helps explain my thoughts. I figure that it takes a mind as convoluted as yours to do so."

Max leaned back in his chair. "Think about it, Joker. In the Guild, we have hundreds of applicants come in every day. I got thrown out of the military. I got fired from my job. I used to be a Corsair or Outcast or Rogue and I want to go straight. My father/mother/son/daughter were killed by pirates. Hell, that last is one of the reasons I first joined the Guild - my wife was killed by pirates. And no, it wasn't you."

"All of these people seeking revenge, and they always forget the number one rule. Space is dangerous. That's it, good luck, have a nice day, get over it. So what should we do? Invest a ton of money in training all these recruits? Hell, no. Slap 'em into a cheap, mass produced ship, give 'em a halfway decent escape pod for when their ship gets whacked, and send 'em out. Once they get a taste of REAL combat - well, if they don't actually survive, tough. Don't care, I'll have twenty people that could replace them tomorrow. But those that DO survive combat, time and time again, and they learn from it - those are the special people."

"So basically you've been helping us out all along, as a trainer for our organization, and you didn't even know it. Doesn't that make you feel all warm and snuggly down inside?"

---

Oh god... The end of days... Agmen agreed with me.