Talking with the Topgun
23 Apr 2020Maggie Oz
"Jesus H Christ, lady, yer damned lucky you didn't git dat sweet little ass of yer's shot clean orff!" he exclaimed in a heavy Federal accent "Who in Hell goes into combat, wit'out even knowing how to fire da guns? Yer crazy! Da T'argoids don't go easy on beginners you know?" The response I got from the "old" veteran after relating the story of my first foray as a Thagoid Hunter was not unexpected, but being a "glass half full" kinda gal, I was delighted to hear my bottom described as sweet and little.
"So, Al, can you give me some pointers as to where I might improve " I could tell my rounded Imperial lilt grated on his nerves somewhat, but he seemed to be able to endure it, I think my "sweet little ass" might have played a part in that....
"Yeh, sure, " he said, pushing his empty glass towards me. I gesture to the bartender in that funny sign language that everyone uses, none of it is the same but the meaning is always clear, - same again for him and one for me too -
"yer foist problem is yer ship, it's way too small. I mean like Couriers are great little ships for croozing about pickin' up yer pals but they just ain't got da room for serious firepower y'know? "
I nodded, our drinks arrived. He took a slug of his without pausing
I sip my drink as he talks and enjoy it's firey rampage through my throat. It's raw and strong but has a silky after tone that is almost pleasant
"I know guys who take out T'argoids with little ships, but they are like aces, most have taken down at least a t'ousand pirates before dey go after aliens. Dat's where you should start too, take down some bad guys in human space for a bit"
"A lovely thought, Al, but impossible I'm afraid, I wouldn't take human life under any circumstances"
"Whaa? You some kinda snowflake? "
"The issue is not open to discussion Al," I said in a manner that brooked no debate. He looked at me ... was that maybe a wee little spark of respect in his eyes as he saw the determination and hint of a deep and painful reason in mine?
"Ok well yer jumping in clear at da deep end, but I reckon you know that already" he went on, "So, we gets a bigger ship. Ya need ta dump that rail gun, sure der's guys who can slot a Scout with one but they are like the top guys, you need weapons in turrets, lots of 'em."
This was what I came for
"Now when yer out there, you don't want to go manooverin' and all that, Boom and Zoom is what they call it. You line that sucker up and come rolling in full steam, smash down dat trigger and let the guns spool up and then as you fly by, they're dishing it out while you just soak up da hits. You boost through and get outta range, then let those shields come back online and start thinkin' of maybe another run. See dat's why you need lots a guns, you'll be out there for weeks trying to take 'em down with only two medium cannon"
"Ah I see now, that sounds like a sound plan. I shall work on getting my Clipper fitted out in that manner as soon as I can"
"A Clipper? Pheeww, dat's a flashy piece to be usin' to fight T'argoids"
"I wouldn't be seen dead in anything not by Gutamaya" I joke
He laughs "Y'know Maggie, or should I say yer Highnessness Lady Magdalena of freeakin' Aztlan? "
"Not you should not" I interrupt
He laughs again
"As I was sayin', you ain't such a bad gal, fer a toffee nosed Imperial dat is"
"Oh Al your so kind, for a boorish Federali " I reply with a wink,
He laughs again
With more weird gesticulations I order another round and settle in for a long session with a newfound friend.
He regales me of the long and I must admit interesting, story of his journey through the galaxy. He's been most places and seen most things.
He talks to me in the manner one might expect he would talk to the children or grandchildren, he never had and I enjoy playing the part.
Maybe just for a little while filling in the loneliness that is pretty evident.
I certainly don't let on I am at least 150 years older than he.
At the end of the night, I give a local street kid a Cr100 and a false threat of dire circumstances if he doesn't see Al home safely and then head back to the Queen of Hearts to turn in as well.
Looks like I need to head back to mainspace and get myself better equipped. Certainly learned a lot this trip.
-sigh- Bars ...