Experience
19 Oct 2024IAMDOC
Turns out a warm smile and the promise of an experience is all it takes for me to travel hundreds of light years for a ride-along.I'd been relaxing in the lounge of Quator Station, drinking idly at the bar and keeping an eye on the door as commanders flitted in and out when a new face caught my eye. The process of getting these strangers to talk has become second nature to me now. A few drinks later and I had a new friend from the void, Spyke. He recognized how green I am, and whether he wanted to spread some kindness or just see the look on my face from what he had to show me, proposed the most intriguing trip I've taken yet.
The trip to his fleet carrier was a long one, so we passed the time as humans have for eons; storytelling. Sharing anecdotes of misadventure, him explaining bits of history and politics I missed while in the war, and even a deep dive on the history of the Thargoids. I was fascinated.
Fleet carriers were larger than I could have imagined. Sure I've seen them in the distance as I've passed them, but to actually board one? Impressive isn't a strong enough word. Apparently that amount of luxury costs a pretty penny too. Even so, one day I have to get myself one of those.
One quick tour later and I was boarding his Krait MkII. We flew just off station before I launched from a fighter inside the ship. Following his instructions I learned the special AX weaponry he had equipped them with and got the hang of the more nimble controls. Then it was time for my real test. Apparently the Thargoid Titan known as Raijin was finally vulnerable enough for attack, and Spyke wanted to test out his new weapons and fighters on it.
Baptism by fire is the only way to describe it. I went in with a plan, follow his instructions and stick to the outside edge of combat. Outmaneuver the enemy and strike where they won't expect it. But no plan survives first contact with the enemy. After breaking through the caustic cloud and weaving between the asteroids, the Titan came into view. I've seen a lot in my time out here but never anything like that. I launched fighter after fighter, doing my best to take down scouts and avoid cyclopes, but the most I could manage was drawing their fire.
Spyke is a pro, no doubt about it; able to keep his cool and follow the mission plan while picking up my slack, efficiency in human form. I on the other hand must've left half a dozen fighter-shaped fireballs across the surface of the titan before the thermal core was finally exposed. A few runs later and it was time for a resupply. I still don't know how he navigated through the storm the way he did, but he got us out and back in without trouble. My flying got better the second time around and I actually started outputting damage before we retired, but I'm still not proud of my performance.
I made the long trek back to Quator before I rested and had plenty of time to reflect on what I learned. I'm grateful for the experience I had, there's no better way to learn than by doing. I was even offered the chance to join the squadron Spyke is a part of, but I told him I'd think on it. There's still so much I have to learn before I'm on the level of guys like that. It sounds like a great opportunity but I want to be able to hold my own and contribute. Guess I'm not done thinking on it yet.
Doc out.