I already went over this briefly in another thread, but I always like posting about my sexy internet spaceships.
Like many here, Connie was my first. I was totally sold for the idea of having a spaceship that I could fly around while my friends in the turrets blast away at incoming bogies, and afterwards we can sit and joke about the noob pirates who though they'd get our cargo. I was hella poor at the time I pledged, but this was something I wanted deep in my bones from the first time I saw Star Wars. I dug deep, went into savings, and purchased it. Much later, I sprang for the Phoenix upgrade when it came available, simply because it's sexy as all get-out. My only quibble is that I'm going to rip the bow off an Aquila sometime, because I love that curved window.
My next two purchases were simultaneous simple, an Aurora LN and a Origin M50. The idea of a small pocket fighter, cheap and easy to replace but with a surprising amount of firepower definitely drew my attention. However, with time, I reasoned to myself, "Why not go ahead and get a real fighter? And so, the LN was upgraded into a 325i. The M50's sleek lines and promise of blistering speed meant that I couldn't let it get away.
The next ship was a small purchase, perhaps, but an important one. It was my second Aurora, but this one the deluxe LX model, with the luscious leather seat and slick paint job. It was a mix of the luxury aspect of the 300i series and the rugged, workmanlike appeal of RSI vessels. Even now, it holds a special place of honor in my hangar. When I fling my Aurora against the hull of an unsuspecting Bengal, I shall do so in utter comfort.
Those purchases managed to hold me over for a little while, but there was one ship that continued to beguile me. The sleek, riveted hull of the Freelancer, so much like that of planes from the 40's and 50's, kept on drawing my eye. Every other ship I owned looked so sleek and clean; And the Constellation, while nice, was a much larger vessel that I could imagine being tough to fly alone. But the Freelancer, with it's classic profile, large devoted cargo bay, and small crew requirements, looked perfect for small independent cargo trading. I was doomed. I've since upgraded this to the DUR variant, simply because exploration had become more and more interesting to me.
My next purchase is a little bit of an odd one. Shortly after purchasing the Freelancer, I surveyed my fleet and noticed something. I lacked a dedicated dogfighter. Sure, I had the Aurora LN (prior to trading up to the 325i) but that was still a small ship, limited in engine power and shields. My Connie and my 'Lancer weren't pushovers, but also would require a crew. And my LX and M50 simply didn't have the armament (so I thought) to keep up with Hornets or Vanduul. So I ended purchasing an Aegis Avenger. The big engine and big gun appealed to me; simply line up the shot, blow the target to shreds, and punch the afterburner as I fly through their debris. Imagine my surprise when it also comes decked out with a respectable cargo hold? Now this ship holds an uneasy place, for while I love the sleek silhouette, I really can't justify it to myself quite so much. It's the first in line if I decide to start melting.
The last ship in my hangar is a recent addition. I had managed to go almost a year without buying a new ship (upgrades don't count), and was feeling pretty well locked in with my choice of ships. And then I saw it. The massive, hulking profile. The blocky function-over-form shape. the giant grasping claw. There was a bit of a blackout, and when I came to, I was the slightly shocked and surprised owner of a Reclaimer. The ship that I had never known I wanted, but now owned.
As for future ships... I'm looking to get my hands on a Retaliator, at some point. It makes no sense whatsoever and it's way too bulky to try and drive solo, but I just love the design so very much. I'm also probably going to pick up a Cutlass, but that'll wait til the persistant universe. If the 'Lancer is the F-150 of SC, the Cutlass is the dinky little 1970's Ram 50. I'm also very much eyeing the new Aegis Bulldog. If I want a high-speed, long-range, durable dogfighter, it may end up replacing my Avenger. Also, the Crucible is looking very nifty and helpful for being deep-space drucking friend.
tl;dr: I spend too much money on pretend internet spaceships and have no plans of stopping anytime soon. Cheers!
edit: and if I ever find myself in a position to board and steal an 890 Jump, I'll ram the damn thing with my entire hanger and use my Crucible to patch it up.
I really hope that space combat will bring back this insanity.
![[EGTID]Killbuni-](/data/avatars/l/0/823.jpg?1403553460){kind=avatar}