Wing Commander III: Hyperion System

Flint: Should I read anything into this? You’re talking to me instead of your mechanic?

Maverick: I had to make a command decision, didn’t I?

Flint: But is it a decision for the moment? Or something more lasting? Everyone can feel it… we seem to be facing more risk than ever… I think it means every moment has to count…

Maverick: You’re right. We’ve wasted too much time already.

Maverick: I can’t risk getting involved with someone who might be on my wing. There’s too much at stake.

Coriolis: My, my. You’re just full of surprises.

Maverick: Well, you gotta know evasive manoeuvres in the cockpit.

Coriolis: Mmm… should I expect more?

Maverick: A good pilot knows when to engage.

Maverick: Rachel, I’m sorry, but these next few days, everything’s on the line. I’ve got to stay– we’ve got to stay focused… and untangled.

Coriolis: Pilots… Rather crash and burn than make a commitment.

Coriolis: Command decision-making in action. I’m impressed.

Maverick: It’s always moment-by-moment in the cockpit.

Coriolis: Are we gonna expand upon that moment, are we going to kick in the afterburners here?

Coriolis: There’s a lot more thrust in those jets than I imagined… <laughs>

Maverick: Oh, Rachel. I’m flattered, really. But you and me, we’re oil and water. There’s no future in it. I’m sorry.

Flint: I’m surprised you even noticed me.

Maverick: Whatever you may think – Rachel and I are not an item.

Flint: So where’s that leave us?

Flint: I must be out of my mind. I grew up with nothing but pilots. Deep down you’re all creeps.

Maverick: Don’t forget, you’re a pilot too.

Flint: Oh, then I suppose we deserve each other…

Maverick: I can’t risk getting involved with someone who might be on my wing, there’s too much at stake.

Flint: Look, I’m a grown-up, I can stand a little rejection. But why?

Maverick: Oh, come on. I don’t fly with her.

Flint: Then can I make a recommendation concerning your choice of wingmen? Don’t fly with the one you’ve just kicked in the teeth.

Eisen: Ah, Colonel. I’ve ordered Vagabond’s early release. I still think what he did was wrong, but we need every good man we’ve got. Let’s get down to business, Colonel.

Eisen: Let’s get started, Colonel.

Maverick: Yes, sir.

Eisen: Your old friend Paladin has been keeping busy. He sent us a little gift – a prototype of the Temblor bomb. We’re jumping into the Hyperion system, where Intel’s located an uninhabited and tectonically unstable world – a perfect test site for the weapon. An Excalibur’s been modified for this special payload, and Colonel, you’ve been selected to deliver it by dropping to the surface of the planet and hitting the bull’s-eye. Your timing, and your aim, have to be perfect.

Maverick: Ready to go, sir.

Eisen: I like that enthusiasm. Dismissed.

Coriolis: Can’t say that I’m really thrilled with the flight plan that you followed back in the Rec Room.

Maverick: Oh, well… maybe it’s because we’re both pilots, you know. We understand each other.

Coriolis: Well, since there are things beyond my comprehension, I think you better handle your own load-out from now on. After all, I’m just a mechanic. Can’t possibly understand the needs of a pilot.

Maverick: Wait a second… Rachel!

Ascent from planet

Rollins: Blast it, Colonel. So much for HQ’s intelligence report on this place being empty. But I do know they’re gonna call you the Planet Slayer from now on. You’re cleared to land.

Rollins: I suppose that’s a new definition of ‘disaster’, eh Colonel? I’ve got more bad news. Confed finally owned up to how badly the war’s going. I told you this was coming, didn’t I? A massive Kilrathi armada is threatening Earth and we’re jumping to Proxima to help hold them off. You’re clear to land.

Flash: So all we gotta do now is nuke Kilrah and I can get back to some serious test-piloting…

Maverick: Something like that.

Flash: Gotta tell ya, I’m surprised I survived all these missions. Surprised you too, I bet, huh?

Flash: All we gotta do now is nuke Kilrah? Yeah, fat chance.

Maverick: I think I’m beginning to miss the old, arrogant Flash, at least he talked a good game.

Flash: I gotta tell ya, I’m surprised I survived all these missions. Probably surprised you too, right?

Maverick: You hung tough, I gotta hand you that.

Maverick: Well, I wouldn’t count my chickens, Major. You think it’s been tough? Wait’ll we get to Kilrah.

Vaquero: That T-Bomb’s something, ain’t it, Colonel?

Maverick: It’s unique.

Vaquero: I can smell the end, sir. With a weapon like that – well… if that doesn’t do it, nothing will.

Maverick: Maybe our grandchildren won’t have to fight this war after all.

Vaquero: Well, in any case… I want you to know that… I’ve learned a lot from you.

Maverick: Well, you can return the favour when I visit your cantina – maybe teach me to play that guitar.

Vagabond: I’ve been to just about every corner of every galaxy… and it’s been a heck of a ride… (High morale)

Maverick: What’s this? Weepy nostalgia from the hardened card shark?

Vagabond: Well, it’s just that… I’ve been thinking. Here on the Victory… for the first time, I feel like I’ve put down some roots.

Maverick: You’ve been a good influence on the rest of us – you don’t take yourself too seriously, and you’re a really good pilot.

Vagabond: Thank you, sir. You’re not so bad yourself. How ’bout a quick hand of cards?

Maverick: Yeah, well, this ship’s about to be tested like it’s never been tested before. We might get uprooted if we don’t stay on our toes.

Eisen: Colonel, let’s go over the mission, shall we?

Maverick: Yes, sir.

Eisen: We’re jumping back into Freya – Confed’s decided it’s a good staging area, and we’re building up a fleet there. Apparently, the Kilrathi have got wind of this build-up. We’ll be escorting the big boys. Good luck, Colonel.

Rollins: Boy, those cap ships sure blast some fireworks, don’t they, sir? Looks like we live to fight another day, though. You’re cleared to land.

Rollins: I suppose that’s a new definition of ‘disaster’, eh Colonel? I’ve got more bad news. Confed finally owned up to how badly the war’s going. I told you this was coming, didn’t I? A massive Kilrathi armada is threatening Earth and we’re jumping to Proxima to help hold them off. You’re clear to land.

Flint: So explain something to me. Now that we’re flying in tandem on-board, why do I no longer rate as your wingman?

Maverick: You know I have to spread assignments around.

Flint: And why do I get the feeling none of ’em are going to spread my way?

Maverick: Hey, I’m trying to protect you.

Flint: Oh, that’s a good one. Listen, you can’t freeze me out like this, I want a piece of the action.

Maverick: Once a fighter jock, always a fighter jock. Is that it?

Flint: Yeah, that’s right, and don’t you forget it, fly-boy.

Maverick: <laughs> All right, you’ll get your shot.

Flint: And you know you won’t regret it.

Maverick: I’ve already lost one… pilot, I’m not losing another. The war can get along just fine without you.

Flint: Then so can the Colonel.

Eisen: Let’s get down to business, shall we?

Maverick: I’m ready, sir.

Eisen: Our jump point to Kilrah in the Freya system is being threatened. We can’t allow the Kilrathi to take it back… not if we’re going to put it to use later. Give it your best, Colonel. Dismissed.

Rollins: Downtown Kilrah, here we come! You’re cleared to land, Colonel.

Rollins: I suppose that’s a new definition of ‘disaster’, eh Colonel? I’ve got more bad news. Confed finally owned up to how badly the war’s going. I told you this was coming, didn’t I? A massive Kilrathi armada is threatening Earth and we’re jumping to Proxima to help hold them off. You’re clear to land.