At 12:13 PM 2/5/2007, Joseph Riggs wrote:
We really don't know that. Half a dozen pilots (two of whom are
recognized by everyone as being effectively off the charts as far as
combat skill is concerned) don't really make a very good group for
comparison purposes.
That may be, but that's kind of the point -- we don't know enough to
say Hikaru was any *good*, either.
What IS noteable, however, is the fact that often during the series
you overhear comments from the bridge indicating that this wing has
been wiped out, or that wing has suffered heavy losses in
combat. The only death Vermillion Wing suffers during the entire
series is not due to enemy action (i.e. the malfunctioning barrier system).
Vermillion Wing is a half-strength squadrion, though, so that isn't
really saying much.
The non-fatal fighter losses that occur are due to friendly fire
(i.e. Hikaru inadvertently being in the direct path of a missile
barrage launched by Misa), or a unique set of circumstances (i.e.
trapped on an enemy battleship). I would argue that while it isn't
made explicit, there's some pretty strong circumstantial evidence
that Hikaru is a superior combat pilot by the mid-point of the series.
<shrug> All I see is simple competance, in both piloting and command
ability. And honestly, getting hit by friendly fire...well, it's not
like the Daedalus attack is exactly subtle, y'know?
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