The other day I rolled in high behind a formation of enemy bombers. As I closed I suspected I had achieved surprise as the gunners were silent. I committed and dropped the lead ship on my first pass. As I climbed out the gunners came to life and the fight was on for real. I climbed back to my perch and began my slicing attacks from above and from the side angles, keeping away from those lethal guns. I made several attacks but just couldn't get the definitive hits. With less than 40 cannon rounds left, I made the mistake of losing patience and coming in on the buffs six. I was raked from tip to tail and my fighter burst into flames and I had to jump, floating down in my silk in defeat.
Then the private message came.
Was it: "You hoing, whording, ramming, vulching, toolshedding, ganging, POS dweeb" ? NO. It was a salute, followed by an explanation that the bomber pilot was typing on country channel when I jumped him, and we laughed and talked briefly about the engagement. We have met several times since then, with me shooting him down and him shooting me down as well. Each engagement has ended with a salute, and small comment such as, "Nice shot", Great move", I'll get ya next time", etc...
With so much infantile, ego driven posturing going on both in the game and on these boards, this relationship with the enemy has only confirmed to me that there are good people in the skies of Aces High, that care more about the fight than they do getting one up by bashing others. This simple act of chivalrous, gentlemanly behavior has gone along way with me, and I could only hope to see more of this from all who engage in this game.
Hanging on the wall above my monitor is an painting of a Bf109 escorting a crippled Lancaster across the channel back to England. Now when I gaze at this and lose myself in historical day dreaming, I think of this engagement with this bomber pilot, and smile to myself.
A small thing Krypto, but one that has recharged my love of this game, and for that I salute you sir !
I'll see you up there.
