Not sure if it’s really clear in the art, but the Hatchet actually changes its markings as it’s lifting off from the landing pad. The idea is that in the Runners universe, there is a technology known as camouflage plating or chameleon cells, that is a similar technology to cloaking but a step down. Instead of rendering the entire vessel completely invisible both visually and by sensors, it’s just a physical top layer on the ship itself that can visually alter a ship’s superficial appearance.
Since pirates often use distinct markings to announce themselves by reputation when attacking ships, it would make sense that they’d try to hide or disguise those markings when they want to blend in. So Hamron has fitted the Hatchet with camouflage plating so that he can fly his colors when he’s in Rogue Space and pass himself off as a legit ship in Unified Space.
Looking at the ship again…man, I’d love to have a toy of the Hatchet. Ooh, and if it had the old-school G.I. Joe Zartan color-change feature to switch between markings…. sweeeeeet!!!
That really is one awesome ship… even cooler with the paint change, and yeah, I missed it the first time through.
You know, I noticed that the first time I read through the book. I didn’t get it then, it make more sense now. It’s kind of like old pirate ships running different flags up the masthead.
I love the ideas you implement in your technology. So refreshingly simple and effective, as opposed to the Star Trek level technobabble that most people seem to get caught up in.
Yeah, the tough part sometimes is trying to decide if I should spell things out that might otherwise be confusing or vague (like the above tech) or just let it be there without calling specific attention to it. In the end, if I can organically give some info, I will. But if it would be awkward, I just let it lie.