Quote:
Originally Posted by Xist
Is a parsec distance or time? :P
|
It's distance, but... If the distance requires a particular speed under particular circumstances, it's a stand-in for that speed while telling about overall capabilities of the vehicle and the driver much better than a number on the speedometer can.
Like "How fast is it? It can jump four school buses!" "How much ground clearance? I made it across that stream!"
If your route involves getting around a cluster of black holes, a higher speed will allow you to cut it closer. So rather than claiming a meaningless top speed for your freighter, calmly stating the shortcut it's able to take is a brag- not on how fast it's able to go as a stunt but on the fact that the ship can be counted on to do it (and that as the man, you're willing to take that route).