Some SF writers are wont to refer to bang-bang guns as opposed to pew-pew guns as slug throwers, and I usually imagine a small slingshot with a naked mollusc at the ready.
In my day, a slug was also a phony coin, say a washer or something that was the right size to pass for a real one in the cigarette machine—they didn’t take bills till later in time.
I knew a couple guys who used the round knock-outs from electrical boxes. They were almost a perfect match for the size of a quarter.
Unfortunately, they didn’t work in most machines in the US, because the machines have magnets in them. Purportedly, the magnets were put in to trap Canadian coins, but I suspect their real purpose was to trap slugs.
But since it is, in fact, money, there is a distinct difference between a Canadian coin and a slug.
A Canadian quarter may only technically be worth 19 cents in the US, but since most businesses don’t care if you accidentally included a Canadian coin with the rest of your loose change when you’re paying for something, you can’t really say that it has no cash value.
*Maybe*…Dr. Englebright is using this phrase so Echo Bravo goes off and shoots someone between the eyes, only to have her say later, “Oh, I meant something else and he should have known it.”
Yeah, the Skin-Horse gang was on their way to Greenbank’s Hollow. But Renard and #12 came from there and filled them in; don’t know if they modified their plans.
Apparently, you haven’t read Narbonic. You’re really missing out.
Artie is a genetically enhanced gerbil. He only looks human because Helen turned him human, but something went horribly wrong (big surprise there), allowing him to change between human and gerbil form.
Does she really think it’s a good idea to use a wetwork guy who is fairly likely to show up, announce his presence, and cheerfully ask to shoot whomever it is?
You notice how Echo Bravo never loses focus on how he can contribute? I’m starting to think he is the real everyman hero of this story, not the unapproachable powerhouses of AG-I. He’s like Frodo, but taller.
You’re gonna need to redefine ‘no time to chat’ with this one, lady. Also: you’re bucking for the *ironic* death by using this guy.
Skipping straight to the end of the Velveteen Rabbit and torching ’em, I see.
It almost sounded like she took her job seriously for a moment.
Oh, she takes her job very seriously. The actual job she’s been given by A-Sig, not whatever Skin Horse’s touchy-feely mission statement says.
It would not be entirely surprising if “slug” actually meant “gastropod”, in this instance.
“No shooting. There’s a specific banana slug you’ll be delivering.”
I bow to your perspicacity, Owlmirrror.
Some SF writers are wont to refer to bang-bang guns as opposed to pew-pew guns as slug throwers, and I usually imagine a small slingshot with a naked mollusc at the ready.
There IS a whole kid-aimed series based on shooting slugs at eachother, Slugterra…
In my day, a slug was also a phony coin, say a washer or something that was the right size to pass for a real one in the cigarette machine—they didn’t take bills till later in time.
I knew a couple guys who used the round knock-outs from electrical boxes. They were almost a perfect match for the size of a quarter.
Unfortunately, they didn’t work in most machines in the US, because the machines have magnets in them. Purportedly, the magnets were put in to trap Canadian coins, but I suspect their real purpose was to trap slugs.
Functionally a Canadian coin in the United States IS a slug, as it has no cash value. It’s value elsewhere, or once converted, is immaterial.
But since it is, in fact, money, there is a distinct difference between a Canadian coin and a slug.
A Canadian quarter may only technically be worth 19 cents in the US, but since most businesses don’t care if you accidentally included a Canadian coin with the rest of your loose change when you’re paying for something, you can’t really say that it has no cash value.
Snailed it!
Ba dump ump!
The only other conceivable interpretation is that he’s been assigned to hand feed bitterns.
*Maybe*…Dr. Englebright is using this phrase so Echo Bravo goes off and shoots someone between the eyes, only to have her say later, “Oh, I meant something else and he should have known it.”
That’s the most implausible use of plausible deniability I’ve ever heard.
Initially, I thought she meant a slug as in a punch between the eyes.
But as Shadowmehr suggests, it probably wouldn’t stand up in court.
Well, as long as it’s not a slug in the ear. Ceti eels are nasty.
Uh oh. And just where is Sweetheart right now? **worried**
East Coast, I think.
Picked up Renard and #12 somewhere in Pennsylvania, probably…but that storyline took place over some time and may still be going on behind this one.
I thought they said they were headed somewhere in New England though.
Yeah, the Skin-Horse gang was on their way to Greenbank’s Hollow. But Renard and #12 came from there and filled them in; don’t know if they modified their plans.
Wonder which non-human creature they’re talking about?
I’m going to guess it’s Artie.
My thought, too, but there are a lot of ’em running around.
…last I remember, Artie was a kindergarten teacher at Malcolm X Elementary School in Berkeley, California.
Ok, is Artie *sometimes* a human?
Apparently, you haven’t read Narbonic. You’re really missing out.
Artie is a genetically enhanced gerbil. He only looks human because Helen turned him human, but something went horribly wrong (big surprise there), allowing him to change between human and gerbil form.
Humanoid target likely currently ensconced behind a desk. To be found among category at present thriving on the Coast.
Does she really think it’s a good idea to use a wetwork guy who is fairly likely to show up, announce his presence, and cheerfully ask to shoot whomever it is?
We are speaking of Anasigma here.
Ever notice there are quite a few redheaded women around, but few redheaded men? Marcie…Claire…Daphne…Dr. Engelbright…
Yes, but don’t let that fool you. It’s a red-hairing.
And we have a winner!
@ casimir: *lol*
Well, Daphne goes from brunette to redhead back to brunette. Mess with my perception of reality, would you?
You notice how Echo Bravo never loses focus on how he can contribute? I’m starting to think he is the real everyman hero of this story, not the unapproachable powerhouses of AG-I. He’s like Frodo, but taller.
“You don’t just walk into Berkeley.”
Needs a Sam, though. I’m sure A-Sig has plenty of Gollums.
And with shoes. Perfect shoes.
Ogen Wernstrom, you have an interesting idea of what a hero looks like, but, OK, I guess we’ll see what he ultimately winds up doing.