I was given a message by the RNG gods. Not a message in words, but I knew what they meant. First jump, I found, and I kid thee not, A BURST LASER MARK III, FLOATING IN SPACE. Second jump? A store, where they sold an Automated Re-loader. It was a sign. Later in the run, I found two Burst Lasers mark II, and also unlocked the rock cruiser. By the time I got to the boss, my shields, engines and weapons were maxed out, and he didn't stand a chance. First phase was over in seconds. Because I didn't have cloaking, phases 2 and 3 were rather tricky compared to the first, but still not too bad thanks to my repair crew of 3 engis. I survived with 10 hull damage, and a few of my crew down, but I did it. Best run ever!
I also got a new high score for most scrap collected.