New emerging Meta builds for the war

Hey everyone,

I just got back from an awesome exobio exploration loop and made over 1B! I'm looking to use the cash to outfit one or two new ships for the war, either rescue, low end combat, or both.

I've been searching guides and have been stumped about where to begin because I'd like to take advantage of the new enhanced AX weapons to fight scouts and maybe interceptors, (but I'm a novice rank combat and not a great flyer overall- playing on keyboard mouse). I've seen the following things online:
1. Build a shieldless chieftain – These guides all have engineered guardian gear and I haven't even begun that grind and honestly don't intend to… can enhanced AX stand in for guardian here?
2. build a python with max passenger capacity and no hardpoints. I love my cargo python but seems so weird to be weaponless- it'd be fun to stand my ground
3. people seem to love the Krait Mk II, and I'm interested in it as a low cargo multi-purpose fighter

I'm torn! I'm an explorer at heart but want to help some community goals as well… suggestions?