Quickdraw has Ruthlessness and FCS and is using the title to attack both forward and backward. The first target is in range 1. Can QD choose the attacks to nest in the following way?

First attack forward

step 6 compare results shows the attack hits

step 9, non-attack abilities:

• FCS triggers
• Ruthlessness triggers --> QD chooses himself and loses a shield --> pilot ability triggers

step 9, attack abilities:

Both rear attack and pilot ability have triggered and player chooses to resolve pilot ability first.

Second attack forward, now with target lock from FCS

First attack backward

Second attack backward, now with target lock

Quote

Ruthlessness:

After you perform an attack that hits, you must choose 1 other ship at Range 1 of the defender ( other than yourself ). That ship suffers 1 Damage.

So... no.

If you have QD at range 1 of the target, and use ruthlessness on a different attacker you can have some fun. Based on PS, have QD attack first, with FCS.

When the second ship attacks (with ruthlessness), you can choose to have the Ruthlessness damage take a shield from QD, in order to give him the extra attack.

Double Edge with TLT would be good for this shenanigan.

Personally, I don't like taking shields from my own ships, the attacker does it enough for me. QD loses shields naturally, and his ability can usually trigger at least twice.