So this is an odd issue.
python script.py -a 1234
works
/usr/bin/python /tmp/script.py -a 1234
works
nc 127.0.0.1 443 -e /bin/bash
works
nc 127.0.0.1 443 -e /usr/bin/python /tmp/script.py -a 1234
fails with all-A-records NIY
nc 127.0.0.1 443 -e "/usr/bin/python /tmp/script.py -a 1234"
fails with failed : No such file or directory
Am I missing something here? I'm not sure why this isn't working.