Hidden 10 mos ago Post by LadyAmber
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LadyAmber Sweet tea in one hand - Sass in the other!

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Valkyrie AGR Sport Headquarters


Last Week of Summer Break


Collaboration Alexander Knight and Max Wedgewood


The Interview


Team Valkyrie AGR Sport Team headquarters were located on the outskirts of Aachen Germany. The racing team was a partnership conglomerate of corporate owners and the European Union government research and development interests. They are guided by a board of directors with 10 members with an elected President of the Board who held the tie breaker 11th vote. The team had top of the line engineers and a solid craft but the team was barely hanging onto their reputation and placement as one of the top teams. The team had excellent financial support from top corporate interests and the European Government but was plagued with leadership that had a divided viewpoint and vision for the team. The result was excellent technology and engineering and an underperforming below average team when they should be placing in the top three places each race. Among the Board of Directors were companies that had racing in their DNA such as Ferrari, Sauber, Renault, and Red Bull. Then there were tech and big pharma companies investing in the technology developed for the team looking at developing marketable products and services to the masses. Then there was the European Union Space Agency that utilized the racing team to expand their research and development of clean environmental propulsion systems and antigravity solutions to some of Earth’s biggest issues with a goal of expanding mankind’s future in space.

The team headquarters was a large complex that resembled a university campus. The campus sat atop a hill overlooking the city of Aachen. The buildings were a mixture of sculptural modern artistic metal and glass laboratory buildings and historic looking buildings. The campus had research and development buildings, a large warehouse and production facility, a large office building, an onsite training facility and a test track. There was also a large apartment building for key staff, trainers, and pilots. The team headquarters had everything the team needed to get the best results.

The office building had a large auditorium that was used for team events and press conferences. It was set up with state of the art holographic equipment and sound systems. The training facility had a well appointed gym and a state of the art simulator. The onsite medical facilities were also housed in the training center. The engineering research and development labs were housed in the large warehouse and production area of the campus. The test track was also in this area and could be seen peeking above and around the buildings in the area. The medical research happening was in one of the metal and glass looking buildings that had clean rooms and would make any big lab proud. The onsite apartment housing was in one of the older more historic looking buildings. The onsite housing was not wasteful on space but they were adequate, well appointed, and maintained. The grounds had plenty of open green space with lovely gardens and trees. Walkways meandered through it all with benches providing a natural respite to the indoor environments at the team headquarters.

The corporate headquarters office building was a staggeringly beautiful modern marvel of steel and glass. The campus was on the city's main public transportation lines. An antigravity bus system and monorail dropped passengers off at the main entrance to the campus. The main office was open to the public but there was security. You didn’t get past the main lobby without an appointment or a staff badge. The main office building had a large industrial kitchen that was attached to a restaurant style space that served food to the workers. This area was run by the team chef. Workers could bring their own lunch and eat it here or could eat at the team restaurant. They could have meals deducted from their pay. The food was excellent and cost effective for employees as well. It is one of the great perks from working at headquarters. There is an onsite daycare for the children of employees that is located across from the cafeteria.

Alexander was one more standing inside the entrance to Team Valkyrie’s headquarters just outside the security checkpoint. He was waiting this time for Max Wedgewood. Alexander was exploring his options for next season. He needed a credible replacement for Dorian. Max had potential but Alexander was worried about how well he would fit in at Valkyrie. Max had a loud personality from what Alexander knew of him. Would he be able to check his ego and work as part of a team or would he be a diva that was difficult to work with. That is why he had invited Max to come and tour the team headquarters and for an informal interview. He wanted to get a sense of who he was. Alexander had no idea if he would show up alone or with an entourage in tow.

Alexander sighed as the weight he felt about trying to find Dorian’s replacement was beginning to get heavier. After losing Jenny Lowry to Apex, he was starting to feel a sense of urgency to get a contract and announce who that person will be. Alexander had worked too hard and cleaned up too much shit at the team to mess it up now with a bad choice of pilot. He shifted his weight from foot to foot and sighed again.

Mabel, his elderly executive assistant, rolled her eyes at him. Mabel was dressed in white today which glowed against her dark chocolate colored skin. Her gray hair pulled back in a no nonsense bun today. Mabel’s voice was full of exasperation as she swatted his arm gently.

Mabel: “Alex, will you relax! He is just a man. You talk to him and if you don’t like him we keep looking. There is still a lot of time before next season.”

Alexander straightened up like a kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

Alexander: “I am fine. I am relaxed.”

Mabel chuckled and shook her head at him.

Mabel: “How long have I known? You are as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs!”

Alexander sighed again as he looked out the plate glass windows for the twentieth time.

Alexander: “I can’t help feeling like things have been going too well since Maier and Brendel were indicted on fraud charges. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. I just can’t seem to settle in and be happy. It’s like I have to pick at it. I don’t trust it because things have been going well.”

Mabel eyes softened with understanding.

Mabel: “Alex you deserve for things to go well. You have worked hard since you got here. There has been so much on your plate. You need to relax and take a mini vacation. Take Lena somewhere warm and sunny.”

Alexander snort laughed as he shot Mabel an amused look.

Alexander: “Mabel you know I was even working while we were supposedly off for the summer. We technically were on vacation, you know.”

Before Mabel could reply to that, the car Alexander had sent to pick up Max from the airport was pulling up in front of the building.

Mabel: “He is here.”

They watched as the car came to a stop and the rear door was opened for the passenger.

(yours)
Stepping out of the car, sunglasses on, the Colorado-born, trimmed hair having blonde MMR pilot stepped down, looking around, taking it in. This was a little different to Montreal. Taking his sunglasses off, Max looked across to Alexander and gave a smile, nodding.
“Morning, Alexander. Thanks for having me. First time I’ve ever had a team boss want to invite me to their headquarters….that is a new one to me.” Max smiled, keeping polite, knowing Valkyrie’s boss leant more on the American side than his Estonian one. Putting his hand out for a handshake, Max knew he was here on business, but courtesy was a given.

Alexander had moved through the lobby to meet Max as he stepped out of the car. He waited for him to move away from the curb. Alexander smiled and moved towards him. He took Max’s hand and gave it a firm polite shake. “Hello Max, welcome to Team Valkyrie AGR Sport headquarters. I wanted to give you a tour of our facilities and have a chat. It is no secret that Dorian is retiring. I wanted to chat about the possibility of you coming to Team Valkyrie. I won’t sugar coat it for you though. I want it to be the right fit. That’s why I invited you.”

He took a step back and watched the man for clues as to how he was processing what he told him.

Max looked around, nodding in return with a shrug.
“Of course. You wanna know if I’m the right stuff. I get it. First time though, that someone wants to give me a tour of the facility, I expected a cafe in town so….color me impressed. That is mighty trusting of you, Alexander. I’m under contract at another team, so let’s keep anything so that it doesn’t end up an issue under an NDA, right?” Max seemed to almost echo his agent’s words about this, knowing that Alexander would be no doubt, willing to let him look around. But that was something he had to bear in mind, because MMR would certainly be poking their heads in if they knew. That was not a conversation he was going to enjoy having.

“I mean, I think we spoke about preliminaries. But I also know that we need to talk through status. I’m not interested much in what your site has, but more about what the team’s like. And specifically, what your terms are.” Max added, as they walked, knowing that was all it came down to. Straight to the point.

Alexander smiled and looked amused a little at the thought that he would even consider letting him into the sensitive areas before being hired. That was why they had security and multiple buildings and security checkpoints. There was still a lot to see what was not under lock and key. Alexander smiled and motioned to the doors into the building. “Well let me address your concerns first. I certainly won’t be showing you any of the more sensitive areas. But touring the campus and seeing how you interact with the rest of the team is important to me. You want to know what our team is like and what team support means here at Valkyrie. Well there is no better way for you to find out, than see it with your own eyes. Don’t take my word for it. Ask questions. Ask the other people who work here. If you get into a topic that I feel crosses a line, I will tell you. Besides, how else can you make a comparison between what it is like to work with MMR versus Valkyrie?"

“Sure thing. That sounds good to me.” Max added, looking around, keeping his cards close to his chest. He was friendly, smiling to any other staff they came across, and kept an open profile. He hadn’t gotten to this point in AG without making himself known as a talent, and was shocked at how comfortable Alexander was showing him off. There was no doubt rumors that would swirl, talks that would fall out of this, and Max knew full well that even just being here was enough to start that chain. So for him, a personal risk, but nothing he saw jumped out to him, it was everything his agent told and more. A high-tech, slick, clean operation that took all of Europe’s best engineers and talents and stuck them on one campus in the Eifel mountains. It was the first team he’d seen beyond MMR, that and any small outfits he’d raced in while in the Junior AG leagues. But this was something already, even if MMR promised, this was the realized version of what he was looking for.

Perhaps it was a little more corporatized than MMR was, a smaller factory that felt like more of a punk operation, even if it was backed by some of America’s biggest car manufacturers. This felt more scientific, yet wholesome, a place that felt like it still had a sense of European-ness to it. A different way of doing things to America, that was for sure, but so far, he liked what he saw.

“It’s a nice place. Well fed crew’s a happy crew.” Max commented, observingly, little to say as he felt like he was just taking it in at the moment.

Alexander smiled as he led Max on the tour around campus. They ended up back in the team’s cafeteria. “Are you hungry? We can grab lunch in the cafeteria and talk there. Or we can go to my office. Your choice.”

Max kept it professional, the plain teal-wearing polo shirted American feeling he’d seen plenty.
“Let’s go to your office. I ate on the way here, but I appreciate it. Could I get a coffee before we go, please? Do you want one, Alexander?” Max asked, stopping by one of the machines on the way out, and looking around for a mug. Finding a cupboard, he pulled out a mug, and slid it into the machine, getting another ready.

Alexander chuckled and nodded as he looked amused at his own thoughts. “I practically mainline coffee. It is my drink of choice most days. Mabel, my executive assistant, is always bringing me water and juice because she feels I drink too much of it. I take it black. Anyways the Team Cafeteria is open to everyone who lives and works at headquarters. The meals here are made by the Team Chef. He cooks for all the pilots while they are here at headquarters. He prepares meals for them to meet the nutritional requirements recommended by our nutritionists and physical trainers. He is excellent and we have a well fed team and they are happy with what he puts out for us.”

Max chuckled, passing across the ceramic mug, the reuse still in shape versus disposable packets. That was good, at least, as Max took his own, walking along, smirking.

“You know we have that at MMR too, right? It’s like you’re trying to sell me a condo!” The American noted, taking a microsip before walking alongside him, headed towards the office.

“I get it, coffee is one hell of a thing. My PT told me to ease up on the stuff, says there’s better stuff out there but man…..nothing beats it. My dad used to make a hell of a brew when we were out skiing in Breckenridge. Just something about that.” Max added, looking across, seeing the tension in Alexander. This was a two-way street, after all. As much as Max was judging him, Max knew he’d be getting looks.

Alexander chuckled as he accepted his mug and waited as Max prepared his coffee to his liking. “But of course I realize that.” Alexander paused with a twinkle of mischief in his eye. “But Chef Jacques is French and has his star.” Alexander winked. “Could just be that I am damned proud of the fact that our Team Chef works for the whole team. Not just the pilots, which can be prima donnas and divas at times.” Once Max had his coffee he began to lead the way back to his office deeper in the administration building. Alexander saw the look from Max and was confused. “Breckenridge is a nice place. Great views and skiing. There is nothing like coffee when you are looking out from the top of a mountain in the snow.” Alexander led the way into his office shutting the door behind him. He motioned an invitation to Max to join him in the seating area where there was a conversational grouping of easy chairs and a couch. Alexander took a seat in one of the comfy essay chairs across from the couch.

Max smiled in response, nodding to that earlier comment, walking and talking as they went.
“How the hell did you get a Michelin sta…..yeah, of course, Europe. Shoulda guessed.” He shrugged his shoulders and chuckled, hearing his comment about Breckenridge.

“Glad you like it too. Thought you might be partial to a bit of it, no mountains in Estonia after all! It’s a heaven on earth. Less powder than ever, but….when it’s a good day there, nothing quite like it.” Max smiled back, taking a seat in the chair across from him, putting his mug down on a placemat.

Alexander chuckled at Max. “I can’t take credit for Chef Jacques. He was here when I started. I actually prefer Breckenridge in the spring when the mountain is carpeted in colorful wildflower meadows. It is peaceful there. There are not as many tourists in the spring. I lived in the states for a while. I lived in Colorado for a time. I enjoyed it there.” Alexander took a sip of his coffee and set it down on the glass top table next to his chair. He shifted to get comfortable and nodded at Max. “Explain what you meant about status?”

“I mean, where are we in terms of moving on a contract? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m keen for this. Everything looks good. Stuff is clean, and I could see myself out here in Germany. But my question is, what’s your questions? What do you want to know before we sign it? Is it results, what mods you’d propose? You’re in need of a pilot for next season and if your plans are to compete for a top spot, you need two pilots who can deliver. I’m happy to throw myself at this project, commit what needs to be done, and get it done. My results should speak for themselves, so my only thoughts are, what’s stopping you if you want this deal done?” Max asked, being more blunt and to the point, wanting to get through this. He’d heard, seen, been around all of the rumours on the paddock, who was going where, and when, and how. He knew full well that they were looking at junior pilots, so the real question to Max was, why wait this long? Was Valkyrie hiding some turmoil, or just uncertain they could land this?

Alexander waited patiently for Max to speak his piece. Alexander leaned back into his chair with a smile which slid into a neutral serious face. “I like that about you Max. I hate wasting time as well. Which is why I invited you for a more informal meeting. Because we both know that when I pull the trigger, it means lawyers, NDA’s, and agents get involved. The whole process seems to come to an excruciating slow crawl. I wanted this opportunity to hash out just these kinds of questions between us. What is not as well known around the paddock is that my philosophy or way of running the team is very different to some of the other team principals. I took this job initially as a favor to someone who had something I needed. I took it for my daughter. I won’t lie and say that I am not happy here. I have loved coming back to racing but I did it under conditions that gave me control. I had no control over what happened when Audrick died. I know you know my story there. I used to be a pilot. I know what that takes. I truly am trying to build a team mentality and culture here at Team Valkyrie. I am taking a different approach and supporting the pilots with what they need to be successful. Every racer is a little different just like an artist they have their own style. Instead of trying to find a pilot to fit the ship, I am trying to modify the ship to fit the pilot. One of my concerns with you in particular, is that you will expect special preference or billing as the more experienced pilot. How do you feel about this kind of culture?”

Max shrugged, glancing around, before leaning in.
“Good pilot has to fit whatever he’s given. With Paul performing the way he is, I’d understand you won’t just give me what I’d personally like. And that’s fine, so long as you take into account what I have to say, but you would from any pilot you run, right? Me and Ulrich already do that. Two top tier pilots is how championships are won, like what Southern Cross are doing. So you don’t need to give me any special preference. Just make a ship that goes like hell, and I’ll do the rest.” Max replied, grabbing his coffee, sipping it down as he leant back. No pilot would ever want to be told they’d be second best, so he answered diplomatically, but made sure he put across that he wasn’t going to complain.

Alexander took a sip of his coffee. He rarely gave small speeches. He was more nervous about Max than he wanted to admit. He liked the American so far. Alexander chuckled a little before setting his coffee cup down. “I try to treat all my pilots equally. I will be brutally honest with you. I would be a liar if I tried to deny that Paul is not special to me as the son of my dead best friend. I took this job so I could protect him from the worst this sport can do. I have strong feelings about safety and fairness. I have treated Dorian the same as Paul. I have tried to give him what he needs to succeed and he did at Monaco. My worry with an already established pilot was that they would feel… I can’t put this diplomatically so pardon me when I say I mean no offense. That they would resent not being treated like the team revolves around. Everyone here from the janitor who cleans the place to the engineers who design the ships and the mechanics who keep them running. Everyone on this campus plays a role in keeping those ships running and on the track. Pilots are the ones who have to perform but it takes everyone behind them to get them there. It is why when I found the corruption here, I confronted it and pushed for justice for those wronged. Whoever joins this team as the next pilot needs to understand that as well. Now as to pilot mods, that is an NDA issue. I can’t tell you what we have planned for you till you agree to a contract and an NDA on what is in the proposal. Your record is why we are talking. There is more I want to share with you about the ships but again NDA. Do you have any reservations or concerns about moving to Germany? Do you have any significant others in your life? What concerns do you have about coming to Valkyrie?”

Max paid attention, sipping away, seeing the tension in Alexander. He was talking a while. And well, it was obvious that he was here for Paul, that much the American could tell, thinking it over. What that meant, what they would result in. And his sense of dealing with the issues on site. Personal, into hand, it showed a want to do the right thing, but Max knew that those stories didn’t die easy. Sipping more, they moved onto the NDA, and pilot mods, and onto the next. He was halfway the brew when Alexander finished.

“Well, sure, I get it. Paul is a rookie, and you want to protect him. I get that, it’s why you’re here, but I expect you’ll treat me the same. You don’t got that yet with me, I guess. Got no relationships, well, yet, and no ties to anyone. Moving would be tough, but I’d find a way to make it work, Dad’s got a place in Lucerne so a train to here is what, two and a half hours, an hour by shuttle? Plenty of places to stay local if I have to. But I like to keep work and not-work separate, ya know? Just prefer that relationship.” Max added, sipping more down, before putting it back.

“So it comes down to it, I guess, you’re wondering if I would be a team player. I think that’s what you’re trying to ask. Look, MMR is the same. I might be the lead, and I get it, Ulrich ain’t performing the same. One of your rookies, I remember, but the dude also had a lot of shit happen to him and I helped him through it. He wasn’t gonna be right, so yeah, the team naturally comes to me. It happens in smaller outfits. So yeah, my aim is to win, and whatever you give me, I’m gonna do that with. If you think next year’s ship is capable of that, sign me up.” Max added, putting it down.

“Speaking of next year’s ship, what are we talking here? I mean, I’m keen for a project. MMR still is one, but I hope you have plans. I mean, looking around here, seeing what I saw, there’s a team here with legacy, history. You guys win races.Are we aiming for titles, cracking the top two? Because I know you have me in this room for that reason.” Max asked, candid as ever, knowing he would get to the heart of the matter here with that question.

Alexander leaned back in his chair and sipped at his coffee while Max answered him back. He paid attention and nodded. “I told you what I did about Paul because if you come over, I don’t want you to feel like I hid that information. I will back you as fully as I do Paul.” Alexander smiled at what he was hearing. “So Max as to next year’s ship, again we are in NDA territory. What I can say is that I am working on Team Valkyrie’s long term success. You heard that I approached the junior AG pilots. Of course I did, some of them will no doubt be filling seats in Formula AG next year. I wouldn’t be doing my job as a Team Principal if I didn’t look over the best options for filling Dorian’s seat. My goals for next year is nothing short of a championship sweep. That means I need the right pilots.” Alexander smiled and felt a sense of satisfaction in all he had accomplished coming to Valkyrie so far. He waited for Max to process that.

”Good. Then that works for me. Sounds like we’re on the right track.” Max put his coffee down, leaning back, knowing that Alexander would play his hands close to his chest, create some pressure with the other Junior pilots, but as of right now, his own future was in his hands. Silver Apex had confirmed a new pilot and weren’t likely to change, Southern Cross had a hell of a pairing in Nora and Harrison they wouldn’t give up, and Zygon, well, crudely speaking, fuck Zygon. That left Valkyrie, Carrera perhaps too given their meteoric rise, but something about that ship didn’t sit right with him. Nor the fact they looked like they might retain Ava, so that left Valkyrie as the most obvious option, and a clear slam-dunk based on experience so far.

“I imagine the juniors will find a place. They’re very capable. But you are looking at a lot of options, and well, if you want to win titles, then like I said, get a good ship, I’ll put it where it needs to go. That record you can look at now, with them, it’s a risk. I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t have my moments. Like any good racer. Like your old record too. But, you need a little fire. Way I see it, I’m your best shot at it, give you something the Europeans can’t. A little old school.” Max added, sipping more down, putting it back.

“You probably know my reputation. I mean, I’ve still got plenty to learn. You ain’t getting a pilot like Dorian, if you wanted that, you’d have interviewed Ava. Or Astrid. So, I think you want that. A little, something, something, raw. What was it they said, you want pilots who can race well, go buy a drone, you want pilots who can win, stand up, put your name on that top of that podium, you’re gonna need mavericks. Someone to play by the rules, and someone who’ll give you that fire.” Max spoke, a wry smile on his face, knowing that in his time in Europe, the enthusiasm, energy and excitement that came with Americans versus the cold, calculated steel of Europeans would come through. Especially Germans, who were to the minute number, calculated. There was something more cowboy-esque about finding the limits a way he could find how.

Alexander kept a neutral face but he couldn’t agree more with Max. There was something to be said for the American spirit. There was a passion and wildness to Americans that were lacking in Europeans. Alexander was in a rare position to understand this. He had dual citizenship and had split his time between his parents in Estonia and the US. He gave a rare smile and leaned in and winked at Max conspiratorially. “I will share with you that inviting the junior AG pilots here was a suggestion from Sami Lipponnen. He was recently hired to take over as Crew Chief and run Team Valkyrie’s Junior AG team and academy. Inviting them to the summer bootcamp was a way to put them all on a level playing field and evaluate what they could do. Besides the confusion and rumors it started in the paddock were entertaining as hell. I did it with an eye to the future of the team. There were a few really promising pilots. I feel like I have learned what I need to make that decision.” He took another sip of coffee. “So Max I have one question, are you ready for me to get the agents and lawyers involved? Do you want to win a championship with me and be a member of the team?”

Max smirked, finishing up the coffee.
“You got yourself a deal, partner.” Max put a hand out, and dapped, shaking his hand, a smirk on his face, standing up.
“I’ll call my agent and get things in motion. I’ll sign NDAs and get this ready. I trust you’re a man of your word. There’s a list I’ll request, and a few things I’d like off table of your request, but, I mean short of turning me into Layla, which under local law I guess you ain’t gonna do, I think that works for me. Salary, fees, bonuses, length of contract, all that jazz, before we walked into this room were fine. Let’s go get this done.” Max added, taking the cup, looking out the window with a grin.
“We still have a long season ahead. I don’t intend to go easy with MMR, Alex. To the end I’ll fight for points. But come December, I’ll be ready.” Max replied, grinning. This was a new step. He’d come here expecting his hand was strong, that irrespective, as much as he hated the idea of leaving MMR, he was moving to the next step in his career. One of the old big three teams, and well, a hell of an exciting place to be at the moment, even in spite of the dramas of the start of the season. Six races ago, he would have sworn off it completely, but given a crisis, and a change of circumstances, he’d agreed.

Alexander grinned and rose to his feet to shake Max’s hand. Alexander raised an eyebrow at Max. “I would hold off on the off the table stuff until you see the full offer once you sign the NDA. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what we can offer. It won’t happen till you are done with MMR though. You will have an opportunity to know what we have planned for you before you sign on the dotted line as it were. Salary I am sure we will negotiate. I am trying to recover Valkyrie’s reputation after Brendel destroyed it. Everything we do will be above board. But Max I believe you will be happy that you took the leap. It will be worth it.” He grinned like the cat that got the canary. “I will state unequivocally that Valkyrie is on the rise. You have already seen it this season. And please Max, do your best. Be a great competitor! Take some wins and spots from the other teams.” He winked.

“Just make sure I get paid, Alex. And that you don’t make a shitbox next year, or else I’m gonna get your pass at Breckenridge pulled.” Max grinned, chuckling with sarcasm, tapping him on the shoulder, taking his mug, chuckling at the thought. “I’m sure I can pull some surprises.” He smirked back, taking his cup, and with it, following Alexander, this meeting being over for now.

Alexander called for the car to pick Max up and take him back to the airport where the shuttle that brought Max will return him to wherever he wants to go.

Alexander had already contacted the legal department and had them start working on an offer for Max. He gave them some final orders after his meeting with Max. Once Max signed the NDA he would get the full contract and a disclosure of upgrades they were going to provide him as a pilot. It would include the new neural interface from Shinichi and the nanite treatments to strengthen his skeleton system, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, improve his lung capacity and increase the efficiency of his heart. Max would not be able to start the process until he was done at MMR. He was told that Valkyrie was developing new ships for the following season and had invested a lot in research and development for them. They were hiring engineers and partnering with other companies to develop them. When Max was done at MMR, he would be able to join the development team in providing his feedback and wants for the new ships. Salary was negotiable. Max would get the same financial offer that they had worked up for Jen Lowry. Valkyrie’s offer was a good one. Part of the package included supports such as the on campus apartment, all the training support Max could hope for, including food and nutritional supplements. That alone left Max without some household bills freeing up some of his income. The pay would be much better than he had at MMR. Just like any other employee, there was a clause in his contract that he had to go through Team Valkyrie employee orientation same as everyone else. He would sit through the required harassment training and how to report it. The contract would include the new clauses for Team Valkyrie’s endorsement and sponsorships transparency clause and how Max was free to pursue personal endorsements that would be exempt from the transparency policy but that the team wide sponsorships would include him.





Hidden 10 mos ago 10 mos ago Post by LadyAmber
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LadyAmber Sweet tea in one hand - Sass in the other!

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TEMPLE//ARDENNES//RAIN


Paul stood with rain beating down over his bowed head. The SPA Grand Prix, a course that has haunted him for his entire career. He still remembered the first time he raced here. He almost threw up just getting in the ship. He and this race track had a history, a history of pain and blood. This was the track where his father died in a fiery crash back when anti-gravity racing was new. It was before the new safety standards were implemented. His death sparked safety innovations in a sport where risk is part of the thrill and attraction.

Spa itself had a history steeped in motorsports, triumph, tragedy, loss, and pain. From its early days of a dirt track race linking three towns together to the modern marvel of technology with the repulsor antigravity barricades that protected everyone in a crash. Spa was a racetrack spoken of with respect and reverence. Like Monaco it was one of the circuits that could make or break a career. Paul felt his father’s presence at this track keenly. His father had won at Spa before the track took his life the following year. Ghosts from his past might speak to him here but they would not distract him from his goal. His goal was to win at Spa. There were two races that Paul wanted P1 wins at, Monaco and Spa. While he did well at Monaco, he hoped to take the top of the podium next year.

The introduction shot showed Paul standing in front of his ship looking out into the dull gloom of a rainy afternoon. Paul was looking into the distance an echo of his father as he looked a lot like his father. He looked up and directly into the camera as if he was speaking to the audience at home. His tone ringed with an authority and truth beyond his years. He began by echoing his father’s fateful words.

"There are circuits that test a ship. There are circuits that test a pilot. And then... there is Spa…” Paul paused for a brief moment before continuing. “To win at Spa is to have your skills acknowledged not only by your fans but others in the sport. To win at Spa is validation and a badge of honor. You will have to watch the race to find out who earns that badge this year. Welcome to the Spa Grand Prix.”

The camera pulls back to show Paul greeting a sea of fans outside the Spa race track. The crowd is a colorful sea of movement and sound. The cheering rose and morphed into the sound of an antigravity ship racing by. Which becomes a montage of the changes seen and captured after the summer break. There are pictures of the pilots in front of revamped ships with new livery. The new Team Nova proud and defiant a new darkhorse, an unknown quality. The energy of this race was intense and the rivalry and competition between teams seemed to be almost alive and bubbling as the montage ended with the FIAR logo.




DELTΔ HYPER


Episode Ten: Changing Conditions





Thursday July 28th
Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
0900 EST

Memory


Soundtrack: Cole Swindell - You Should Be Here

Paul had been a little surprised when Dorian asked him to accompany him to honor the memory of his father by laying some flowers at the iconic Radillon corner. Paul had visited early in the week with his mother. They had visited Audrick’s grave and then driven to the track at Spa. He had held his mother while they both cried fresh tears remembering their family was incomplete. It was an intensely private and personal moment for Paul that he had never thought to share with anyone else.

Paul had dressed in a dark suit to accompany Dorian. He had picked up some white lilies to join Dorian’s flowers. He was a little nervous. Usually people avoided talking to him about his father. They didn’t want to remind him that he was not there. They thought they would be sparing him pain. He loved hearing stories about his father. He was so little when he died. He didn’t really have many of his own memories of him. He had to rely on his mother’s stories, pictures, and videos to keep his memory alive. Paul was unsure what to expect from this experience.

He was not surprised to see that Alexander was accompanying them as well. Paul had been slightly resentful of Alexander at first. He felt as if he would try to hold him back when his mother had revealed how Alexander came to be hired at Valkyrie. Alexander hadn’t though. He had done his best to support Paul as a pilot. As he got more comfortable around Alexander, he had begun to share memories of his father with him. Paul appreciated another perspective of his father. He felt closer to him now after hearing Alexander’s stories of his best friend.

Alexander had a bouquet of golden freesia flowers. He was dressed in a dark gray suit with a black vest with golden embroidery on it. He was wearing one of the suits from Enigma Lux. Alexander’s face was stoic and static but there was an intense air about him. Paul sensed that it was hard for him to be here. His flowers might seem an odd choice but Alexander had chosen them because of Audrick. Audrick had once told him that they reminded him of his wife. They were elegant and timelessly classy while being warm. Alexander knew Audrick would approve of his choice. The soft but consistent rain seemed to echo Alexander’s dark mood.

Memories washed over Alexander being back here. Memory of Audrick’s win at Spa the year before he died. Audrick had won the race and Alexander had taken the third in that race. He had cheered for his friend, happy for his excitement and win. He remembered that Paul had only been a year old at the time. Paul had been a toddler who had just started walking. Audrick had proudly showed him videos and pictures. His wife refused to travel the circuit with him. She had chosen to stay at home with Paul. Alexander remembered Audrick’s panic when he met his son for the first time. Audrick had been terrified he was going to hurt Paul. Audrick had no experience with babies. He had called Alexander in a panic. Alexander was already a father when they had met. Arianna was four years older than Paul. He had calmed his friend’s fears and taught him what he needed to know. Alexander never would have guessed that he would be standing here years later with his son putting flowers on a memorial because he was no longer here. That was the thought that was his undoing. It still seemed so unfair to Alexander that Audrick had lost his life so young.

Their group approached a small fenced off area with a memorial plaque that had been hung near the spot where Audrick Mulder’s ship had suffered a mechanical failure which in turn caused Audrick to crash his ship at full speed into the corner at Radillon. The memorial had been set up because fans continued to visit the spot and leave offerings years after that fatal crash at Spa. They set up the memorial area so that fans would stop trying to break into the track area which caused a hazard for any ships on the track. Fans of Formula AG began leaving flowers, cards, letters, candles, and memento offerings at the memorial the week of the race. Offerings began showing up that Monday before the race.

Paul looked at the massive pile of flowers, handmade signs and cards, pictures, and even some stuffed animals. He had seen it before. He had been here before. He wondered why it felt so different this time. He looked over at Dorian’s serious face and Alexander’s solemn one. Paul noticed that far away look on Dorian’s face that said he was mentally somewhere else. He stepped forward and laid down the simple bouquet of Cala Lillies. He had picked them up because they were his mother’s favorite. He stepped back and to one side so that the others could add their flowers to the growing pile.

Paul stood relaxed with his hands held in front of him. He was staring aimlessly at the memorial as his mind replayed that fateful crash. He had seen the video of it. His mother had tried to keep it from him for years but he wanted to see it for himself. It had happened in the blink of an eye. Just like that and his father was ripped out of their lives. Paul knew that was a risk he took every time he stepped into his ship. His father knew it too. He had read his father’s journals. In his journal his father had written about an argument he had with his mother. She wanted him to retire after he was born. Audrick had argued that while what he did was dangerous, she shouldn’t live her life in fear of what could be. He could be hit by an autobus the next day. If he stopped doing what he loved to do, would he truly be living?

Paul put his flowers down first, followed by Dorian. Paul found himself engulfed in a hug by his teammate. Dorian was sobbing his heart out as he clung to Paul. Paul held the man and patted his back. Dorian’s pain and depth of emotion was sobering. Alexander had laid his flowers to the pile. He turned to find Dorian holding on to Paul as if he was a life preserver. Paul’s face looked unsure at first and surprised. His expression slowly changed as he hugged Dorian back just as hard. Paul shared the pain of losing his father for the first time with someone other than his mother. A third of arms came around to hold both of them as Alexander joined their little huddle. Alexander was not one for public displays of emotion. They happened but were rare. Alexander’s tears were silent as he held the other two in support. The trio made a poignant display of grief and remembrance of a man they all were connected to.

The trio oblivious to the crowds held behind ropes by security. They were an island oasis unto themselves. The calls from the fans and reporters falling on deaf ears. Some remained respectful simply waiting for their turn at the memorial. Others pushed at the barriers and challenged security. All went unnoticed or seen by the three men sharing an intensely personal moment with one another. Bonded over relationships with a man who had been dead for twenty years. One connected through blood and family, one a chosen family found friend, the last a friendly competitor. The noise faded to murmurs as the tears began to flow and the obvious pain shared by the three naked for the world to see. Even the reporters may still be filming but they had stopped yelling out questions trying to be heard over the crowd. A rare moment happened when the crowd responded and the atmosphere changed to one of remembrance and respect. A rarity with the crowds Formula AG attracted, typically wildly energetic and competitive, almost feral.




Friday July 29th
Spa-Francochamps, Stavelot, Belgium
1000 EST

Delta Hyper Interviews


@MrSkiMobile @Starlance

Paul was dressed in dark gray dress slacks and a Team Valkyrie polo shirt with one of the new stylish motocross Enigma Lux jackets over it. His hair was curling a little in the humidity from the rain. He had taken a hand towel from one of the set minions and wiped the moisture from the rain off his face before handing the towel back with a thank you. He had been directed to a seat on the couch. He smiled to see Bea and Kais already there. Paul sat down on the couch joining the other two. He turned to look at them both and laughed.

Paul: “Does anyone else feel like they are on the seat outside the dean’s office?”

Paul lowered his voice and gave a conspiratorial whisper. “I mean I can see why Kais and Bea would be tagged troublemakers. I thought I was framed as the golden boy or gentleman like Dorian. What did I do to earn being lumped in with the bad boys and girls of the paddock?” He waggled his eyebrows enquiringly at Bea and then Kais.

Paul’s fun was interrupted by Aurora who was ready to work finally.

"Beatrix, Kais, Paul, welcome back to Delta Hyper. How were your Summer Holidays?"


Paul smiled at Aurora remembering his break. “I spent some time at home with my mother. Did some work for the Mulder Foundation. I hired a new agent. You know all the stuff I had put off because of commitments elsewhere.”

Paul’s expression turned to one of happy peacefulness. “It was nice to go for a run outside and through the gardens. It was very relaxing and peaceful. It always beats running on a treadmill. It was a typical vacation, nice till you need to go back to work.” Paul paused and gave a grin that said he could have his cake and eat it too. “But I am one of those lucky people who love what I do. So I have been focusing on training for Spa. Things like dialing in new ship upgrades.”

He smirked thinking about the pilot modification upgrades he had undergone as well. Alexander was still banking on keeping that information private. Shinichi’s technology was amazing but it was still in the development stage. The Team Valkyrie pilots and Arianna were among some of their first human trials. They were monitoring for any long term effects before the regulation agencies would allow them to market it to the public. Thanks to the NDA, it was easy for Paul to keep that to himself.




Practice
Friday July 29th
Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
1600 EST

Paul Mulder


Paul had Carmella talking in his ear as he took the ship out for his practice run. Paul pushed it to make sure it would perform during the race when he needed it to. The handling was still good. The speed on the straights was still their weakness. It would come down to ELS and his ability to get the most out of the ship in corners.

Paul could feel the difference since his upgrade. His body didn’t feel the stresses of the g-forces quite as keenly. He felt more solid in his own body as it was thrown around in the cockpit as the ship whipped around the track. The new neural interface he had gotten just before the Montreal race seemed even faster as his organic network synced up with his biological one. The cognitive training was paying off for Paul. He noticed the difference especially when he was in tighter spots like the corners. He was able to react just that microsecond faster. He was able to correct the racing line that little bit that made it optimal.

Paul wasn’t happy with the ELS deployment. It seemed a little slower than he remembered. Paul sighed as he got as much speed out of the ship as he could. He pulled the ship back into the Team Valkyrie garage. He was slightly frustrated. He knew the engineers and mechanics had been working to dial the ship in. He knew they had been trying to update the speed. He wondered if his new weight might be the issue, but he had brought that up already. The engineers had worked to recalibrate the ship for the weight he gained with the higher bone density and muscle strength. Paul had disconnected from the ship and had climbed out of the cockpit. He turned to find Carmella, his race engineer waiting for him.

Paul: “Carmella, review the data for ELS deployment and defense. It feels a little slow for some reason. Have the team go over the system and look for any mechanical issues as well. Compare the data from this practice to Montreal. Is there something we overlooked in the data?”

Carmella was dutifully making notes on her tablet.

Carmella: “I can do that. That is a good idea for comparing data.”

Paul sighed as he gave Carmella a wry smile. “I can’t tell if it just felt slow due to the neural upgrade or if there is an issue there. I trust you to get to the bottom of it. Now if only you get eke out some more speed. They are gonna eat me alive on the straights.”

Carmella giggled: “I will be sure to use PacMan icons for your competitors' ships in our post brief after qualifying.” She made puppet eating motions with her hand. “Muncha Muncha Muncha.”

Paul raised an eyebrow at Carmella. “Somehow I don’t find that funny. Especially if it’s Kais or Amy behind me!”




Qualifying
Saturday 30th July
Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
1600 EST

Full Send


Paul Mulder


Soundtrack: Epic Music Mix - Crownless King

Paul loved the fact that Spa upgraded safety after his father’s death but kept most of the track true to its motorsports beginnings. Most of the track lacked the MAG strips that other tracks used. Spa required a pilot skilled enough to fly the ship without the rail-like quality of the MAG strips. There were MAG strips in areas where crashes had been more common in dangerous areas of the track. Paul was confident he would at least give a good showing here at Spa. He had the handling, stability, and ELS. It turned out he was right. There had been a minor mechanical issue on the deployment module. The mechanics had retrofitted it and taken care of the problem. The ship was checking out ready to go.

Paul watched the countdown and shot off. While the rain had stopped there was still a lot of water on the track. His ship threw it off the track in waves leaving a misty rooster tail in his wake. Paul focused on the data coming from the ship as he took what he felt would be the fastest racing line in and out of the first corner. Paul was quickly in the zone where he felt like he was one with the ship. Everything faded away and he felt his father’s presence beside him in the ship stronger than ever before. He smiled as he pushed the ship as hard as he could on the last straight. He knew he didn’t have the speed of Apex or Southern Cross. He did his best. Paul was satisfied with P5. They all knew that there would be changes happening over summer break. He also knew that their ship simply didn’t have the speed needed for Spa. He would still give it his all. He wanted to win at Spa.




Saturday July 30th
Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
1600 EST

Delta Hyper Interviews


Paul changed out of his race suit and into jeans, boots, and a Valkyrie t-shirt which was hidden under a branded rain poncho. He had just left the regular media pack and was headed for his contractual interview with Delta Hyper. He reported in at the Delta Hyper booth for his post qualification interview.

Paul had his poncho taken. He sighed. If he had known that, he would have worn a nicer shirt. Paul smiled into the camera and at Aurora as she asked her first question.

"Paul, welcome to Spa! This is of course, a deeply emotional circuit for you. Take us through what it's like being here, and your relationship to the fans, who are out in force. How does it feel being a local piloting an AG ship at Spa, and what are your aspirations tomorrow?"


Paul had been expecting a question like this. He still felt a little raw after visiting the memorial of his father erected here at Spa. Then there was the qualifying run where he had felt his father’s presence so keenly. Maybe his father’s ghost was with him when he raced. He just knew it was those moments when he felt closest to him. He gave a sad smile as he answered Aurora.

Paul: “Coming to Spa is always emotional for me because it was the track where my father died. It is bittersweet in some ways. I am reminded he is no longer here but at the same time Spa is one of those bucket list races for me. Spa and Monaco are two races on my must win list before I retire. I love this circuit. It is a very fun drive for me. It highlights skill over technology support which I believe highlights the human element in antigravity racing. We all need body modifications just to pilot modern ships. It is nice to see a circuit that tests our courage and skill. Spa delivers that and more.”

Paul paused as he collected his thoughts about how to respond to the question about the fans. Paul’s expression brightened into one of humor, excitement, and awe.

Paul: “Honestly, it was a little scary. The crowd has been so supportive and HUGE! I have never drawn crowds like this before. I appreciate the empathy and support. Most of the fans have been very respectful when they see me. Most just want an autograph and understand I can’t possibly sign the thousands that are showing up. I try to do as many as I can. The Team Valkyrie Fan Zone had to start a lottery system to accommodate everyone we could here at Spa. The new Fan Zone experience has been a hit with our fans. Even Dorian has been overwhelmed by the fan response here.”

Paul’s expression turned to one of personal embarrassment as he continued. His cheeks bloomed with red color.

He gave a shrug of his shoulders and looked embarrassed but felt the need to address this.

Paul: “Please stop sending me proposals and personal gifts. Ladies I can’t eat sweets and stay in top shape to race. So instead of sending me your baked goods, donate them to a homeless shelter or other worthy cause.”

Paul didn't want to share on international television that ladies had been sending him their lacy underthings. Paul had to hire a service to sort his fan mail. Ladies had been sending him things they made, along with their bras and underwear. It had gotten to a ridiculous point. He even started having the underwear cleaned and donated to a local shelter. He shivered as it sketched him out to know some ladies were sending him used underwear like he would find it sexy. It just grossed him out.




Formula AG Pilot Group Chat


Paul Since we are going to be close to my hometown, I will be hosting the dinner party for the pilot group on the Thursday before the race at Spa at Villa De Fleurs. I have rented out the entire hotel. Come stay for the race and join me for dinner on Thursday. World Renown Chef Greyson Angelotti will be cooking just for our group.

Paul
Sorry been busy getting my hiney kicked by the sadist who claims to be my personal trainer. So to recap I have confirmations from Bea, Ava, Amy, Dorian of course, Nora, Harrison, Wedge, and Flo

AStirlingWelcome to the chat!
Paul Welcome to Pilot Chat Hamid, Ben, and Flo!

Ben Hale
Heyo! Yeah @Paul I'm keen but need to be on site that evening
Paul
@Ben that’s okay I completely understand. That is why I scheduled it for Thursday night. I hoped most of us would be free. Feel free to come by before or after you're done. You are still welcome to come and stay at the hotel if you want.

@FourtyTwo
Cassie Neves
@Paul how much money did that cost you? Holy shit that's fucking mental, very kind offer but we can't come!
Paul
@Cassie You can’t come? I feel like you and Han have been avoiding me. What is going on at Zygon? Enquiring minds want to know! Now to answer your other question…
I would have hosted the dinner party at the family estate, but it is outside Brussels. I didn’t think you would all like to travel 2 hours away so close to the race. The fans have been almost rabid. The crowds seem to be just growing each day now. I needed a location I could secure. It’s a small hotel compared to some. It didn’t cost me anything. Don’t worry about the cost. It has already been paid for. The hotel is happy to do it as it will attract more business after we leave. *smirks* It was an endorsement contract. I took this in lieu of payment. You're welcome.

Astrid
Paul has discovered the benefit of being a paid anti-gravity pilot with few hobbies
Paul
@Astrid This is true. I don’t have much overhead and invest most of my earnings. My only real hobby is collecting classic cars. Sadly my garage at home is out of space.

Dorian
Worth it though, but yes this is a treat, I'm there and Paul did get a good deal with the hotel, it's stunning in there too- quaint little establishment
Paul
@Dorian It is one of the older historic hotels that survived.

Harrison
That is an eyewatering amount of money, mate, me and Nora are coming and we will pay something to that, you really didn't have to!
Paul
@Harrison I look forward to seeing you both. I didn’t pay a dime. It’s an endorsement deal and gives me a space my security can actually secure. Only the pilots, their teams, and security are allowed in the building. Hotel staff has already been vetted. All I had to do was shoot a quick endorsement commercial for them and post it to my social media. Took me a few hours on my summer break.

Wedge
@Paul I'm in! And paying for my end, holy shit that is a lot. Can't stay though.
Paul
@Wedge I understand I look forward to seeing you for dinner.

Flo Mason
@Paul count me in too, why not!
Paul
@Flo It would be my pleasure to host you Flo. It will be fun to get to know you.

Astrid
You guys are flinging so much shit at me, look, it's just not our year
Paul
@Astrid No shit flinging from me. You are helping make my rookie season look good though.

Jen Lowry
When's it gonna be?
Paul
@Jen Lowry The dinner party will be Thursday July 28th at Villa De Fleurs Hotel in Spa. Dinner starts at 6pm. World Renown Chef Greyson Angelotti will be cooking just for our group. He promised to make something for everyone.

Flo Mason
*picture of a very confused looking toddler in a olive green and yellow NOVA bib sitting in a pram*
*Many, many, many hearts in chat*
Paul added his heart to the others before responding.
Paul
@Flo I didn’t know you were a mother Flo. She is adorable.

Dorian
This children chat is getting scary given you're all asking when me and Marcel are talking surrogacy
Paul
@Dorian We just want you to live your best life Dorian and be happy. You are retiring next year. It doesn’t surprise me that you are thinking in terms of starting a family.

Dorian
I am thinking about it :)
Paul
@Dorian I can’t wait to see how you decide to propose. I just know it is going to be big and dramatic. You are a drama queen at heart. Let me know if you need any help. I will be there.

Cassie Neves
Two actually, Duvels are great, I might say on TV Sagres is the best but whisper it quietly, Belgians have their beer on lock

Okay sorry yeah that was a bit much lol
Paul
@Cassie Well that explains it. Thank goodness because I was very confused. Cassie I think you need to work on being a happier drunk. That was mean.

Jen Lowry
You get used to it. On a more serious note- Hawaii actually happening?

KofiHawaii confirmed. Lot of work into safety, similar to Italy but with more skeleton and verticality to manage the fact the rainforest is very overgrown

AStirling
Hell to the yes. I loved watching it but they stopped it before I joined AG
Paul
@AStirling I am looking forward to trying this new circuit.

@Starlance
Jen Lowry
Sounds good though! Creepie-crawlies might not be my thing but the diving around there is awesome, and also, @Bea is half Hawaiian so she'll be our guide :)
Paul
@Jen Lowry and @Bea I am down to try snorkeling and diving. I want to learn to surf. Know any good local teachers?

Ava Villarosa
Our factory has Asado every Wednesday lunchtime, I would say ours is better than Apex's
Paul
@Ava Villarosa *laugh emoji* Team Valkyrie has Chef Jacques. We eat well every day.

Wedge
Speaking of other people, how's Jamie @AStirling? Dude did not look good leaving Canada, guessed it might happen

Harrison
He nearly got slugged by Kais, how the fuck would you feel? (@Kais, if you're reading this, we agree it was a dumb crash, please don't spark my lights out)

Hamid
You should see Kais with the cattery we have here, he's chill (sorta). Jamie is a thing of the past to him, and yes, dumb crash, FIAR issued a fair few penalty points to him for it and internals dealt with it given it looks like Jamie overdrove deliberately
Paul
@Hamid I missed what happened with Jamie. I didn’t hear he got penalty points. But back it up. I need to hear more details about Kais being chill and what is a cattery?



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Race Day
Sunday July 31st
Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
1400 EST

The Battle of Stavelot




Amy Stirling


Soundtrack: Hans Zimmer- Three Laps Is A Lifetime

With a dried surface after the heavy rain, but more forecast, it was impossible to tell what the strategy would be. All 20 ships on the grid, heat glowing, all minds focussed. This was Formula AG, back.

"Check, check." Keira's voice came through, as Amy pulled down the canopy, looking through her lens at Bea, who was no doubt, was staggered to be here.

"Affirm." Amy's voice stayed on point, thinking. Deeply.

"Just remember, nice and calm strategy. Beatrix overdrove that ship yesterday. Let's let her dictate the pace, and harvest ELS, and then snatch it back when ready. Nice and smooth, Amy. Let's sow up yesterday's pole."

"Yeah, well.....it's about to start raining hard in five minutes. We'll see what happens then." Amy replied, exhaling hard, oxygen flowing, feeling her mind meld with the ship, feeling the bits of water on the chassis, feeling herself bond. Meld, connect. It felt stranger every time. Weirder, but the ship was pulling her under and that was where she could only go now. Find a golden lap, play the strategy against the upstart Carrera, and then bring on home.

"Yeah, understood Amy, sequence is about to begin. Standby. All you. Let's do this." Keira's last comms came through, as Amy readied up, looking once again in her virtual mirror, before back to the lights.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.


It was clean. And immediately, Amy shut that door on Bea, making it clear. No moves into Turn One. Not even a chance.

And lap one was tidy. Clean. A chance to build up ELS. Play it out, let Bea figure out if she wanted this or not.

And the sunshine, right on forecast, turned into that monsoon. The dark, massive clouds that loomed on the horizon found their target. Spa Francochamps was a direct hit.

And so was Bea, able to make the best out of a run up out of La Source, and after Radillon, Amy realised that Bea had followed right on her tail. All of the way. Brave, Amy had to note, but she was burning her ELS to get the move done. She'd get her back.

Except she didn't. Bea held firm in Sector 2, and for a moment, Amy had no way in. No way through, despite poking, it didn't happen. Even with no mistakes, she just couldn't match her.

And it got worse than just rain, Amy switching to LIDAR and the radar to help her out as it intensified, but what was a risky send and waiting for Bea to slip up, turned into Amy losing track that a certain Belgian was currently fuelled by pure frittes, local fans and a legacy to live up to. Which, Amy had nothing left for, using her ELS to try and tag Bea, but to no avail. Paul sent it down the inside on her at Blanchimont, through an inspired ELS move that Amy had left herself vulnerable to. He'd run through Ava and Jenny already, swinging from pilot to pilot despite his ship's obvious deficiencies on the straight with something else.

But what then happened, was nothing short of majestic.

It was like Auldrick was in the car with Paul, some said it was like that because Paul didn't stop at Amy, he was swinging for Bea. Running at her. The Carrera ship was skating around on the rain like it was a Rally1 car in the Welsh forests, glued at the front yet drifting wide with the aero unable to just keep the new engine and setup at bay in this kind of torrential weather, lightening fast on outputs, yet just so terrifyingly on edge, while Paul's had found superglue to the surface even in the driving wet that seemed to reward his risky choice of setup, for a rainy race, but just couldn't make it pay in straights.

Soundtrack: Hans Zimmer- Into the Red

It couldn't have been more different, and yet, there was this moment that despite the spectators on site no doubt hating their lives in sodden wet Wellington boots, they were still on their feet. And the audience at home. The entire country of Belgium, for a moment, stopped. Realising that Paul wasn't an outside chance. He had every opportunity, and whatever was inside him in that very moment, every fiber was locked in that fight. No doubt Bea was feeling that too.

Normally, that would mean Amy could make advantage. But the way Paul and Bea were going at it, they were pushing each other harder. Like even ELS couldn't unstick them.

Both Valkyrie and Carrera team principals and strategists were no doubt screaming at the state of the data flows they were getting from their pilots. It wasn't like watching normal ship-on-ship racing, it was like watching two people with something to prove, both with their deeply personal motivations. Like they'd both kill each other than concede, like for a moment, the championship, results, anything just melted. It was pure, unadulterated stuff to watch.

On the ragged edge, barely a meter away from contact through their repulsor fields gently nudging, there was a moment of beauty in what was a duel, and two pilots, hearts at full pelt, brains in overdrive, bodies at their limit, finding out what they could do. Beatrix with a result that would never come again this season, if the setup of the ship was to be believed in this specification, while Paul had a home crowd to please, and that meant any team orders went out of the window. The moment a neurologist would have looked in horror beyond just strategists, both vitals pushed beyond whatever a normal race would do. Given they were spending half the lap trading positions, Bea mostly keeping the lead but constantly having to fend off Paul, everyone wondered if this was going to end in horror, or produce some of one of the greatest highlights of the season, if not recent AG history for a while. Bea was no stranger to it from Silverstone, while Paul had just done the unthinkable in claiming 2nd in a ship that truly didn't have the speed where it needed it.

Where adrenaline faded, whatever else was in their systems filled the void, heart rates easily pushing towards 200 beats per minute, even for an augmented body, the equivalent of perhaps being stimulated to an nth degree. A near miss here, a late brake, a lunge, or a switchback, it didn't stop. It couldn't. It was like they couldn't be pulled. An immovable force meeting an unstoppable object.

In the pouring, beating rain, people worried if a virtual safety ship would bring everyone in. If this would be stopped. Because this was poetry.

But it didn't. It kept going. Lap after lap, minute tick follow tock. A VSS for a crash between Kofi and Hamid only stalled it for half a lap, but restored the pace, and instead of stopping the race entirely, it continued.

Something some would have questioned, given just how heavy the rain was getting, without LIDAR and near-interface tech, they'd be blind when the rain was at its worst, and at best, in glaring sunshine between the intense showers on wet track with drizzle still coming down, filling the circuit with beams of floodlighting in the dark, deep forest of the Ardennes, from the chicane at Les Combes to the incredible pinch that Paul continued to try making at Neuville, always braver than Bea to make a move in MAG tracking, despite his history of MAG-based overtakes never being the best. Positions were traded in the midfield, as Kais Zenix charged through the grid, so did Florence Mason, Cassie Neves making a few moves as well as Harrison retired with a dodgy ship, yet the attention was all front.

It was relentless. Every corner, Paul shoved his ship in, and every corner, Bea fought back, and outdid him on exit, or switched back. It was breathtaking, and all the way to the end, impossible to call. Would Bea bin it, her volatile approach coming to bite her? Or would Paul find something beyond to make the move stick, already at his limit? A winner once, did he have the ability to strike twice?

The answer came as the rain stopped, and the two ships roared across the line, Beatrix Ward taking her first win in Formula AG.




Soundtrack: M83- Oceans Niagara

The Delta Hyper booth were on their feet as the crowd went wild. This was David versus Goliath stuff. Another weekend of Amy bottling it, underdelivering in a moment she could have made it count, yet nobody was complaining. This was as good as anything could get, as Rosie burst out yelling.

"Oh my, what a result that is! Beatrix Ward, Formula AG race winner, wow! What an incredible race between her and Paul Mulder, who on his first AG race at his home circuit, came agonisingly close to taking first!"

"Unreal scenes, Rosie, and my heart has to go out to Paul, he tried so hard, you can tell how much this meant to him, but in the end, what a spectacular show they have put on. I think this is among some of the best duels we've seen in Formula AG, the underdog Carrera finding something here that I think many rumoured may have come from Felix Burkhart's addition to the team, but there clearly was more at play here. A stunning race, and well, Beatrix Ward has officially taken off!" Rory replied,

"But let's remember, Paul Mulder came from 5th to 2nd, and through a grid like that? Incredible, you could tell his setup was always a risk, but he made that ship work through Section 2 and 3, he posted consistent purple sectors, it was like he was going faster and faster! Absolutely driving like he was possessed today, and I think he couldn't have done any more, and no doubt he'll be feeling that one!"

"And well, what about that. Amy Stirling rounds it out on the podium, and she will be gutted she couldn't hold onto a dominant pole position, but with a performance like that in front of her, not much she could do, and she will kick herself that she got played in ELS there, by two pilots who today were just a different class. Jenny Lowry takes a respectable 4th place, with a super conservative drive, proving she can hold her own against Amy in that second seat on her first outing with the Apex, while Ava Villarosa holds onto 5th for a season best result for Carrera, followed by Nora Kelly, Cassie Neves, Zenix, Hornfleur and for her debut race back, Florence Mason takes 10th."

"Yes, and I think we won't talk about that much, but wow, what work from Kais Zenix and Florence Mason. The former just making up for bad qualifying through sheer grit, punching through on the straights and using that ship like a bullet, while Mason certainly turned it on even for her first time back."

"Indeed, and while it wasn't to be for their team-mates, Hamid Atlassi clashing with Kofi Mensah, and Ben Hale failing to improve, there's certainly some new faces on the grid. All eyes on Beatrix Ward and Paul Mulder though, as we return to the podium...."






Belgium: Cooldown


It had been quite the occasion. All three ships parked in 1st, 2nd and 3rd in their positions, Amy watched as the Carrera crew mobbed Bea, the two lead pilots at this point dehydrated, exhausted in every single way, and no doubt feeling that fight completely. Amy pushed through the crowd, and dapped her hand into Bea's, visor up, a grin on as she congratulated her but couldn't get through the yelling crowd, no words getting heard before the same with Paul, her suit completely soaked from sweat let alone rain, letting Paul enjoy this moment of a podium at home, and even in spite of a lack of a win, knowing nothing needed to be said. The occasion spoke for itself, as bit by bit, the podium group were ushed into the coolroom, or in Bea and Paul's case, almost carried.

Sitting inside, Amy looked to Beatrix, who must have had her heart about to explode out of her mouth. The race replayed back.
"You alright? Every butterfly has its day, right?" Amy smiled, wondering when the other Brit would stop screaming. Watching back the overtake, Amy shrugged, accepting that for what it was. Fair and simple, Bea had the faster ship, and Amy should have known better. An ELS fight against a rally driver with clean air in front of her was a terrible call in hindsight, but instead of the fluke, it ended up being what let Paul in, who himself had steamed through Ava and Jenny through masterful ELS and overtakes in techical sections, before using ELS to light up Amy. Well fucking played, Amy realised. A mistake she could have not made. But the margins were thinner. And she'd done plenty before to the others. Now they'd come this far, they were beginning to understand what it took.

Amy didn't say, or do anything that would seem menacing. But smiling, letting this moment breathe before turning to Paul.
"Man....he'd be proud. Hell of a fight you two had in front. Not often I say it....but you got me good on that one. I don't know how you're both breathing after that, that was a hard fight!" Amy smiled, knowing there were cameras, and with it, leading the way out, standing up, revitalised after a mountain of electrolytes and water.

"This one isn't a fever dream, Bea. Go out and enjoy every second of it. This is your moment." Amy spoke to the pilot she'd recently started mentoring, and with it, led the way out through the tight booth, out into the shower-filled, yet glancing sunlight of the podium, hand raised, taking her plaudits for 3rd, but a footnote compared to the two following her out.

This was not a day to forget for anyone. And while perhaps Carrera had scored an anomaly here, many reputing that Southern Cross, Zygon, and Al-Saqr would be back to claim their fight at the top in what was just luck for the Iberio-South American team, yet it was Carrera's day. It was Beatrix Ward's day, the third rookie to grab a win this season, and the one nobody saw coming, as the field generator gently repelled the rain from the podium itself, the champagne was popped, and spray went everywhere.

Formula AG was back after a summer break, and back with the world tipped upside down and rummaged around for change.




Delta Hyper: Pilot Interviews


After what was an intense race, the classic Delta Hyper interviews were back, once the rain had finally died off. The euphoria, the sheer insanity of what was a weekend in Spa, in the wet, had gotten their reward.

Beatrix Ward, race winner! How does that sound, how does that feel? What a move on Amy, and well, what a duel with Paul, you two looked so determined to get it over the line. Tell us what it was like, because that looked like one for the ages! I think I speak for everyone that we wish we could see duels like that in Formula AG every week!

Paul, absolutely gutting for you to just miss out on 1st, nearly going back to back on the top spot of the podium. How did it feel racing against Beatrix, both of you rookies making it look like you were seasoned professionals out there, absolutely on the edge, giving the fans and us in the commentary booth a spectacle? You seem to be in a purple patch of form, and I think you didn't just give your fans, but everyone else a show!"

Kais, an impressive recovery, coming up from 10th to 8th today. While Spa might not have been your preferred circuit, what's your feeling on the momentum that Al-Saqr have this season, and would you say you're trading the handling focussed circuits for the ones where your ship will perform better?"
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Hidden 10 mos ago 10 mos ago Post by Starlance
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Starlance

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Pilots’ Group Chat
Flo Mason
She is already obsessed! Though annoyingly, she is following all of Bea's streams right now so she has turned the spare room upside down with art of Carrera and the old Silver Apex ship, which is not ideal...

Bea
…Let me know if you want help setting up profanity filters on whatever device she watches on. Chat can be wild.

Ava Villarosa
Right. The chat.

Bea
Ow. Blue on blue.

— — —

Ben hale
Yeah this is awesome, you guys are all dysfunctional adults

Bea
Those of us who can be considered that. Welcome to the jungle.

— — —

Jen Lowry
Sounds good though! Creepie-crawlies might not be my thing but the diving around there is awesome, and also, @Bea is half Hawaiian so she'll be our guide :)

Paul
@Jen Lowry and @Bea I am down to try snorkeling and diving. I want to learn to surf. Know any good local teachers?

Bea
Not this again. How many more of you are there?

Bea
@Jen Lowry My mother moved out of Honolulu in 2061. 13 years before I was born. I’ve never been, not once. She hasn’t even been back. How am I in any way Hawaiian?

Bea
But yeah, Hawaii is a diver’s dream if anyone wants to tag along on Sunday after the race, you’re more than welcome to. Same goes for the Barrier Reef.

Jen Lowry
@Bea Count me in!

Flo Mason
@Bea Put me down for tentative interest, I’m not sure about the schedule yet.

Ben Hale
what via the London Borough of Maui? How is she Hawaiian?

Bea
@Ben Hale Thank you!

Astrid
That's wild. She's too angry to be Hawaiian

Bea
Angry? Me?

Jen Lowry
*Youtube link to ‘WRC 2090 onboards but the drivers keep getting angrier’* A full third of this is you. :)

Bea
I’m not angry, I’m allergic to stupid. :p

— — —

Cassie Neves
holy shit this is an Anglo-Argentine conflict

Kofi
*Falklands intensifies*

Bea
Not. This. Again.

Astrid
Guys, she’s getting angry again.

Bea
Okay, I walked right into that one, didn’t I?

Wedge
Yep.

— — —

Ava Villarosa
Cassie. Stop consuming beer, pls

Bea
No, continue! :D


DELTΔ HYPER
The Shared Couch



”Does anyone else feel like they are on the seat outside the dean’s office?”

Paul lowered his voice and gave a conspiratorial whisper. “I mean I can see why Kais and Bea would be tagged troublemakers. I thought I was framed as the golden boy or gentleman like Dorian. What did I do to earn being lumped in with the bad boys and girls of the paddock?” He waggled his eyebrows enquiringly at Bea and then Kais.

”Not like the dean’s office at all.” Bea shook her head, ”Every time I went there, I knew exactly what they were going to ask about.” She answered as innocently as possible in stark contrast to the words coming out of her mouth.
”But how do you know what sitting in front of the dean’s office is like, mister golden boy gentleman?” She turned it around on Paul with an inquisitive look, fully aware the mics and cameras were already running and caring little. Aurora had time, she could wait. ”What did you do? You broke something, didn’t you? Something expensive.”


Sunday August 1st, 2094, 16:47
Stavelot, Belgium
The Race
It was almost a photo finish.

”P1 BEA, P1! THAT’S A WIN!” Despite several victories of his own, every new one was a celebration even if he had to only watch, especially since they were a rare occasion for Carrera.
”FUCK YEEEEEEES!” Her shout made people watching the broadcast with headphones wince. ”What a way to come back from the break!”
”Are you crying?” Be could hear the absolute pandemonium happening in the garage through Alistair’s microphone.
”Yep.” She laughed through tears of joy mixing with the breathing liquid, easing up on the throttle to let Paul come up alongside, matching speed and giving him a wave and a thumbs up before pulling ahead again for the turn around into the pits, as per tradition at Spa.
”You practiced this in Silverstone, and by God you delivered.”
”Please. This was just one guy, child’s play.” She replied, every breath she took a lie, ”Back home I had to juggle three different drivers. Bloody Hell, I think I haven’t been breathing since Les Combes.” She started laughing again.
”Me neither, but four laps ago.”
”Bea, what a drive. Brilliant job!” León came over the radio when the driver-race engineer celebrations have calmed down, ”Edge of our seats the entire time, but you came through.”
”Brilliant job by everyone in the garage and at the factory as well. I barely did a thing, this was all you, from Felix to the last janitor. This was for you. And let there be many more.”

As she pulled into the marked position, the coveted ‘1’ sign in front of her ship, Bea looked up in her cockpit. ”Sorry, Mister Mulder. He’ll get it next year.” Then, she leapt out of the ship like a jack-in-a-box and sprinted off to the side where her team was assembled, almost toppling the barrier separating them when she threw herself into their arms.


Sunday August 1st, 2094, 2094, 17:15
Stavelot, Belgium
Cooldown Room
The upgraded lungs came in at just the right time, as with just a minute’s absence, Bea was back in the cooldown room out of her fishbowl and breathing air like a landlubber again…
…and unceremoniously collapsed onto the chair as the adrenaline washed out of her system. ”I’m alive, I swear. No need to poke me with a stick.” She called out to the other two pilots as she watched the highlights. ”You were determined to get that re-pass sewn up, weren’t you? You have seven rivets on the left side of your canopy, by the way, I got a very close look.” She joked with Amy, the ships having been close enough to start repelling each other.

”And you…” She turned to Paul, poking a finger in his direction before changing it to an offered hand to shake. ”...Have some Belgian Malinois hidden beneath that Golden Retriever. Smells a win, grabs a hold of it and doesn’t let go without a fight!” She smiled.

Bea didn’t let Amy’s ‘fever dream’ comment sour her day. She’d worry about that existential crisis tomorrow. The crowd below the podium with her team front and center seemed to reenergize the Brit, jumping up onto the center step of the podium. Trophies were handed out, champagne opened, Bea smiling and laughing like a kid on Christmas the entire time. Then, in an unguarded moment, she turned her bottle of champagne upside down, stuck it under Paul’s collar and poured a decent bit of it down his back. And as the pressure in the champagne subsided and the celebrations petered out, she laid down by the edge of the platform the podiums were on, stuck her hand through the railing and down, dropping the remaining champagne to her team for Alistair and León to catch and pass around.


DELTΔ HYPER
Episode 10: Changing Conditions



Back to the interview, Bea was still bouncing with excitement. And she had plenty of reasons to. After all, the weather was clearing up, she was looking at a week in Belgium and Germany before the race at Nürburgring, everything was set up without a hitch for the Mulder fundraiser and she just won her maiden win on one of her favorite tracks.

”Beatrix Ward, race winner! How does that sound, how does that feel?

”It sounds great and feels even better! I honestly didn’t think we would be doing half as good as we are this season, so to win a race and be fifth in the constructors’ standings is amazing. Flávia’s an undying optimist but even she didn’t have this on her bingo card.”

”What a move on Amy, and well, what a duel with Paul, you two looked so determined to get it over the line. Tell us what it was like, because that looked like one for the ages!”

”Yeah, Amy took me longer than we planned, but we improvise, adapt and overcome. We knew where our ship is stronger and planned accordingly. I guess she wasn’t expecting patience or planning from me?” Bea shrugged with a chuckle and a bit of self-deprecating humor, ”And for the rest of the race, I was lucky to have a very good dance partner today, no foul moves, steady hand on the controls and cool head on his shoulders.” She was this close to saying something about ‘other pilots’ but bit her tongue. Speak no ill of the dead, or at least those dead to the sport.

”I think I speak for everyone that we wish we could see duels like that in Formula AG every week!”

”Yeah, that would be great, wouldn’t it? I don’t know what our doctors would think of that though, it’s quite an exercise. I think Ivan and our cardiologist would have an aneurysm if we made a habit of this, and that’s coming from someone with a synthetic heart!” Bea laughed, ”But it was fun to drive and no doubt fun to watch. Races like this, Tokyo or Silverstone are what people think of when they hear ‘Formula AG’ and that’s how it should be. This is the sport, this is what should matter.”



Bea sat cross-legged on the garage floor, clearly dressed for the night’s celebrations with the crew with a colorful asymmetrical shirt, a black leather jacket, dark blue jeans and black knee-height lace-up boots, leaning against her ship with her helmet in her lap. ”So we did it. First win in the big league.” She spoke in an uncharacteristically calm manner, looking up at the camera. Two hours later she’d be drunkenly singing Battle Beast's ‘Last Goodbye’ with Alistair and Pete Hayes, but right now she was in that span of time when the facts were still registering. ”Happened a lot sooner than I thought, even if it might be a while before the next one. It all came together just the way it should have, and the result speaks for itself. And as much as I’d love to hang this on my living room wall and hopefully keep adding more as the years go on, I think I figured out a better thing to do. I’ve got a better way to celebrate my successes,” She raised her right arm into view, a black marker circle with the words ‘FA win 1 here’ on her forearm just below the elbow, the words ‘Live at Bea Draws Stuff, Sunday 8th at 17:00 UTC’ appearing on screen for a few seconds. ”So I thought I’d pass it off to one of you guys: You bloody legends without whom our sport wouldn’t exist.
We’ll auction this off. Bidding starts tomorrow at 12:00 PM UTC, link somewhere down there as always, ends Sunday 15th at 11:59 PM and whatever it sells for I will match and donate the lot to a non-profit or charity of the winning bidder’s choice.
If the winner doesn’t choose anything, it’ll go to ‘Safety First’, which is a non-profit aimed at safe and responsible spaceflight. Full disclosure, Safety First is run by Daniel Walsh, who is a former classmate of mine. I’m not trying to feed a friend’s organisation, Dan’s a good lad and his folk are doing great work in their field, so that’s why that choice. If you object, bid high and choose something else.”
She smiled into the camera before it turned into a big, dumb grin.
”Now, if you’d excuse me.” She jumped to her feet, seemingly reenergized to her usual levels. ”I just won my first Formula AG race, there’s a keg with my name on it somewhere and it would be criminal to keep it waiting.” She bolted out of the room, the camera lingering on the helmet with the ship in the background before fading to black.

AndesAG: absolutely over the moon, screamed my voice away. my neighbor threw a brick through my window to let me know he also wanted bea to win 😀
Mate0: Shame Ava dropped. Still a baller result.
Zero: Fight’s now on with Zygon. MMR are in the dust.
CarreraCarmen: Double points and a win, let’s goooooo!! 🎉🏆
Hotstuff: what a season! five rookies, four got maiden wins and the korean android still has half a season to make it.
Mate0: Just as long as they stay in the bottom half of the standings where they belong.
Zero: is this the actual helmet or a replica?
MadBea: It’s the actual helmet. You take me for a liar? 😛
Sol_de_Mayo: Holy shit!
Zero: Bidding
Cats4Life: How about pieces of the ship?
MadBea: You can have my entire first chassis. You can come pick it up with a vacuum cleaner and a sieve. 😀
CloroxEnjoyer: What’s the starting bid at?
MadBea: 1p. You decide how much it’s worth to you.
NoahOfStavelot: Torn up that Paul didn’t win but can’t complain about the show.
Cookiesaurus: kinda mad about the restart not doing much. Was hoping amy would join the fight.
NineIron: I opened a big bag of crisps for this race and completely forgot to eat any past lap five!
Richie: Novel weight loss approach.
Shel1: Dorian seems to be phoning it in already.
DohnJoe: zenix continues to be a whole badass and half
ChesterFromChester: Grid Granny Flo showing the young whippersnappers how things are done.
UrbanMaverick: And Benji regretting stepping into shit.
GalwayGirl: First sleeping in during the off season and now a whole keg? Keeping up your regimen I see. 😛
MadBea: Astrid exists and you’re giving me shit for celebrating? 😀



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Hidden 10 mos ago 10 mos ago Post by LadyAmber
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LadyAmber Sweet tea in one hand - Sass in the other!

Member Seen 5 days ago

La Villa des Fleurs, Spa




The historic hotel was located in the center of Spa and was about 15 minutes from the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps. It was far enough away from the racetrack that the pilots would get a break from the crowds hovering near the track. They were close enough to be on the track quickly. The hotel was originally a mansion from 1880 that has a long history and has been preserved as a historic landmark in the city. The hotel is old and grand in a way that modern buildings just are not anymore. The hotel has old world charm and character. The hotel includes a landscaped garden. All of the rooms at La villa des Fleurs feature individual décor, a mini-bar and a work desk. They also have a seating area with a flat-screen holographic satellite TV. It has been kept upgraded with modern amenities without losing any of its historic charm. It is a smaller hotel and is surrounded by a high stone wall which made it perfect for the security needs of the pilots. The hotel was big enough to accommodate the pilots and most of their team personnel. The hotel had multiple smaller lounges and congregation areas with comfortable seating. Rooms had sleek modern amenities with luxurious finishes and touches. Some rooms had original fireplaces in them, or wrought iron balconies. There was a lovely garden and terrace behind the hotel inside the stone fence for guests to relax in.

Paul’s endorsement deal with the hotel covered the cost of the stay. Paul was footing the bill for bringing in the chef. Paul didn’t mind. The cost of the chef was worth it to his mind. The hotel was a bonus. The owner was a friend of his mother’s and had approached Paul about a personal endorsement deal. Paul had bartered the hotel’s services instead for the race. The hotel owner thought it was more than worth it knowing that with Paul’s endorsement and if other pilots and teams stayed they would share their experience. Garnering more exposure for the hotel. It was better advertising than he could afford. Paul had sent the hotel what information the pilots had given him. The staff were excited to serve. Many of them were Formula AG fans themselves. Paul’s head of security and Team Valkyrie’s Security team had already vetted the hotel staff that would be on duty during their stay. Hotel check in was quick and courteous. Pilots were greeted with a smile and eagerness to please, with some happy fans among the staff who tried not to squeal as their favorites called on them.

Paul had been on hand in the lobby in case he was needed. He greeted everyone as they showed up with a smile. There were pleasant smiles and some surprised looks as they took in the opulent and grand old hotel. Paul grinned as he felt it was great that Belgium had managed to save some of their older buildings from the ravages of the super storms and acid rain that had destroyed so many. Paul’s mother had instilled an appreciation for art and architecture in her son. He loved the idea that such an old building was still functioning and had purpose. Even as a great deal of their budget went into its preservation. It offered a unique glimpse into how people lived in the past.

The chef had been hired to prepare food for them while there on site over the weekend. There would be a breakfast buffet for anyone staying at the hotel with everything from croissants, scones, muffins, coffee, tea, and an array of fruits, eggs, bacon, sausage, and a blender and the makings for protein shakes and the like. Paul had a suspicion that if Kais did stay he would not give up his protein breakfast shake. Paul knew that the Team Valkyrie crew would be pleased. It was his way of thanking the team for his win at Montreal.

Dinner would be in the hotel’s largest private dining room. The table was set in one long strip down the middle of the room. There was an old ornate fireplace along one wall and at one end of the room was a set of double glass french doors that led out onto a terrace and the garden at the back of the hotel. Deep plush red velvet chairs awaited guests around the table. The table was wood with white linen napkins with crystal glasses and silverware with white china plates sat around the table. Each place setting had a custom printed menu with the dinner options available. There was a grilled filet mignon with au gratin potatoes and sauteed asparagus. There was a seabass with scallops options in a cream sauce with rice pilaf and steamed seasonal vegetables. The last option was a vegetarian pasta medley. Every place setting had a crystal glass with ice water in it. A selection of crystal wine glasses, champagne flutes, and high ball glasses awaited alcoholic or mock tail options. There were four waiters lined up along the wall in black slacks and white button up shirts with black aprons on.

Paul was waiting at the dining room door to greet everyone. Paul was excited to get to spend some time with the other pilots together out of the public’s eye. He beamed as he greeted everyone. He was wearing loafers, dress slacks, and a light blue shirt that made his eyes pop. Everyone was met with a big smile and happy energy.

Paul: “Welcome come on in! The chef told me dinner would take about thirty minutes once we put our orders in. Please take a seat and let the servers know what you want.”

The waiters had moved in and were getting drinks and taking everyone’s dinner order. Paul was not surprised when Dorian ordered the seafood and Wedge ordered the filet mignon. Or when Astrid ordered the vegetarian pasta and one of her glasses of gin. Paul had made sure to have some on hand for her. Ava surprised him when she ordered the filet mignon. Amy ordered the seafood. He was not surprised when Kofi had the vegetarian pasta. The pilots were just as diverse in their drink orders. Some stuck with just water, a few had mocktails, and one or two had decided to try the Belgium beer on hand.

Paul had taken one of the seats at the end of the table so he could see all of his guests. They had time to chat while their dinner was being cooked. He had waited till everyone had something to drink. The mood was good and energetic like long lost friends catching up. He had a glass of rich red wine in his hand as he stood. He smiled at his guests as he raised the glass high.

Paul: “I would like to propose a toast. To quote the infamous Enzo Ferrari, What’s behind us doesn’t matter. To a safe but exciting rest of the season as we redefine our need for speed. To friendly competition!” Paul’s smile was beaming as he took a sip of his wine and sat down.

Chatter and laughter flowed from there. They talked about the change in circuits in particular Hawaii. There was good natured ribbing from one pilot to another over crashes and close calls and the competitions that Delta Hyper had come up with. The Canadian poutine battle had them all arguing over who the best cook was. Paul was pleased that his dinner was going over so well. He enjoyed being able to hear everyone. The nightclub in Tokyo was a different scene and fun with a completely different vibe but it had been public. There was more privacy for this dinner which was intentional. He knew he always felt the pressure of appearances in public. He felt this was a way they could get together and truly relax with one another. He was smiling as this was exactly what he had been hoping to see.




DELTΔ HYPER
The Shared Couch




”Does anyone else feel like they are on the seat outside the dean’s office?”

Paul lowered his voice and gave a conspiratorial whisper. “I mean I can see why Kais and Bea would be tagged troublemakers. I thought I was framed as the golden boy or gentleman like Dorian. What did I do to earn being lumped in with the bad boys and girls of the paddock?” He waggled his eyebrows enquiringly at Bea and then Kais.


”Not like the dean’s office at all.” Bea shook her head, ”Every time I went there, I knew exactly what they were going to ask about.” She answered as innocently as possible in stark contrast to the words coming out of her mouth.
”But how do you know what sitting in front of the dean’s office is like, mister golden boy gentleman?” She turned it around on Paul with an inquisitive look, fully aware the mics and cameras were already running and caring little. Aurora had time, she could wait. ”What did you do? You broke something, didn’t you? Something expensive.”


Paul’s eyes widened in surprise as Bea turned the tables on him. He started laughing because only Bea would catch him out like that. His eyes twinkled in mischief.

Paul: “It takes one to know one, right Bea? I will share my story but you have to share yours too. Well I may have protested the need for driver’s education in high school. I had already been competing as a racer for years. I might have almost given the driver’s ed instructor a heart attack when I tried to show him I was ready to take my license test.”

Paul looked into the camera and did his best to look sincere and apologetic. “Mr. Torres if you are watching. I am very sorry for taking you around the parking lot to show you I know how to drift and take corners.”




Race Day
Sunday July 31st
Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
1400 EST

The Battle of Stavelot


Collaboration: Beatrix Ward vs Paul Mulder


Paul had a harder time getting into the right head space for this race. He was shocked that his mother said she would be attending. He knew she would be watching the race from the Team Valkyrie garage with Alexander. She would want to be close to the action even though as a family member she could have sat in one of the private boxes reserved for them. He trusted Alexander to help through this. His mother had stopped attending his races quite some time ago. She had never been happy about his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps. For her to pick this race, the first one in two years unnerved him a little. He wondered if she was terrified he would die on this track like his father. She hugged him and wished him good luck with tears in her eyes. He knew this was not easy for her but after reading his father’s journal and his first race. He got it. He understood why his father had sought out the high speed adrenaline of racing. His father understood the risks but he was determined to do what he loved despite the risks. His father was not a man that would have been happy behind a desk. He could have been a different kind of athlete but other sports lack the thrill that comes with controlling all that energy and speed of an antigravity ship. Paul had taken some of his father’s thoughts and feelings to heart. He acknowledged that his life might be short, so he needed to live it. To live he needed to pursue what he was passionate about. Paul loved the speed and thrill of racing.

Paul had been sitting in the pilot’s trailer on the couch meditating. He was already in his racing suit with his helmet on the coffee table in front of him. He had his earbuds in and was playing his prerace playlist which included songs like Freebird, Sail Away, and some classical music interspersed. Normally by the end of the first song, he was in the zone. He was ready to push all the everyday crap that clutters the mind away and focus on the race. Today his thoughts spiralled between his mother’s fears and the chasing the feeling of his father in the cockpit. When he was racing was when he felt closest to his father. It was as if that was when he connected to the man his father had been. He had only been two years when his father died. He had pictures, videos, interviews, and stories from people that knew him. He could admit to himself that it was part of why he raced. He gave up meditating and stood grabbing his helmet. It just was not going to come easy today. He pulled out his earbuds and pulled on the fireproof caul that went on under his helmet. He pulled his helmet on and went out to the garage. He climbed into the ship and began his prerace checklist. Going through the motions and routine helped. By the time he made it to the radio check he was focused again.

Carmella, his race engineer’s voice, came over the radio. “All systems look green from here. Radio check Paul. Confirm.”

Paul: “Confirmed. I read you loud and clear Carmella. All systems read green on my end.”

Paul connected the neural interface, plugging into the back of his head through the spot in the helmet for it. It was always a rush as the flood of information coming back from the ship was almost overwhelming at first. It was not as bad with the new neural interface. It was smoother and more intuitive. Paul was finding that the longer he had the neural interface the stronger and smoother it seemed to work. It was almost as if they were learning from each other. The connection between his organic neural systems and the one the neural interface had built and latticed over his own was so much smoother and stronger than his previous one. The cognitive training that the team had put him through was helping his brain adapt to using all that massive input of data and respond faster. He had seen the difference in Montreal. Paul massaged the fingers on his racing gloves to warm up the leather and ensure as much dexterity as possible. He wiggled his fingers and was satisfied that he had complete range of motion.

Carmella’s voice came over the radio. “Time to take the ship to the starting line.’

Paul nodded and pushed the button sequence that would start the ship up. He was amused that the ship had all this remote technology in it and they still demanded ships use the old manual switches to start it up. He started the ship and took it out of the garage and lined up in the P5 pole position. He waited for the race to start. It wouldn’t be long now.

Paul’s hands rested lightly on the controls. His focus on the dashboard as the countdown started.
5
4
3
2

1


Paul had a good start but immediately needed to defend against Nora gunning to pass him at the start. He managed to shut the door on her but it gave Ava the opportunity to maintain her position in front of him. He narrowed his focus to Ava and his racing line. He knew his only chance here was to eke out all the speed he could in the corners. He wouldn’t have the speed on the straights. Ava, Amy, Bea, and Nora would reel him in and pass him easily without some good defense from him and the faster ships they piloted. Paul caught up to Ava quickly coming out of Double Gauche. He grins as he begins leeching energy out of her ship and banking it. He uses the slipstream to pull her in closer. He sticks behind her. Coming into Lap 2 Paul flew past her at La Source.

Carmella:“Great job Paul. You are in P4. Jenny is 4 seconds ahead of you.”

Paul: “Shit!”

Paul cursed as Ava almost caught him in her ELS as he passed her. Paul dodged out of the way before it could lock on. It cost a second or two but better he dodge than let her lock on. Jenny was making the most of that Silver Apex ship. He was chasing Jenny even as he had to defend against Ava. He was forced to shut her down and dodge her ELS for almost an entire lap. He was slowly getting closer to Jenny, inching closer as he made up time in the corners. Paul saw his chance as Jenny went wide on a corner hoping to keep her momentum up. Paul cut to the inside and poured on the speed as without mag rails he managed to tilt the ship slightly up on its side to slip through the gap. Paul’s ship came roaring out of the corner at Bruxelles. He once more leapt ahead defending from Jenny’s attempts to slow him down.

Carmella’s excited voice came over the radio: “Paul P3! Amy is 5 seconds ahead of you!”

The rest of the world faded away as Paul felt that magical moment where everything came together. It was just him in the ship going balls to the walls as fast as he could fly and the feeling of his father’s hand on his shoulder. A kindred spirit for the need for speed, a connection that he only found with his father in the cockpit. If anyone was watching Paul’s camera feed, they would see a serene smile on his face. The skies opened up and darkness descended on the track as the heavens poured rain down on the track. With a thought Paul switched to Lidar and Radar systems and input from the ships sensors to help him navigate the race. He had been training on this and the switch was seamless and easy.

On the surface it was just another race weekend. She’d run through the usual pre-race hubbub like a hundred times before - the reaction time exercises, the suit fill up, getting strapped down into the ship after the mechanics had brought it out of its slumber. But now she was lined up on the front row of the grid, a friend in a Silver Apex ship behind, a… friend? In a Silver Apex ship to her left. Ava’s presence soothed the tinge of nervousness that bubbled through, even if her teammate hasn’t exactly been performing on track, her mind perhaps preoccupied by- No, no, none of that now.

She shook her head, took a deep breath and cleared her mind, eyes dead set on the start lights - not the ones on her HUD, the real ones on the circuit as she was close enough to see without straining.

Any second now…

As soon as the lights went out, Bea immediately dived to the left side of the track, completely ignoring Amy and her defensive move and covering off Jenny instead while getting a better line through La Source. Jenny and Ava could have fun, but this would be between Bea and Amy. Her plan to storm past down Kemmel straight didn’t quite work as Amy got a really good exit out of Radillon, but no matter. Those dark clouds weren’t forming over the track, but over Amy’s day. There was a lot of time to go and Bea only had to nail it once.

And did she.

Her plan may not have worked on lap one, but it was a slam dunk a little while alter. She was so close behind Amy through corners two through four her ship was shuddering from the wake from Amy’s engine and with a burst of ELS, she was through halfway down the Kemmel straight, Amy trying the obligatory single defensive move the rules allowed before Bea surged past in a flash of rainbow colors.

”Goodbye.”
”Nice pass, you’re P1.” Alistair had time to say before Les Combes, falling silent to not distract his driver through the next series of corners.”She’ll try to get you around the MAG tracking of sector two.” He advised as Bea powered through Pouhon.

And she did, poking her nose into the corner as Bea held her line with gritted teeth, the same kind of maneuver she pulled on Layla in Silverstone except Amy didn’t scare that easy. For three long corners, the two ships were two wide before Amy had to pull back, Bea positioning the ship so that Amy had space on the straight but couldn’t make the corner, forcing her to either yield and keep speed or commit to the line but have to slow down significantly, Amy wisely choosing the former.

It held them both up long enough for Paul to catch up, and Amy’s day got even worse. With her ELS battery flat, Paul walked over her like the Germans did through the forest around the circuit over 150 years ago.

And now, Paul was Bea’s problem.

Paul now once more had Amy in his sights. Amy was all over the track trying to keep him from passing her. He stuck to her like glue. He deployed his ELS not giving her the chance to defend or recharge. She tried to shake him off but his handling was better. The new neural interface made these minute changes so much faster and easier. He easily stayed glued to her as he began leaching energy from her and banking it. His smile grew wider as he felt calm and peaceful as he made minute adjustments to keep up with Amy. It didn’t take Paul long to get on Amy’s nerves. He saw an opportunity as Amy slowed down for the hairpin at La Source. She was taking the inside track but trying to go slightly wide to block the outside from Paul. Paul just grinned and pushed the speed higher as he used the antigravity field and curved wall there to bank off of. His ship went up the wall on its side past Amy and came down in front of her. He didn’t even blink or look back as he looked for who was next.

Carmella was screaming in his ear. “P2 Paul!”

Paul's voice was quiet as he said “And then there was one.”

Paul began to try and close the gap between him and Bea. She had a slight lead and the faster ship. He stayed focused and made the most of the corners. He was picking up speed each time. He managed to find a half second here and a second there. It took him about a half of a lap to catch up to Bea. Paul tried to snare Bea with his ELS but she dodged like an agile wolf. Paul managed to stay behind her. He kept pressing her looking for any opening. His ship clearly in her rearview looking for any opening. She would pull away from him on the straight and he would close in a corner or chicane. He kept pushing the ship for more speed, redlining the engine on the straights. He pushed it hard. His body being thrown around the ship brutally at the speed and g forces they were pulling. His new body modifications helped him endure the g forces.

Paul smiled as his laughter lit up his coms. “The hunt is on! I knew Bea wouldn’t make it easy for me!”

Carmella: “Paul the engines can’t handle continuous redline. You are close to blowing the engine. Pay attention to your temperature gauge.”

Paul:“Carmella shut up. It’s my race now.”

Carmella had been trying to give Paul a warning about pushing his engine too hard but he had tuned her out and stopped acknowledging her remarks.

”And where did you come from?” She hissed when Paul filled up her rear view camera, having to push her braking point a few meters closer to the corner to stay ahead. In hindsight, she should’ve been using a set of racing limbs ages ago. Even with the AG unit countering inertia in corners to a large degree, the corners were still pulling on her arms and legs notably less.

The two long straights and the start/finish straight offered respite between Paul’s relentless onslaughts. Several times he made a pass, only to lose the position a while later - a straightforward pass on the straight using her ship’s superior speed here, a wild lunge like she was known for there. Fans of both pilots were no doubt getting their money’s worth. And the front legs of their chairs would need some maintenance from sitting on the edge the entire time.
”You’re pushing the edge, Bea, ease up through the corners.”
”I have the local hero nipping at my heels, if I ease up I’ll have to let him pass.”
”The AG unit is peaking on corner entry at one, seven, eight, ni-”
”Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing.” She silenced him before he could read all of the lower-speed corners the track had.

Truth be told, after a while she was starting to have enough, though she made damn sure that thought didn’t get picked up. Kofi and Hamid’s lovetap came at just the right time.
”VSS for accident.” Alistair cautioned.
”Everyone alright back there?”
”Yes, it was a minor one. But both Mensah and Atlassi are out of the race.”
”Poor Hamid. Not how you want your debut to go down.”
”Nope. Looks like they’ll get it cleared away quickly.”
”Good. We’ve got a race to win here. Pointers in the meantime?”
”You’re doing good. Hold him back on corner entry, exits are yours for free. Maintain separation at the start of straights so he can’t leech to make up for our speed. If you brake a smidge sooner, the AG unit will help you smooth out the corners more.”
”Check. I’m reading nominal engine and radiator temps, your side?”
”Same here, thermal capacitor at 35 percent, predicted to stay below 90.”
”Ha, Felix’ gizmo works!”
”VSS ending, go get them!”

Paul had a moment of frustration when the virtual safety was called for a crash on the track.

Carmella:"Virtual Safety Ship has been called for a crash on the track."

He did have enough sense of mind to ask if the pilots were alright. The crash broke his focus.

Paul: “Carmella is everyone okay?”

Carmella: “Yes but Mensah and Atlassi are out of the race.”

Paul would catch up on the corners and almost pass Bea before she would pull away from him on the straights. He managed to pass her at Les Combes as he dumped his energy bank to try and stay in front of her. The strategy didn’t work as she flew past him down the Kemmel straight. Bea retook the lead and kept it. He continued to dog her heels looking for any opening. Bea was good and she didn’t give him any easy openings. Their fight continued through the finish line.




Belgium: Cooldown


Paul ignored the yelling and screaming over his coms as he pulled his ship into the parc ferme into the P2 position. Paul didn’t have as many modifications as most of the pilots on the track. He had mostly the minimum. So the race took a harder toll on his body. He did feel that the new skeletal upgrade helped his body endure the g-forces they pulled in the ship. The cognitive training helped him get the most out of a superior neural interface. The deep breathing training helped with his oxygen levels during the race. It also helped strengthen his lungs and oxygen capacity in a natural manner, not to mention the hyperbaric chamber before the race. But it still took a toll on his body to race as hard as he did. Paul had been so hyperfocused on what he was doing, his body had been along for the ride as he asked it for everything it had and more.

Paul had to almost pry his hands off the control yoke from the intensity and locked muscles. He was dripping in sweat. All at once he felt like a wrung out dishrag as his adrenaline crashed and fatigue set in as his electrolytes bottomed out. Paul managed to flick the switches that would shut the ship down. His body shaking from fatigue with pain and pins and needles sensation from locked and overtaxed muscles. The moment was surreal to Paul. He looked behind him and smiled as he could still almost feel that hand on his shoulder. He silently thanked his father for joining him on this journey. He knew others would think he was crazy so he never gave details about moments like this. He kept them to himself as they were for him.

He leaned his head back against the seat utterly spent. He had a serene smile on his face. He knew he had given it his all. He started to laugh because after all the upgrades, he didn’t expect a podium at this race. He thought he would lead the midfield maybe. He knew he needed to climb out of the ship and congratulate Bea. She deserved to be recognized for her first win. He could barely hit the release on his harness. His hand shook as he reached up to unplug the neural interface cord that connected him to the ship.

He must have been taking longer than normal as his cockpit canopy popped open. He expected to see Carmella but it was Alexander.

Alexander: “You okay Paul?”

Paul smiled as he could almost hear the hidden kid where his name was. He laughed and raised an eyebrow.

Paul: “Well I might need some help. I am not feeling too good even as I feel ecstatic.”

His body was wracked with fatigue and was shaking with every little effort. His muscles tight from his singular focus and the forces of the ship as he had been flung against the harnesses over and over. It took Paul two attempts before he managed to stand inside the cockpit. Alexander leant him a strong arm and shoulder to help him down out of the ship. His legs almost collapsed from under him when he stepped down onto the ground. Alexander’s arms were there catching him and holding him till he was steady once more. The team was celebrating and cheering around him. They gave him some space probably because they had seen him almost fall on his face.

Alexander continued to help Paul as his arm wrapped around him from one side. Suddenly there was another set of hands taking the other side. Together they guided Paul into the Cooldown room. They helped Paul sit down in a chair before helping him take his helmet off. This was one of the few times Paul didn’t look all that great for the camera. His hair was plastered to his head by sweat and his complexion was pale and clammy. Paul found himself suddenly facing Konrad Badowski, the team medic. He had gadgets out checking Paul’s vitals as Alexander hovered nervously.

Paul: “I am okay Alex. I am probably just dehydrated. I could probably wring about a gallon of water out of my race suit right now.”

Konrad looked slightly concerned and handed Paul a drink full of sugar and electrolytes.

Konrad’s authoritative voice made him focus on him. “Drink it all down now.”

Paul obeyed and winced at the overly sweet and salty drink. He had to admit the Zap sponsors drink was better. He was sure Konrad had given him a concentrated medical version.

Konrad cracked open an orange Zap and handed it to Paul. “Again”

Konrad reached over and grabbed hold of Paul’s wrist and was looking at his watch.

Konrad gave him a few minutes and then retook his vitals. He gave a satisfied nod. “Ready to try standing again?”

Paul nodded and set the empty bottle down on the table next to the chair. He had Alexander on one side and Konrad on the other. Together they helped him to his feet. He swayed a little but then stabilized.

Paul: “I think that did it. I feel a little better.”

Alexander looked him over once more. Paul’s color was coming back. Alexander looked at Konrad.

Konrad took a wet towel and draped it over Paul’s head and wiped his head off with the cool towel, dropping his temperature. It helped his hair situation a little. Now it looked messy and wet, taking away the wet rat look. Konrad nodded to Alexander after taking his vitals one more time.

Konrad: “He will be fine Alexander. It is nothing a good meal and some more water and rest won’t cure. He should be fine on his own now.”

Konrad packed up his kit and rose to his feet. He could see Alexander didn’t want to leave Paul. He sighed and took his boss by the arm and began to lead him out of the cooldown room.

Paul watched amused as Alexander allowed Konrad to lead him away. Alexander reminded him of what a hovering parent might look like in this situation. It amused him as Alexander was the one usually barking orders and taking charge of a situation. He chuckled before turning his attention to Bea and Amy.

Paul noticed that Amy was talking to Beatrix where she had collapsed into a chair. The screens were replaying Bea overtaking Amy.

”I’m alive, I swear. No need to poke me with a stick.” She called out to the other two pilots as she watched the highlights. ”You were determined to get that re-pass sewn up, weren’t you? You have seven rivets on the left side of your canopy, by the way, I got a very close look.” She joked with Amy, the ships having been close enough to start repelling each other.

Paul walked over to Beatrix and gave her a big smile.

Paul:“Congratulations Bea. You deserve this moment. No one will ever doubt that you won this race fair and square. I am glad I was here to see it.”

He would offer to hug Bea but he wasn’t so steady on his feet despite what he told Alex and Konrad. Not to mention he didn’t think Bea would appreciate a hug from his squishy slightly smelly self at the moment.

”And you…” She turned to Paul, poking a finger in his direction before changing it to an offered hand to shake. ”...Have some Belgian Malinois hidden beneath that Golden Retriever. Smells a win, grabs a hold of it and doesn’t let go without a fight!” She smiled.

Paul grinned at his friend and nodded with a wink as he shook the offered hand.

Paul’s attention was turned to Amy as she spoke to him.

Amy: "Man....he'd be proud. Hell of a fight you two had in front. Not often I say it....but you got me good on that one. I don't know how you're both breathing after that, that was a hard fight!"

Paul gave Amy a bright smile. “I know he is proud of me. I don’t doubt it. Thank you for saying it though. I am breathing but I needed a little help to get in here. Doing better now though.”

Paul was already slurping down another Zap drink feeling parched.

Paul overheard Amy’s words to Bea.

Amy: "This one isn't a fever dream, Bea. Go out and enjoy every second of it. This is your moment."

Paul added his smile to Amy’s voice. “Lead us out to the podium Bea. Enjoy this moment. You earned it.”

Paul stood on the podium as the national anthem was played. He smiled and waved at the hometown crowd as he accepted his accolades for 2nd place. The roar of the crowd was almost visceral as the sound seemed to penetrate his body and shake him. They were chanting his name and screaming their pleasure of their hometown hero. Paul didn’t feel like a hero. He was just a man doing what he loved. He thanked his team and the fans for their support.

Then the champagne bottles came out. The race had taken a toll on his body. He was standing but those close to him might see the tremors from fatigue. He was struggling with his champagne bottle when the cold glass neck of a champagne bottle was shoved down the back of his racing suit and ice cold champagne bubbled down his back. His whole body jerked as he cried out. “Yahhhh!” It did have the perk of cooling him down further and shocking his body back to alertness. He shook trying to get the bottle out of his collar. It was only a moment or two before the bottle was pulled away. Paul’s eyes narrowed as he turned towards Bea. He shook up the bottle and let her have it with a laugh and a smile as he hosed her down. He lost but it was to a friend. He wanted to make sure she got the full experience.




Stolen Moments


After the podium ceremony, Paul had a few minutes to reassure his mother before he had to report to the Delta Hyper Interview couch. Paul was guided to a private space where his mother was waiting. He could tell she was worried. She was pacing and wringing her hands together. He stepped in and closed the door as security guards took up station outside on each side of the door.

Alicia turned, hearing the door close. The relief on her face as her eyes examined him from head to toe. She couldn’t help noticing how much like his father her son was. She gave him a tentative smile.

Alicia: “I saw you almost fall. Are you okay?”

Paul crossed the room and took his mother’s hands. He gave her a reassuring smile.

Paul: “Yes I am okay. I just got dehydrated. It was a grueling race. The new body modifications helped a lot. I still had the heat from the ship and the adrenaline cocktail roller coaster that comes from piloting the ship. I just needed some fluids and electrolytes. A little rest and I will be fine.”

Alicia didn’t look convinced as she studied his face. She saw the exhaustion in his face but couldn’t deny the joy and satisfaction in his eyes. She sighed, she understood that Paul was going to follow in his father’s footsteps. She understood his need to do so. She wished it wasn’t so but what could she do. She lifted her face to look her son in the eyes with a sad smile.

Alicia: “He would be so proud of you. He would of course brag to all his friends that he taught you all you know.” Her hand reached up to cup his face gently. “You reminded me so much of him today.”

Paul’s expression showed he was conflicted. “Mom, you know I love and respect you. I know you wish I would do anything but this, especially after how you lost dad. But this is what I love. This is what I was meant to do. I am sorry that it brings you pain.”

Alicia looked up at him in tears. “Watching you be happy will never bring me pain, Paul. Do I wish you would choose a different profession, of course. But if this is where your heart truly lies, who am I to stand in your way?” She gave him another pat on the cheek. “I will be your biggest fan and supporter. I can see now you truly want this. You had your father’s drive and focus out there today. I could see it. It was almost as if he was guiding your hand today.”

Paul shivered, not sure how his mother would know that. He gave her an uncertain look as he confessed one of his deepest secrets to her. “Racing is where I feel closest to him. It always feels like he is right there with me. It’s why I love it so much.”

Alicia gasped softly as tears fell softly down her cheek. She nodded and wiped them away. “I can understand why it means so much to you now. Maybe you can take me out and we can experience it together some time.”

Paul looked shocked that his mother would suggest it. He had no clue that his father had taken her out in his ship many times in the past. He always kept it slower for her but she always loved the excitement that came from watching him in his element and experiencing it with him.

Paul pulled his mother in for a hug despite how dripping wet he was. He smelled of stale sweat and champagne. He hugged her tight and kissed the top of her head. He told her in a soft voice. “I would love that mom.”

Just then there was a knock at the door of the room. A voice he didn’t recognize called through the door, “My apologies Mr. Mulder but they are ready for you on the Delta Hyper set.”

Paul sighed and called back. “I will be right there.”

Paul smiled down at his mother. “I need to finish this interview. Would you like to join me for dinner? I need a shower first.”

Alicia smiled at her son. “I would love to. Can I walk you to the set? I am still a worried mother. I want to reassure myself you are truly okay.”

Paul snorted and laughed. “What is this kindergarten?”

Alicia poked her son in a spot on his side where she knew he was ticklish.

Alicia: “It is my prerogative as your mother. Maybe I just want a bit more time with you. I don’t get to spend much time with you.”

Paul gave his mother a warm smile. “Of course mom.”

Paul released her and went to the door. He let the unknown Delta Hyper minion show him to the set. He took his mother’s arm and kept her at his side as they navigated the back area of the paddock.




Delta Hyper: Pilot Interviews


Paul was bone tired but he had needed to get through the Delta Hyper Interview before he could go rest. He was starving. He was going to shower first then have a nice private dinner with his mother before he let the medical team prod him again. Then he wanted to sleep for about 12 hours. Paul grinned mischievously as he led his mother to the Delta Hyper set. She tried to release his arm and pull back to let him go forward alone. Paul just tugged on her arm and helped her take a seat on the white sofa. He sat down next to her with his arm around her. He smiled at Aurora.



Paul smiled at Aurora. “Hello Aurora. Thank you for having me. I want to introduce you to the special woman in my life, my mother.” Paul gave his mother a sideways hug. “Aurora, this is my mother Alicia Mulder.”

Paul’s smile beamed with joy as he looked down on his petite mother. Alicia Mulder was an elegant woman whose beauty was still evident even as she aged. She had an air of class and grace that went with her petite frame. Her golden hair now an ash blonde and her blue eyes reflected her emotions. Alicia was one of those women with a timeless beauty that reflected her kind nature.

Aurora looked surprised and beamed at Paul who had just handled her an exclusive. Alicia Mulder had refused all attempts to interview her for Delta Hyper. She knew if she wanted to use the footage and get Aurora to sign off on it, she would have to be nice. She could ask any of the hard hitting questions she wanted too.

Aurora: “What a pleasant surprise Paul! Welcome to Delta Hyper Alicia. You must be so proud of Paul. Thank you for joining us today.”

Alicia gave Paul a stubborn look with a raised eyebrow before she turned to Aurora with a pleasant smile.

Alicia: “Thank you for allowing me to intrude, Aurora. Of course I am proud of Paul. He reminded me so much of his father Audrick today. It brought some really great memories.”

She gave Paul a warm smile before turning back to Aurora.

Alicia: “You may use this portion for your show. Now I am leaving before you ask me something I don’t want to answer.”

She gave Aurora a pointed look that she knew exactly the kind of questions that she would like her to answer. She gave Paul a kiss on the cheek and rose to her feet.

Alicia: “I will see you at dinner.”

She quickly made her way off camera and out of the room.

Paul watched as his mother left. He knew she only gave a short sound bite for him and to boost his career. She had been inundated with reporters when his father died wanting to know how she felt. They asked some horrible questions. She was fairly traumatized by the experience. She had a distant relationship with the media ever since. She was careful to keep her media appearances to her work and the foundation.

Paul grinned as he turned back to Aurora. “Thank you for letting me introduce her. She is the person who made me into the man I am today. She deserves a lot of the credit. Okay Aurora what are your questions?”

Aurora took a moment to get over the surprise that Paul had pulled on her. She had to look at her notes to get back on track. Then the cameras were rolling once more.

Aurora: “Paul, absolutely gutting for you to just miss out on 1st, nearly going back to back on the top spot of the podium.”


Paul: “Nope” Paul shook his head emphatically in the negative. “When I win here at Spa, and I will someday. I want it to be fair and square and on my own merit. Bea has always been a friendly competitor. She is a very talented racer. She won today fair and square.”

Some might interpret what he was saying implied that others may not have won fair and square but he didn’t say that out loud. Conspiracy theorists would probably tear that line apart seeking meanings that were not there.

Aurora: “How did it feel racing against Beatrix, both of you rookies making it look like you were seasoned professionals out there, absolutely on the edge, giving the fans and us in the commentary booth a spectacle?”


Paul gave a genuine smile while looking directly into the camera as if he was talking just to Bea.

Paul: “No doubt about it. I am happy for her. I appreciate competitors like Beatrix Ward. I may have taken second today but she is the type of competitor that pushes me to give my all. Bea pushes me to the best I can be. Racing against skilled pilots like Bea makes sure I know I am competing against the best. So when I do win, I know I truly deserved it. Bea deserved her win today. My congratulations to Bea and the team at Carrera Condor. Nicely done. And Bea… It was fun! Let’s do it again!”

Aurora: “You seem to be in a purple patch of form, and I think you didn't just give your fans, but everyone else a show!"


Paul shrugged his shoulders before answering the question. “Honestly I was surprised with P2. Don’t get me wrong, winning at Spa is something I want. I just didn’t think it would be possible today. I thought I would lead the midfield and maybe make it to P4. Coming back after the summer break and knowing there were pilot and ship upgrades happening, you simply don’t know how it's going to shake out. Valkyrie has a good ship, but we are a little weaker in the speed area. The engineers are working on it. The ship just keeps getting better and better. Some of the training I am doing is finally starting to pay off. I think that is what helped me get the results we saw today.”

It almost goes without saying that the Team Valkyrie pilots were at a disadvantage with the pilot mods. The new nanite technology with Shinichi was a game changer. It might not be as good as replacing body parts, but it definitely made a huge difference in what he could tolerate and the level he could perform. He knew there were more modifications coming in the future. He was looking forward to seeing how they helped his performance.

Paul continued with a warm smile, face lit up and beaming at the camera.

Paul:“I am thrilled that I did as well as I did and for my hometown fans. My thanks to the team for their hard work and support. I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did today without them. I also want to thank my fans who have turned out in droves to support me here in Belgium at my hometown race. Your support means the world to me.”




Social Media


From: Paul Mulder @ValkyriePaul:

TO @MadBea @starlance

[Picture of Paul on the podium as Bea poured ice cold champagne down his back. He is wearing a funny shocked expression.]
Most expensive shower I have ever had. Thanks for helping me cool off! I love the support Bea! I look forward to seeing you Friday at the Mulder Foundation Fundraising Gala! Congratulations again on your maiden win at Spa. Remember Belgian beer has a higher alcohol content than what you are used to! It is also better than British beer.
Weedhead81:@MadBea I keep trying to tell Paul, forget celebrating with the beer. Try some primo weed. You won’t regret it.
MagnetoMuppet:Can confirm: The Valkyrie fan zone went feral when he cleared Bruxelles on Lap 17. My
beer was not safe and neither was my jacket. My jacket will never be the same. I can confirm Belgian Beer is an
excellent choice for celebration!

Nana2050:The “Legacy” is a class act.
Hater101: Legacy my A$$. He only took p2. Let’s be honest, Bea was amazing.

Papabear34:I loved the back and forth between him and Bea. That battle in the second half of the race was brutal.
HydrofoilHater Oh great. Another “perfect gentleman” podium. This is AG Racing, not afternoon tea. :
ThrusterJester:Imagine explaining to 2046 Audrick fans that in the future, his son races in a 500kph
floating death dart with a Wi-Fi router glued to his skull, and people argue about t-shirts. Peak civilization.




Team Valkyrie AGR Sport @TeamValkyrie

Paul Mulder took P2 in an epic battle with Beatrix Ward. Dorian Hornfleur took P7 after a great recovery. Don’t forget to check out the Team Valkyrie Store for all your fan gear needs, [link to Team Valkyrie Store]. While tickets to the Mulder Foundation Gala are sold out, there are still t-shirts left for sale. They can be purchased at the Team Valkyrie Store or the Mulder Foundation website [Link to the Mulder Foundation].

PosterShoppe
[image of a poster of Paul and his father’s ships both at the Bus Stop turn at Spa.]
LEGACY AT SPA — P2 poster. Proceeds from the paid version go to the Foundation (link above).
Paul@ValkyriePaulThat is very generous of you. Can you send me one?
QuantumQuokka:Calling it now: Spa was scripted. How else does Valkyrie go
from dumpster fire on Luna to podium streak? Follow the money, sheeple. :ph34r:
Bertha:Hmm tell me more.

ValkyrieFan56:Knight’s got that ship tuned like a dream. No twitch on decel into La Source, energy deployment dead-on every sector. This is what happens when The Bullet actually smiles. (…I think he smiled. Hard to tell under the scowl.)
Nana2050:It is nice to see someone acknowledge Alexander Knight’s role in Valkyrie’s success.
MulderMuse:Every visor lift at the podium, you can see it — that mix of relief, pride, and “I wish Dad was here.” Feels.
Paulmulder4eva:I know right! It makes me want to kiss his pain away.
OfficeDrone#12:Rumor has it his mother was at the track to watch his race.
RumorMill:Possible reasons for Spa pace — no NDA breach about *New energy recycling protocols in the
mid-sector *Micro-adjustments to mag-lev skirt tension *Knight bribed the corner marshals with whiskey
(kidding… probably)

DantheMan:
“Mulder showed textbook anti-grav stability in high-G corners today. You could see the ship’s mag-lev skirts glowing hot through Eau Rouge.” — AGNN
[@AGNN_trackfeed]

LegacyStan94:
Audrick: P2 at Spa in ’46
Paul: P2 at Spa in ’99
Me: Crying in legacy. :’)
OfficeDrone#12:Paul is performing but Dorian is lacking here lately. At least he posted some points at this race.
SuperfanAGR54:LEGACY P2! Mulder Back on the Podium!
BatDave: Batman sends his approval.

Superfan2075:That race was fire! They both dropped the hammer. So exciting to watch.
DadBod89: Yes! That is the kind of racing I want to see.
GeorgeFly:That was the most exciting race we have seen all season. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
BusStopBarista:I was trackside at the Bus Stop — swear I saw him wave at a group of fans while still holding P2 under braking. Absolute showman. Or his hand cramped. Either way, king move.
Paulmulder4eva:Really? I wish my ticket had been for that part of the track.

!YouSlow!: From Silverstone’s heartbreak to Montreal’s shocker and now P2 at Spa… Mulder’s locking in consistency. Perfect launch phase, clinical thruster management through the Bus Stop, and a last-lap overtake attempt that almost stuck. This is the rookie season arc fans were hoping for. :D
Britball12: Paul is placing consistently in the top 5. He is definitely one of the rookies to watch.

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LadyAmber Sweet tea in one hand - Sass in the other!

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The Mulder Foundation Fundraising Ball


Soundtrack: Whitney Houston - The Greatest Love of All



The Mulder Foundation Gala was in full swing. The event had sold out and was being attended by worldwide celebrities who were fans of Formula AG or who just wanted to be seen. There was a gauntlet of reporters and media reporters lining the light bathed to the wide steps that led up into the art museum where the gala was taking place. The colored path was brightly lit with laser and flood lights creating a beautiful pattern that highlighted the red carpet like entrance. Inside lights again played a key part of the decor with magenta lighting highlighting the space. There were small cocktail tables set around the perimeter and seating areas had been arranged with rented furniture and drapery. There was a designated dance floor as well. Soft classical music was being played for a quartet of musicians on stringed instruments set off to one side. The stairs leading down into the central lobby of the museum’s first open floor had become the entry way. The identical stairway on the other side of the large open space had been set up as a stage. In front of the stage was a sea of tables with place settings and chairs. There were low centerpieces on the tables so that they wouldn’t block anyone’s view. Centerpieces were made by children from the Mulder Foundation and were charming as only a child’s creation could be. The Silent Auction items were on display off to one side in an alcove.

Attendees were treated to a fabulous meal that had been the creation of three famous chefs working together to create the meal. There was live music throughout. Some celebrity performances. The silent auction featured everything from a stay in a celebrity’s vacation home to gift baskets put together from donations of local businesses. Then there were the big ticket items. The motorcycle that Kais had donated and painted with a group of children from the Mulder Foundation with Nora Kelly’s help, Bea’s artwork, signed Zygon merchandise from Hyeon-Ae, and Paul’s donations of a signed racing helmet and one of his racing suits from earlier in the season. Paul announced that the sale of t-shirts with the artwork produced by Beatrix had raised $400,000. Paul’s speech thanked everyone for coming and supporting the Mulder Foundation. After the silent auction, the dance floor was opened up.

Paul gave interview after interview. He had talked himself hoarse by the end of the evening. His mother had been in attendance and wore a happy smile the entire evening. Paul spent what time he could with the pilots who had supported his efforts.




This is Hans Keller with Gossip. We are going to dish on what happened at the Mulder Foundation Gala. The Mulder Foundation Fundraising Gala was a literal party of international celebrities. The event spearheaded by Paul Mulder had managed to recruit many of the famous faces of Formula AG. Fans at the event were over the moon with the opportunity to meet so many of the world’s elite. The Gala was an obvious success by the attendance. Word is that the Gala had raised over 1 million Euro and still counting. The results of the silent auction are still being tallied. While celebrities were on their best behavior, there were a few moments captured by the media at the event. Celebrity singer songwriter Nyx Voltage stole the show from the DJ on the dance floor. Fashion Designer Sable Vortex was rocking a new look that took best in fashion. Cameras caught a lovers quarrel between Roxy Chrome and Luna Riot. Remember you heard it here first! Follow Gossip to stay on top of what’s happening with your favorite celebrities.




This is Jamaica Williams with People Magazine. The Mulder Foundation Gala did not disappoint. The event turned into a celebrity mosh pit as celebrities from all over the world descended to attend the event. It became the event of the season. Our hat is off to Paul Mulder. The Formula AG rookie threw a good party. The decor was classy and elegant while the event retained a fresh and entertaining feel. Guests were having a good time. The Gala raised over 1 million euros for the Mulder Foundation. We understand bids for silent auction items are still being tabulated. Best in fashion at the event has to go to fashion designer Sable Vortex who was rocking a new frock of her own design that had a massive train and collar that framed her face. The red gown flowed down the steps in an artful way. We were fascinated that she could walk in the gown. While the event was a success there were a few tense moments when an argument broke out between Roxy Chrome and Luna Riot. Security quickly intervened. Footballer Jude Stevens was seen throwing up outside in a planter after being escorted out by security. And singer-songwriter Nyx Voltage took over the DJ booth. This was definitely the party to be at last night. This has been Jamaica Williams with People.




This is Sabrina Merla with BBC World News. I am reporting on the Mulder Foundation's Fundraising Gala. It was truly a night among stars. Formula AG’s Paul Mulder Hosts Stellar Gala to Honor His Father and Support Underprivileged Youth. The event took place at Belgium's Art Museum. The ceiling was glowed with simulated stellar auroras and scenes. Formula AG Pilot Paul Mulder traded his flight suit for formal wear to host a star studded fundraising gala in honor of his late father, Ag racing legend Audrick Mulder.

The charity event was attended by celebrities from across the planet. The Mulder Foundation—a non-profit founded by Paul’s mother, Alicia Mulder, to uplift underprivileged children in Europe through access to sports and the arts. Alicia Mulder founded the charity to honor her husband's memory. Audrick believed that all children should be able to live out there dreams. When he was alive, he supported similar charity work using his celebrity to help raise funds for youth organizations all over the world. Audrick Mulder tragically lost his life due to a crash at the Spa Grand Prix. His death led to safety changes and technology that made the sport safer for both the pilots and the spectators.

Paul gave a moving speech during the dinner thanking all the attendees and supporters for helping to fund another year of work at the Mulder Foundation. "My mother started the Mulder Foundation to honor the memory of my father. She wanted to do it in a way that kept his memory and spirit alive. My father believed that everyone should strive to do what they loved. He felt only then were you truly living. My mother started the Mulder Foundation to support racing hopefuls who needed financial support. Racing is not a cheap sport. The Mulder Foundation provides mentors, equipment, training, and financial support to young athletes all over Europe. These young hopefuls have the opportunity to chase their dreams where they faced barriers. The Mulder Foundation provides children and youth with the opportunity to push themselves and find their own boundaries. It is no secret that my Mother Alicia loves art. The Mulder Foundation also provides support to youth art programs, providing supplies and grants so children can explore their creativity. Every child deserves a chance to shine. The Mulder Foundation Provides that. Thank you for helping me honor my father's memory by taking part in tonight's event."

The gala was a buffet to delight all your senses. The exceptional decor and use of lighting was a delight for eyes. There was exceptional performance after performance from celebrity artists and musicians. The meal was outstanding with the combined might of three world class chefs coming together to present an unforgettable menu. The fashion on display was on another level altogether. Whatever your pleasure, there was something there to delight everyone.

The silent auction featured one of Paul Mulder's racing helmets, signed with a certificate of authenticity. There was a ride on a private space yacht, a motorcycle donated by Kais Zenix, artwork by Beatrix Ward, signed Zygon fan gear from Hyeon-Ae, and a gravity defying sculpture by Amsterdam artist Lex-9.

After the silent auction, the night heated up on the anti-gravity dancefloor where guests danced the night away.

Paul Mulder, hailed as one of the most promising young pilots of the 2094 AG circuit, continues to prove that being a champion means more than crossing the finish line—it means lifting others along the way.

#MulderGala2094 #FormulaAG #TeamValkyrie #ForAudrick #FutureInFlight #OneWorldManyStars




This is Lilly Stryker with TMZ. I am reporting to you about the Mulder Gala Drama! That's right I have all the information about what happened, who did it, those who committed fashion faux pas!

Let's start with just how star studded this fundraiser was. It was attended by celebrities from all over the world. Some of the biggest names in the music industry performed as entertainment throughout the evening. The gala was hosted by Formula AG heartthrob Paul Mulder. The Mulder Foundation was started by Paul's mother Alicia to honor his father former AG pilot Audrick Mulder. Paul gave a heart warming speech explaining his connection to the foundation and how it honored his father.

The Cyborg Queen of Pop, icon Yaaz-A.I. strolled in wearing what can only be described as a sentient jumpsuit made from recycled tech panels for some hi-tech fashion. Halfway through the evening, the jumpsuit suffered a malfunctioned which caused an unfortunate incident with a serving drone.

Anti-gravity Footballers Kaito Renn and Lana Vesari were seated suspiciously far apart at dinner—despite playing for the same team last season. Lana arrived in a gown made entirely of recycled mesh (10/10), while Kaito wore denim. Actual denim. To a black-tie gala. The fashion police are still out if this should be a violation.

Model and environmental activist Nova Blythe was seen getting up close and personal with Maxion J the tech wiz. Their dancefloor “gravity lock” move looked a lot like a kiss.

Right after Paul’s emotional tribute to his late father, guests moved to the antigravity dance floor. Where someone (we’re not naming names, but their initials are L.V.) appears to have lost control of their dress and had a wardrobe malfunction of stellar proportion. We are still trying to obtain the Security footage.

Paul kept the evening classy and danced with his mother, who looked stunning in vintage couture. He was an excellent host for the evening.

The Mulder Gala is already trending on social media under #GravityGoals and #GalaGoneGalactic.

Remember you heard it here first on TMZ with Lilly Stryker. TMZ is always first on the scene with what is happening with your favorite celebrities.




Social Media


From: Paul Mulder @ValkyriePaul:

“Thank you to everyone who supported the Foundation Gala. Drama aside, we raised over 4 million Credits for kids’ programs. Worth every awkward gravity moment. 💙 #ForAudrick”

GravityThirstTrap: “NOT LANA doing zero-g ballet midair like she trained on Luna! 😂 Give that woman a medal and a seatbelt.”

SpaceTeaSpiller94: “Who the hell wears DENIM to a Gala?! Kaito Renn must’ve lost a bet. Or taste.”

NovaStanUniverse:“Nova + Maxion J? I CALLED IT. They had orbital chemistry at the Hangar Party last month. 👀💋”

SyntheticsSlayAllDay:“YAZZ-A.I.’s outfit attacking the drone was honestly more entertaining than her last tour. I said what I said.”

JustHereForPaul: “Paul Mulder being the only normal person there and dancing with his mom while everyone else is in a space soap opera. Protect him 🥹💖”

LanaVesari.official: (AntiGravity Footballer)
“For the record: I didn’t fall. I was performing a controlled reverse-torque spin. Y’all just don’t understand anti-grav fashion physics 💅🏼”

KaitoRenn: (AntiGravity Footballer, denim offender)
“Listen. The invite said ‘formal’ not ‘funeral.’ My Lunar denim is limited edition. Chill.”😂

NovaBlythe:
“Maxion was checking my biosignal readings, thank you very much. It was… professional. 🙃”💋

YAZZ-A.I.: 🤖
“My garment achieved full drone-to-fabric harmony. Art isn’t always comfortable, darling.”

(Edited with some help from AI)


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The interviews with the rest of the pilots played out, mixed in with those of the pilots in focus.

"Yeah, just stunning result from Paul and Bea, honestly, they just had something to fight over and I was a spectator. Super impressive, and I'll be keeping an eye on them!" Amy's response was one still from her wear, just how much she had to fight to get there, but not one that felt insincere or misplaced.

"Not the best, but again, just couldn't do anything to match with the setups that Carrera and Apex had this weekend. Just can't say anything more, we love Spa, but this isn't one for us, though definitely not one to forget with that incredible fight at the front." Harrison commented, keeping it easy in comments, albeit having little else to say.

"Another non-points finish. It's a tough one this year, but what can we do." Astrid shrugged, leaving frame as soon as she came in.

"Not a bad showing, just couldn't get into points, man, that Carrera ship is fast!" Max commented, his comment quickly cut to the next.

"Well, it's not exactly how I imagined it, no, but a lot of lessons learned, and adaptation. The ship is very different and I have every belief I will do better." Hamid seemed a little more downbeat, but then again, after such a poor rookie performance, he had every reason to be saying that.

"Not a bad start, yeah! A point on return, honestly, it's like being back to where I left off, and while the ship has a long way to go, I'm happy to be getting started." Florence replied to the question asked, moving out of the way in her fluoro-yellow-green raincoat as another shower started to pour down.

"Well, its a decent showing from us. Shame that Han couldn't get a point, but yeah, a good sign of things to come." Cassie couldn't complain, and while the ship felt very potent of late, it just didn't have that cutting edge on Carrera. At least, not here.




Race Day
Sunday July 31st
Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
1400 EST

Closing on Belgium


Aurora was back in the studio to close up.

"Well, what a show we have had. And we don't even have that long to wait for more racing in the hills of northern Europe, as we head over the border to the Nurburgring for a classic of the season, and no doubt to see more thrilling racing." Aurora spoke over the montage, as the show rolled to a close. "From all of us at Delta Hyper, thank you for joining us, and we'll see you in Germany next weekend."

Soundtrack: The Upbeats- All Over You

And with that, the race highlights played. Mulder versus Ward, all the way, every tangle, the clash between Hamid and Kofi, the rain and the absolutely manic supporters. From the weaves that Paul made to get to 2nd, to the heroic move on 1st that Bea held out on, it was a classic for the books, topped off with Bea's beaming face on the top of the podium, spraying champagne down Paul's neck, and on top of it all.




Bit by bit, the paddock died down as truck after truck carried materials out, and the buildings on site were unpacked. As a double header, most of the ships weren't going back to the factory, even if some of the staff were- most were being shipped direct to the Nuburgring, so for that case, logistically, upgrades weren't really on the cards unless something late came in. The further-travelling teams, like Carrera Condor, Southern Cross, Zygon and MMR had mostly kept their staff local, instead immediately heading to the circuit once everything was done, and using local facilities and amenities to get underway.




Astrid Thorsdottir


Sitting up inside the white-lined sim room, Astrid sat in the corner, exhaling, looking into the giant glass-panelled form that made up the immersion of the room,

Tobias, her usual PT had come back in, seeing Astrid on cooldown, her thermal long-sleeved shirt and tights revealing plenty of hours in the cockpit, trying, and trying again.
"How's it feeling?"

Astrid sighed, shrugging, unable to really make the words.
"It's shit. All these false dawns." She muttered, as Tobias sat down by her side, leaning against the cool concrete wall, in whitewash.
"Yeah, it is. But this year might just not be it. Let's focus on the fact we're still nibbling at points. And you're not far off them." Tobias's voice was not a reassurance to her, as she put her head back, breathing out, looking back.

"But far enough off to watch us drop through the points. It's a tight one this year. Carrera got good. Way more than anyone thought." She noted, sipping down water from her bottle, as Tobias nodded without much to say, Astrid looking across.

"I hope the strategy is right. Prioritise the ship for next year. But we should try and salvage something. Have you got anything in mind we can look at in the short term? Anatomy, without ripping me into fifty pieces?" Astrid asked, Tobias taking a moment to think that question over, looking over her, knowing they'd had this discussion before.

"Not many. I know you prefer purism, but is this the time to think about it? Even some of the nanite stuff, bone density work. You've always been quietly off this augmentation business. And I know, FIAR probably should tighten up. But we need something." Tobias asked, as Astrid sighed, looking at the simulator, then back at him.
"The option without losing limbs sounds better."




Jen Lowry


Another session with a oxygen monitoring and supplying mask on, Jen was on the treadmill. Her hair coloured in a wilder sort of aquamarine and tucked in a bun, her new arms holding onto the rails, the white-shimmery silver tech-like vest in Apex's brand, even if she herself, prefered VIXN's lineup. It was a chance to at least strench out and keep routine, especially as a break from sitting in the simulator and being plugged in.

Even with prosthetic limbs, and a lot of her lungs and heart replaced with synthetic elements, testing and constant checkups, as well as building core fiber to work with the prosthetics, high loads in the ship meant that fitness was always a priority. That and the fact she was trying to match Ava's pacing on the Strava application that all the pilots had access to. More of a flex than anything else, because genuinely, outside of Kais and oddly, Vlad of all people, Ava was that benchmark that she wanted to hit. Long legs, based out of Ava's natural frame were always going to be impossible to match but Jen never liked to turn down a challenge. And well, prosthetic limbs could only do so much that their owner had, but VO2 max, and every benefit that came with being as fit as a fiddle meant taking corners better, taking the endurance on more, and being able to come out of it swinging was always something to aspire towards. So being hooked up like this wasn't just science, it was a strange sort of reassurance.

It felt strange to have hit the ground running so quick. 4th had been admirable, and while losing out to Paul at the start, that just came from playing it safe. Not taking anything too difficult. And it was a promising sign she hadn't binned the ship and lost any more positions, which was exactly what Apex needed to chase after Southern Cross. That much was telling, and boded extremely well for Jenny. Able to tame that ship, which was surprising considering all the rumours.

Finishing up on the treadmill, she pinged Bea a message, before putting her phone back in her vest's pocket, headed to get checked in with the muscular-skeletal specialists and check they were happy with her mods.




GREEN//HELL//HEAVY


Soundtrack: Muse - Unravelling

The bars widen on a forest, a huge one, with a tiny ribbon of tarmac running through it. Not even widened, while the GP-Strecke may have been more a classic racing circuit, the Nordschlife, the northern ring, was nothing like that. It was covered in graffiti, and it felt, by comparison to every other AG circuit, the opposite of a marketer's paradise. Despite every advancement in AG, the banking on certain elements with MAG tracking, it was virtually untouched, unlike Spa.

It felt raw. With shirtless fans drinking Pilsner on each corner, the degeneracy still here. This was crazytown.

"Welcome to the Green Hell." The voice of Ulrich Falkner, carrying through with his distinct German pronunciation, casting a rather darker shadow.

A scattered montage. Racing in the 1970s through perilous corners. Nikki Lauda's crash and the fireball that had ensued. Crashes of GT3 cars. GT4 cars. Idiots in BMW M4s thinking they had what it took, instead binning it in gravel at Youtuber Corner, among the other cult-followings that this circuit had gone through.

"A circuit that claims all."

And then a top down, the visuals speedrunning through it.

"184 corners, and 26 kilometres of pure torture."

A cut through a high contrast, polarised view, turning blue sky to black, and the dark black to white. The feeling of it being daunting. Almost impossible to remember. Even Italy, which by comparison was about as long, didn't have this level of complexity.

"Nowhere to run." Cutting to an onboard, through Flugplatz that sent ships airborne, just showing how tight the circuit was as there was almost zero run-off outside of the field generators, and another collision being heard.

"Nowhere to hide." The crash of an older Carrera ship in the gravel tangled up with an older Zygon ship.

It felt almost like a cosmic terror, the bubbling feeling.

"Undulation creating terror. Uncertainty. Entropy." The circuit in burst snippets of polarised film, inverted in colour, the MAG circuit adding to that feeling of dread, a ship on side through Carousel.

"Welcome to Germany. Welcome to terror. It's scary good." And as if with that, the film seemed to granulate and fade away, turning into powder.

They were aiming for definitely some sort of horror here.




DELTΔ HYPER


Episode Eleven: The Green Hell


Thursday August 3rd
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1500 EST

The Fear Factor


With the intro out of the way, the comparatively, and hysterically comparative sunny day at the Nürburgring clashed completely with the horrific weather of the week earlier in Spa, barely 200 miles away in the Ardennes. The Eifel Mountains gave a similar atmosphere, and while the GP circuit where the racing started was comparable to sections of other racing circuits like Portimao and Silverstone, it turned into anything but- with the narrow Nordschlife, or "Northern Loop" narrowing the circuit into a harrowing, barely two-ship wide track that pilots loved to hate.

Rosie was then brought into view, standing in the pit lane, a little before proceedings would take place this weekend to start this off with a little bit of a different intro.

"So, we've seen our pilots race each other, in karts. And last weekend we saw them fight in AG ships. But we wanted to give them a little bit of a different experience. Something to really scare them a little." Rosie added, cutting to the next scene with her walking down the pit lane of the GP circuit, which on this occasion, was combined with the rest of the circuit.

"As we know, the Nürburgring is a public road. So, we thought that while they might normally be in control....what if they're passengers on a hot lap?"

Looking across in another sleek cut, the three two-person anti-gravity ships were in FIAR livery, so as to not favour any particular team.

"Shall we see how our pilots react?" Rosie asked, an audience already wondering just who the victims terrified passengers would be. Cutting to the next scene, Rosie walked out, her new apple blonde locks dyed for the second half of the season, in front of the collective group, all suited and readied. Beatrix, Paul, Kais, with Hamid, Florence and Ben joining them on the grid.

"Hi all! Well, welcome to this experience. How are you feeling about it?" Rosie asked, as Hamid piped up, chirpy as always.

"Thanks Rosie! Yes, I am very excited! Haven't ever raced this circuit, so can't wait!"

"Well, you're in for a treat, Hamid. Never gets old, this one..." Florence smirked, as Rosie pulled out a card, a shit-eating smile on her face in response to just how intense this was going to get. She knew the score, but he might not have...

"Well, we have another twist. I'm going to give an envelope to you."

Once opened, they'd realise what the questions contained. They'd be getting asked the question by the passenger, who no doubt, would be screaming the questions out.

"Ben, you're with Beatrice, Hamid, you're with Paul, and Florence, you're with Kais."

Ben went first, clambering into the back of the ship, without a neural link, feeling extremely exposed.
"Right. Full disclosure Bea, I'm absolutely shit at being a passenger." Ben was of course, one of the newest rookies, and the youngest of the grid now by a while, and likely to have spent time in and around the scene Bea and Jen were in.

Meanwhile, Hamid clambered into the back of the next ship along, sitting in with Paul.
"Habibi, yo! So uhh...you aren't gonna go too crazy, right? Chilled out for a local track? Right" The Moroccan's easy tone carried, although, even he had to admit, the nerves were creeping out.

Climbing in, Florence kept it cordial, knowing what was to come, but still aware that Kais drove on an edge, and even in this setting, would look to find a few tenths faster where he could.
"Haven't done one of these in a while! Alright Kais, show me what you got." Florence's confidence dripped, but well, even that wouldn't be well founded.

Soundtrack: Pendulum x Joe Valence & Brae - Napalm

Of course, what ensued next, was down to how each pilot drove. And in an AG ship, without a neural link, it was the equivalent of being strapped into a fighter jet flying off the deck, constantly. The "feel" of corners was gone, so all that was left was just sheer terror. And a lot of screaming in and around every single corner. Going easy was not something any passenger would really feel. So every single passenger was yelling, and yelling back at their pilot in command. That said, those passengers, namely, Hamid, Florence and Ben would all have questions to ask and would be delivering them under pressure.

"Who's your idol in Formula AG, past or present?"
"Schnitzel or Strudel?" (yes, it literally just says that)
"Do you think about anything else while racing?"
"Who in the paddock would you ship as a couple?
"Best BBQ host?"
"What's your dream historic car, money no object?"
"What would you prefer, a race on Mars or at the bottom of the ocean?"
"Things that people might not know about you?"


Every instinct in any pilot would be to brake earlier, corner quicker, let alone the acceleration, the violent way a ship could be thrown, and in that moment, anyone short of an android would be finding their heart rate hadn't. While on straights it was one thing, it was clear that no pilot in charge was ever going to back down when they had a passenger at least used to racing, that they would absolutely have fun terrifying.

But, once that lap was completed, the roles were reversed as they pulled into the pits, and the canopy was opened.

"How was that?" Rosie asked, as Ben shoved Bea, absolutely
"Fucking hell! Shit, that was fun, but terrifying!" Ben yelled out, everyone collectively laughing, as with it, Florence playfully wrapping her arm around Kais.
"Not bad! He's got some bravery braking in a ship that late!" The others chuckled, as Hamid wiped the sweat off his brow.
"You are crazy, Paul! What the hell, you went through Flugplatz completely flat, in a ship you've never had? Yallah, you're crazy!"

"Time to swap?" Rosie asked, and well, all the pilots would want a bit of revenge, no doubt happy about that idea.

And with that, the other pilots got to work, linked up to the ship, while their passengers weren't. Ben decided not to go easy, and well, neither did Hamid and Florence, both absolutely chatting bare gossip as they took it out on the GP circuit with ease, but once on the Nordschlife itself, returned the favour.

Reacting to that terror was all the pilots, and well, an unfiltered look in what happened when control was taken away from them on one of the most undulating, long laps of the year, taken at what felt like warp speed.
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Sunday August 1st, 2094, 19:26
Stavelot, Belgium
Trailer #18
”Yes?” Bea answered the knock at the door, perhaps unwisely without asking who it was, leading to hurriedly swinging her feet off the table when the team’s CEO, Pablo Asturia, entered the trailer.
”Good evening. Our hero of the hour. How come you’re still not celebrating?” He greeted her with a smile, his bodyguards remaining outside.
”Just got done with media for the day.” She was fresh off recording the auction announcement, ”Waiting for the mechanics to wrap up before we go give some bar owner a reason to stay in business. Tea?” She explained, pointing to the tea pot on her table.
”Yes, thank you. I was ready to postpone our talk to next week in case I couldn’t catch you before the celebrations begin.”
”I kept you in mind. Or, rather, in my calendar, that’s more reliable.” She half-joked as she poured him a cup, ”What’s the matter? The voicemail was slightly ominous, going behind León’s back.”
”Yes, I wanted to expedite this matter.” He explained, taken aback by the amount of sugar in the beverage. ”León would have had to go through me anyway.
Like I said in the voicemail, I believe you’re the key to moving forward. You continue to impress on track and your handling of media surpasses some more experienced pilots even without much media training. We are a team reborn, and we need a strong face to go with our performance. I, and several others on the board, believe you are the right candidate to be that face. This includes a four year contract with revised conditions, pending amendments from your side.”


The trailer spun a little. Thirteen months ago, she was signing a one year contract with a struggling backmarker that saw her more as a pile of money and tech; and now she was being offered to lead a top-of-the-midfield outfit and could dictate her terms to a degree.
”I think I did a good job winning over the Argentinian crowd, but they will see this as a slap in the face.” She brought up the first problem that jumped out at her. ”The mere fact that you’re extending my contract while Ava’s is still in the air will stir people up.”
”Which you’ll handle like you’ve already done.” Pablo dismissed it with a wave of his hand, ”Keep driving like you are and they will forget any flag.”
”Would you like to see the pre-season hate mail?” She laughed, ”Fun reading, if anatomically impossible.”
”See, you’re already shrugging it off. As much as I was initially worried about you not taking things seriously, it seems to be working.” Pablo shrugged, passing her a tablet he had brought with him. ”Have a read through the first draft.”
”This is…” She trailed off, eyes widening as she read. Less stringent schedule, decision making power over non-grandfathered sponsorships, a hand in livery design, a major raise and provisions for more benefits… ”This is too good, where’s the catch?” She looked up. This. This is where it comes. More extensive neural mods, advanced neural link, removing safeguards. She signs this, and she’s a braindead husk or a brain in a jar mounted under the ship’s seat before the regs change.
”Your ties to Pridwen Solutions.” Bea bristled, the issue apparently coming from an entirely different direction. ”The regulation change looms large on the horizon. León has pulled off an outstanding move pulling Felix to us, but we must now begin looking into the future beyond the immediate season. That may include equipment from suppliers in competition with Pridwen Solutions if their products are superior.”
”So you want to move Pridwen from the role of sponsor to the role of a supplier, contingent on outperforming any other bidders for that contract?” She parsed his words into plain English, the churning pit in her stomach levelling out again. It could still be preparing the ground for that, but this she could still work with.
”Yes.” He nodded to be met with an outburst of laughter from Bea, who simply couldn’t keep a straight face seeing Pablo actually stressed over a non-issue that he perceived to be an issue.
”I apologize.” She managed to stammer out between breaths, having had to work hard to keep it at a normal ‘entertained laughter’ level as opposed to the unhinged cackle of someone who just avoided a real or perceived existential threat. ”This sponsorship was only a carrot to incentivize teams to consider me for the seat. Dad is giving us technology and staff for free and it’s one Hell of a money sink for the company. And you’re now telling me that Pridwen - currently losing money on this - either gets paid or returns to net zero, meanwhile I no longer have to worry about my job and hobby potentially driving a wedge between me and my father and/or sister? And we get to choose better equipment, if such exists, more easily? Nobody’s losing here, what are you worried about?”
”I wasn’t aware Pridwen was at a loss working with us. Why wasn’t this communicated?”
”Pridwen’s problem, not yours. Dad knew what he was signing up for.” Bea shrugged, ”You sitting here offering me a full-blooded, multi-year contract is proof that he once again judged a gamble correctly.” And on top of all of the contract goodness, Bea was internally giddy with joy. Her dad believed in her, put things on the line for her and she didn’t let him down.
”You’ll also have to speak to him about it, but I doubt he’ll object. Of course, it would tear up my heart to have to race with Fitzroy Orbital engines,” She grinned, ”But performance is performance.”
‘Like they’d ever outperform a PS product.’ She almost added.
”Do we have an agreement, then?”
”You have a tentative ‘yes’ as-is.” She raised her cup for a toast, ”I’ll get back to you with details during the week. Sign at the factory after Nürenberg?”
”Yes, but we can announce it at the German AGP. Ride the high of Spa.”


Brussels, Belgium
The Mulder Foundation Gala
Bea arrived to the Gala in style, her arrival heralded by the snarl of a rented 2078 Lamborghini Cabrera LP 750-4 Tecnica. She wore the same gown she’d worn in Monaco - reusing instead of being wasteful, it definitely didn’t have anything to do with being out of touch with and thoroughly disinterested in fashion trends, instead wearing what she liked as opposed to what was the most flashy and designed by the current hit designer. Seriously, what was Sable Vortex’ collar? Despite making a point of not engaging with representatives of any of the gossip and celebrity magazines, they’d probably drag her through the mud anyway, reinforcing her belief that they were a plague on honest journalism. What else was new?

She instead spent her time with people who showed genuine interest in the the Foundation and the sport, one photographer catching her during a 15 minute discussion about current trends in automotive design with a pair of valets and a waiter, a heated but friendly two-v-two debate on the merits of voice and neural controls versus physical buttons, knobs and switches. Bea also made sure to approach Paul’s mother to offer her time if she wanted to cooperate further to advertise for the Foundation or do some direct work with any of the art programmes, that being a topic close to her heart.


Stavelot, Belgium
Villa De Fleurs
Paul’s dinner at the Villa had been a bit of good luck for Bea. She had a hotel for the race secured through the team, but it wasn’t worth the time to go back to England or Argentina between these two races, packed closely together as they were, so this sorted out her stay in Belgium for the next few days nicely before she’d make the drive to Adenau, where Carrera Condor would be staying over the Nürburgring AGP weekend.

After coming back from the Gala, she checked that her ten percent commission had come through and immediately sent it back as a donation to the Foundation. Then she sat on the balcony and thought. She’d had an idea brewing in her head for a few months now, but wasn’t sure if it was appropriate or if it would end up being perceived as insensitive. With a final drum of her fingers on the balcony rail, she sprang out of her seat. She never thought things through, why start now? Her travel easel appeared on the balcony, a canvas on a PLA frame on it. The dress came off, replaced with a hoodie and a pair of sweats that she wouldn’t be too sad about reclassifying from ‘clothing’ to ‘rag’ and within a minute, she was in the zone, the job finished when the Sun sat high in the sky and the sounds of lunch being served poured out of the dining hall.

The package would arrive at the Valkyrie headquarters a few days later, mailed from the hotel and addressed to Paul directly, a simple note on the box betraying the sender even without reading the return address.

Let’s do that again soon. :p

Inside, a 40x60 centimeter vertical oil-on-canvas painting with a carbon fiber frame with details painted in the colors of Auldrick’s ship - the livery he scored his first victory in. In the dead center of the lower half, painted in minute detail under a magnifying glass with micro brushes, was Paul’s ship mid-overtake, his highlight reel pass that almost scored him P1. Behind him another ship, clearly Bea’s to anyone who saw the race, but in the painting more of a vague outline of it without any defining features as it wasn’t important for the piece, the background likewise unfocused, yet clear enough to recognize the track and corner.

Up above, storm clouds swirled above the track, everywhere except in the painting’s top left corner, where the Sun shone bright through a break in the cloud cover about the size of a dinner plate, straight onto Paul’s ship. At least at first sight. It wouldn’t be until a closer look that an outline hidden in the broken clouds revealed the face of Auldrick Mulder, smiling down upon the scene.


Monday 02/08 14:12 ASTURIA [Batt: 99%]

———— Monday - 26/07/2094 ————
Missed call (Tap to play voicemail)
> We’ll speak after the race, then.
———— Today ————
> On top of what’s already in the draft, I get to veto any medical procedures including pilot mods for myself, a fixed percentage of the sponsorship income goes to community outreach every year (I’ve had some ideas for a while, I’ll give you the details in person) and whether or not Ava stays for the remainder of these regulations is up to her.
> I won’t be staying for the race, does Friday after practice work for you?
> Friday it is. Give me a time and place when you know.
> Very well.


Thursday August 5th, 2094, 15:00
Nürburg, Germany
DELTΔ HYPER
Episode 11: The Green Hell



Back again in her dry suit, unworn since her outing to Pikes Peak, and back to her old junior series helmet. She always relished every opportunity to bring it back out because it was her favorite design of hers, as much as she worried about what lay ahead. She could only hope she wasn’t about to get paired up with some sadist. Sweet Jesus, not Kais…

”Ben, you’re with Beatrix…”

Oh, thank God.

”Right. Full disclosure Bea, I'm absolutely shit at being a passenger.”

”They’ll probably swap us around after this, so: What I do to you, you do to me?” She offered him a hand with a friendly smile after checking his harness was done up correctly, holding final responsibility for the passenger’s safety as the driver.
”Deal!” Ben shook her hand.

Bea took full advantage of the outlap to get used to how the ship handled, gradually speeding up until she was putting it through its paces by the third sector. ”Okay, this thing refuses to slow down and it actually oversteers. Think I can drift it?”
There was a resounding ”No!” from the back seat.
”You don’t think I can?” Bea feigned offense, ”I’ll prove it, watch.”
”No, that’s not what I meant! I meant no, don’t do it.” Ben’s protests continued, answered by a gleeful cackle from the forward cockpit and a turn taken normally. ”Christ on a fucking bike...”
”A deal’s a deal. Get your questions ready, hotlap starting…” She answered and rammed the throttle open, ”Now!”

”Who's your ido- Jesus Christ. Your idol in Formula AG, past or preseEEEEEEnt?” Turn one was upon them faster than Ben thought it would be.
”Nobody.” She answered the first question briefly, then deciding to poke a little, ”My idols come from a higher form of motorsport.”
The Delta Hyper camera capturing her face would note a shit-eating grin, fully knowing that comment would stir a hornet’s nest.

”Schnitzel or Strudel?”
”Strudel.” The sweet option a clear answer to anyone who knew her. ”Flugplatz, cleared for takeoff!” She called as she throttled up and the ship briefly left its usual altitude above the surface in a short jump.
”WhaAAAat filling?” Ben’s voice jumped, caught out by the launch.
”Pears, any other fruit, quark, walnuts and poppyseed. In that order.”

”Do you think. About anything- God above! Else while racing?”
”Depends on the situation. Sometimes- Oh, birdie!” She said right before a braking point, turning her head to look at the nonexistent bird while keeping her eyes fixed on the track. Ben could of course only see the former, not the latter, the sound he made confirming he bought into the illusion before her snickering let him know what’s up. ”You will eat that in two laps’ time!” He half yelled, half laughed.

”Who in the paddock would you ship as a couple?”
”Didn’t they ask this in Japan already?”
”Before my time.”
”I don’t know. Paul goes with anyone, that’s a safe answer- Oh, this is a hairpin, I forgot.”
”WHAT?”
”I’m just pulling your leg.”
”Oh, you’ll get it when we swap, just wait…”

”Best BBQ host?”
”León Alonso.” She fired off without hesitation as Ben was being squashed to the right side of the cockpit by the Carousel. ”Ava wasn’t joking with the Asado.”

”What's your dream historic car, money no object?”
”Fun car or a daily driver?”
”Fun car.”
”How long do you think it will take before Hamid can ask the next question after this one?” Bea laughed in reference to Paul’s interest in cars.
”He probably already has his dream car, so not long.” Ben countered.
”Fair. He has all of our dream cars, doesn’t he?”
”Yep.”
”Prodrive Hunter. It’s the blueprint for Rally5 to Rally3 cars since the 2040s.”
”I thought you’d want the original Quattro?”
”Nope, the kit car I have looks the same but handles better. I’d say it has a better engine too, but I don’t want to wake up to a cylinder head on my pillow courtesy of the inline five mafia.” She laughed.
”Do not speak ill of the straight five, heretic.” Ben laughed along, himself a member of said engine’s ‘fanclub’.
”I didn’t say it was bad, I said there are better options!”
”Better how, it’s literal perfection.”
”Flat engines allow for a lower center of gravity, boxers have better balance and they are easier to mount longitudinally because they’re shorter.”
”Two cylinder heads, head gaskets go quick, they have lubrication issues when sitting for too long and they get worse mileage.”
”If you’re worrying about mileage in a sports car you’re doing it wrong, and if you let a car like that sit for long, you have a user issue.”
Ben took a breath to continue the friendly argument, but a hard brake forced the air right back out of his lungs, ending it for now.

”What would you prefer, a race on Mars or at the bottom of the ocean?”
”I can only get one?”
”Apparentlyyyyyy! Fuck, that barrier was close!”
”Five point four seven meters according to the neural link. Mars, then. We already have the Barrier Reef AGP. If you go below 200 meters below the surface the water will get pitch black anyway. Racing up and down Olympus Mons or around Valis Marineris sounds like fun.”

”Things that people might not know about you?”
”Things that people don’t know about me are things that people don’t know about me because I don’t want people to know those things about me.” She said nonchalantly as they tore along the Döttinger Höhe straight, ”But I suppose what will come out soon is that I will be an even worse passenger than you.”
”How? Don’t you skydive and race up a mountain with no guardrails and whatnot for fun?”
”Even if my parachute fails to open, or I stop getting air through my regulator a hundred meters below the sea, I am still in control. It’s still up to me to troubleshoot the issue, take remedial action and get out of there. But when we swap and you’re sitting here and I’m back there? No control. Literally a passenger.” She explained as they slowed down for the pit entry.
”You struggled with that question about distractions, didn’t you?”
”I struggled with a lot just then. Let’s see how you do.”
”I’m at peace with my fate. When you said ‘Do you think about anything?’ and paused, I was about to answer ‘No’.” She laughed.
”No thought, head empty. EPR not at maximum yet.” He joined her, the danger having passed.
”Exactly! I paid for the whole gauge, I will use the whole gauge.”
”The nickname’s right, you are mad!” He shook his head.

She brought the ship in to stop in the pits, springing out of the seat and offering Ben help getting out. If he was half as shaky as she expected to be, he’d need it.
”Fucking hell! Shit, that was fun, but terrifying!” Ben yelled out, everyone collectively laughing
”He’s brave, this one. When NOVA sort their ship out, he’ll be a problem.”


Thursday 05/08 17:18 GAZZA [Batt: 87%]

———— Sun - 01/08/2094 ————
> Congrats on the first win! Absolute class. Next year in Silverstone so we can celebrate together, eh?
[You reacted with ❤️]
> Haha, thanks!
> Yeah, came close this year, might actually happen.
> No doubt.
———— Monday - 02/08/2094 ————
> Did I hear right? Caroline binned it in Finalnd?
> Aye. Totalled the motor, retirement in the third stage.
[You reacted with 😀]
> Get fuuuuucked!
> In the ditch, where she belongs.
———— Today ————
> I am SO SORRY for what I put you through for three years! 😀😀
> He?
> Watch this episode of DH when it comes out, you’ll know.



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Episode Ten: Changing Conditions




"How are you feeling?" Salma's voice was soft, but her eyes never moved from him, and Kais saw a glint of worry. They were in the medical wing, where Kais had just had his blood pressure and hormonal composition taken - aced them, of course. As for how he was feeling? Now that was another matter. Kais didn't answer immediately. He stared at his hands: not even a tremble.

"Blood pressure's fine. You have the numbers,"

"That's not what I asked." She studied him, waiting for all the micro-expressions she was taught to see.

"It's... familiar to me," he said after a small while. "Not the first time I've gone through a storm and someone didn't come back from it."

"Do you think you should have seen this coming?"

Kais breathed out through his nose, pushing himself to his feet. The chair legs scraped on the floor.

His eyes stayed on the wall instead of hers. He clenched his fists. "Final Storm was supposed to be the end of me. But it wasn't. And I swore to someone that day, that I'd make all that hell we went through, but..." He trailed off. Braindead. "I pushed for the upgrades then because I thought we could really do something... And now, here I am. And she isn't."

Salma lowered her tablet slightly, gaze softening. "Do you blame yourself for her, too?"

Kais' jaw tensed, a flicker of a feeling broke through before he forced it back down. "This isn't helping. Session's over." And that was that.




The announcement came as a bland piece of PR: Hamid Atlassi would be stepping up to fill Layla's seat until further notice. The official reason was 'health-related absence.' Comments section of chat groups and discussion forums were filled with prayers, conspiracies, people re-calculating projected points on spreadsheets, and a few came from other junior-leaguers wishing Hamid luck, along with some well-wishes to Layla, whom they would have gotten to know when she had taken some time for them off-camera.

And Hamid did his part well, hiding the strange tension. He had always been loyal to the team, through many hours of test laps, finding the limits in their new prototype setups. But stepping into Layla's shoes was different. Her ship's neural link had been re-tuned, stripped of Layla's limit-breaking configurations, but Kais caught the hesitation in Hamid's eyes as he went in for the first time. The crew adjusted to him quickly, but there were still whispers: Hamid was no Layla. He didn't have her connection to the ship, her pushing of limits. He was competent, promising, but he was just so... ordinary.

Kais and Hamid never really did get along, but Kais did offer a curt nod. "You're not replacing her," he said, but neither of them fully believed it. "You listen to the race engineers, and you tell Nadia every weird sensation, even the ones that make you feel stupid, understood?" Hamid nodded. "And when they stick a mic in your face? Don't follow my lead," and Hamid almost smiled.




Interviews//Interviews//Interviews


His hair still damp from the Belgian rain that was Spa-Francorchamps, Kais took up most space on the yellow couch, and felt like he stuck out like a sore thumb sandwiched between the petite Ward and Mulder.

“Does anyone else feel like they are on the seat outside the dean’s office?”


Kais sighed. "Like the talking-to they gave me after the Jamie incident wasn't enough... Serves him right, though. Idiot."

“I mean I can see why Kais and Bea would be tagged troublemakers. I thought I was framed as the golden boy or gentleman like Dorian. What did I do to earn being lumped in with the bad boys and girls of the paddock?”


"You know what you did." Kais answered. He put on his most serious face, but in all honesty he didn't know either. It was fun watching Paul's hamster wheel turn, though.

Then Aurora spoke up. Were the cameras running this entire time?

"Beatrix, Kais, Paul, welcome back to Delta Hyper. How were your Summer Holidays?"


"We worked hard," Kais said when it was his turn. "Lots of simulator hours and test laps with Hamid. Takes a while to break in the new ones on actual Delta Hyper circuits." He grimaced a bit. "Old ones too. I watched a lot of on-boards of last race." He shifted uncomfortably, and didn't admit that really, it was only one he had looked at a lot. Then, for a second the cameras would have seen the edge slip off of him, just slightly. "And I went to see some lions," he added, as if it was the most natural thing coming from him. "Prides of Africa's new de-extinction program up in Egypt. Barbary lion's goin to be making a comeback." He shrugged. "That was my holiday."

Later, during Qualy, he crossed the line P10. It wasn't good. It wasn't terrible either.

"Kais, we won't go into the change that Layla has been replaced by Hamid, but how are you working with a fellow rookie in Al-Saqr, at such a critical point in the season? Do you think that position he took reflects him learning the ship in qualifying today?"


"Hamid's been Al Saqr's test pilot for some time now, probably knows our craft better than anyone. Learning the new tracks is more important at this point, and it's what we're focused on."

And on the race day Kais got in 8th.

"Kais, an impressive recovery, coming up from 10th to 8th today. While Spa might not have been your preferred circuit, what's your feeling on the momentum that Al-Saqr have this season, and would you say you're trading the handling focussed circuits for the ones where your ship will perform better?"


"We have to play to our strengths." Kais said, drying the sweat off his neck. "And that's speed for us, and the willingness to go there. Well, for me, at least." Kais glanced at Hamid... "We may not have the handling, but we'll make up for it with punches on the straights. We keep going. That's enough. For now."

Hamid's first DH race had ended with a crash, an unfortunate run-in with Kofi. The first time he came back to the pits, he kept his confident pose, but his hands trembled behind his back, and his eyes didn't know where to look. Kofi came up to them in the paddock to apologize, slap their newcomer on his shoulder and tell them to have a good night's sleep. The team cheered for him, but back in the garage Kais saw the replay of Hamid pulling the neural link in borderline panic. First crashes were always difficult, he thought. Then later Hamid told Nadia and Remi in a hushed voice that "I was counter-steering and just when the crash was about to happen it was like... I lost control just for a second there. I've never had anything like it happen. Phantom feedback, or something." He shook his head. "I sound insane." "Phantom sensations can be common on new neural links, the systems have to learn to work with you also," Nadia said carefully. "We'll check the logs." Nadia and Kais glanced at each other with some shared suspicion, and Kais spoke up. "You'll run my ship next time, see if you like the setup better. I'll take number 17."

Hamid blinked at him, half-grateful, half-suspicious. Kais didn’t elaborate. He just set a hand on the battered hull of Layla's old craft as if testing its temperature, then walked away.




For the entire month now the Al Saqr team had been busy with work on Layla and her ship. Restless code and data reviews, in triplicate. Brain measurements, trying to figure out what had happened. But nothing. Remi Tewe pinched and rotated a 3D visualization of the before and after of the neural model Layla's ship had used. "There's nothing there. The Apex data cache is clean. Whatever malicious might have been there, it's gone now. If it's embedded itself in the network weights, that's going to be hell to debug, but we're working hard on it. I can insert some alerts to monitor it, and we're working with the experts at CryoDigital, combing through the networks to piece together what they can. But I'd say it'd be almost easier to start over with Hamid."

"No." Omar didn't even raise his voice. "As you said, it's safe. We'll sift through the networks," Omar said. After the meeting, he kept Remi, Kais and Nadia behind and read to them a document.

The Last Testament of Layla Al-Nadir

I, Layla Al-Nadir, being of sound mind, not acting under duress or undue influence, do declare that this is my Last Will and Testament.

I posit that the human body is fragile and may fail, but that the mind need not fall with it. Thus, in the event that my body may have rendered in such a state commonly referred to as 'biologically dead', I hereby authorize the capture, instantiation and further development of my cognitive data by trusted Executors and Guardians. I expressly disallow for this data or any derivations to be destroyed or deleted, except under limited legal conditions of unacceptable risk, or by request from a demonstrably sound of mind branch instance of myself.

To this effect, I appoint Nadia Yassine, Remi Tewe, Kais Zenix and Omar Hayawi as my Executors and Guardians for the management of my data, including authorization of further instantiations, and guarding my rights post-mortem. My biological care should continue only as necessary to gain a maximally accurate cognitive image. A Layla Al-Nadir Trust shall be established from my possessions and sponsorships to fund this operation and its continued maintenance.

It is my wish that any derived instance of me be granted autonomy to continue my work in research, advocacy, and related endeavors. My personality rights and intellectual property shall remain intact as dictated by the civil law of the Arabic Union, with recognition of interplanetary by-laws where applicable.

We are wonders wrapped in tissue paper, going through a dangerous world. But we don't have to be. We could soar the clouds.

- Layla Al-Nadir


And Kais' eyes opened wide. If there was any chance... "There's only one person I trust with this."



Episode Eleven: The Green Hell




The Mulder fundraising was an absolute blur. The amount of children he had to smack on the back of the neck for refusing to put on their gas masks when they spray painted the cycle was ridiculous. "You want artificial lungs now already?" seemed to do the trick, in the end. Still, it wasn't just a blur in that it was chaos. It was a blur because it went by so surprisingly quickly and, luckily, without any too-interesting 'incidents', so to say. In fact, it went by rather enjoyably. Kais saw Paul talk in interview after interview, and he was glad it was him doing it - not just because it wasn't Kais having to do the interviews, but because Paul really seemed to be in his element. And in the end, the media vultures hadn't been able to get a picture of Kais on the dance floor. Kais couldn't dance, after all. But he did raise Paul and the rest of the pilots a drink with a smile.

#ForAuldrick




The two looked at each other as Florence dropped into Kais' ship's expanded seat floating over the Nuremberg track, like they didn't know what to do with each other. Except for drive fast, of course. "Florence." "Kais." Then, without another word, he slammed the throttle forward and the ship roared onto the straight.

"Who's your idol in Formula AG, past or present?" "No-one." Florence rolled her eyes. First question and he was already giving Kais-answers. "Oh come on, I don't believe you, not even Starcross?" "Hmm... Used to watch her with the repair guys before I decided to go into racing myself." "Really? Sounds like there's some admiration there." "Don't twist my words, I'm not a fanboy." "How about present?" "Beatrix, maybe. She doesn't flinch easily." Then he made a mental note to test that out someday. He thought some more.

"Schnitzel or Strudel?" "Schnitzel or Strudel?" "Yeah, it just says that." "Strudel. I like sweet things."

"Do you think about anything else while racing? Or is it just 'faster, faster, faster' in there?" "Faster?" He pushed the throttle and bared his teeth. Florence uttered a [bleeped]-out curse as Kais swerved around an S-curve. "Don't pry too much, Florence, you wouldn't like what you'd find."

"Who in the paddock would you ship as a couple?" Kais snickered internally. There was only one answer, obviously. "Paul, with literally anyone else." He was glad he learned what 'shipping' even was recently. "Or Amy and Han, they'd make short work of each other. Problem solved." Or conquer the world, more likely. Kais thought to himself.

"Best BBQ host?" "Kofi. Always brings a lot of food."

"What's your dream historic car, money no object?" "Hmm, I don't like the mass produced ones..." All his own motorcycles were kitbashed Frankensteins, customs and concepts as well. Some didn't even run, but he liked them that way. It was the idea, the art of it that was important. He thought for a moment, then answered. "Cadillac Cyclone. Had radar cones for collision detection then already. Could be useful for certain people..."

"What would you prefer, a race on Mars or at the bottom of the ocean?" "Ocean. I've had quite enough of space, thanks." For a millisecond he wanted to say 'Mars'. Strange how he felt Layla's influence even now...

"Things that people might not know about you?" Kais said nothing for a few turns, then answered: "I can't sleep without noise. Fans, clocks. Silence means something's broken or something bad's about to happen. Anything that hums helps."

When they emerged after the lap, Florence had her arm around Kais, still slightly off balance. Kais' style wasn't for everyone, he figured. "Good sport." he said.


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LadyAmber Sweet tea in one hand - Sass in the other!

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Valkyrie AGR Sport Headquarters


Wednesday After Spa GP


Paul didn’t make it back to his room at headquarters until Wednesday after Spa. He had to wrap up the fundraiser stuff. There was a lot of media to deal with and contracts to wrap up and bills to pay for things that were not donated. He wanted to get as much media attention for the foundation as he could. So he took a few days to help the Mulder Foundation personnel wrap everything up in a bow. Early Wednesday morning he drove in from Brussels and went to throw his travel bag in his room. He was surprised to see a large flat package waiting for him on the kitchen island. He frowned because he didn’t remember ordering anything. His mail and packages were vetted by security these days. Paul kept getting weirder and weirder stuff in the mail.

He decided to check it out before he changed into his work out gear and met with his trainer. He looked over the labels on the package and saw it had been shipped from the hotel in Spa where he had the Pilots dinner. Paul smiled when he saw the note on the box and the handwriting. He recognized Bea’s handwriting from their meetings about the Mulder Foundation Gala.

There directly on the package box written in Bea’s bold script was: “Let’s do that again soon. :p”

Paul carefully opened up the box and was blown away by what was inside.

Inside was the most amazing artwork that was almost poster sized at 40x60 centimeters. It was a vertical oil-on-canvas painting with a carbon fiber frame. The contents and colors were vibrant and glorious. The details are painted in the colors of father’s, Auldrick’s, ship. It was his father’s livery when he won his first podium. In the dead center of the lower half, painted in minute detail under a magnifying glass with micro brushes, was Paul’s ship mid-overtake, his highlight reel pass that almost scored him P1. Behind him another ship, clearly Bea’s to anyone who saw the race, but in the painting more of a vague outline of it without any defining features as it wasn’t important for the piece, the background likewise unfocused, yet clear enough to recognize the track and corner. The piece that made Paul catch his breath was that above the ship were dark storm clouds above the track and then in the upper left corner a bright beam of sunshine parting the dark clouds landing on Paul’s ship. Hidden in the clouds was the face of his father smiling down on him barely there. It was just a hint but if you close enough you could see it. Paul sat down on a stool at the counter and just looked at the painting lost in thought. When he recovered his equilibrium, the first thing he did was hang it where he would see it everyday in his living room. He then took a picture of the hung picture and texted it to Bea with a short message.


Wednesday 04/08 10:12 Germany [Batt: 75%]

———— Wednesday - 08/04/2094 ————
SMS Message (Tap to open image)

> I absolutely love it! Thank you so much Bea! I can’t wait to do it again!
(image shows the painting hung in pride of place in Paul’s apartment at Valkyrie Headquarters. The painting was hung over his sofa and had a picture of his mother on one side and a picture of his father on the other.)




Paul then changed into his workout clothes and went to check in with his trainer and medical. They still wanted to run some more new baseline tests. Then Dorian had asked for some of his time. He had an idea for something and requested his help. Evidently Dorian and Cavan were at odds over something to do with the set up on the ship. Paul would go listen to both sides before he weighed in. Paul kept hoping and pushing for more speed. He was using his skills to get the most speed out of the ship he could with the handling and stability. But without some more speed they were barely hanging in there on the straights. If they wanted to catch Apex, Al Saqyr, and Southern Cross, they needed more speed.




Paul met with Dorian and Cavan who had polar opposite views of what Dorian wanted for the next race. Paul weighed in on the side of Dorian. He agreed with Dorian they needed more speed to be competitive. If he had even just a little bit more speed, he might have won at Spa. Paul worked with Dorian on his idea to get more speed out of the ship by tweaking the air brake systems. Cavan refused to help them much because he disagreed with them but that didn’t stop him from letting the engineering team and mechanics help them with the changes Dorian wanted to make. Cavan had given in with a sigh and told them if they were determined to do it then they would at least give it the best chance of success that he could. Cavan warned them that there would be a trade off in stability. The initial test runs in the ship were rocky. They managed to dial it in some. Paul got as much practice in the new modified ships as he could before the German GP. The body modifications and neural interface changes helped him take the extra abuse in the cockpit and make corrections faster.

DELTΔ HYPER


Episode Eleven: The Green Hell


Thursday August 3rd
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1500 EST

The Fear Factor


Soundtrack: Mad Max Fury Road: Brothers In Arms Soundtrack

Paul was curious what they were going to be doing for Delta Hyper today. He had been told to wear his racing suit and bring his helmet. He had been directed not to the typical Delta Hyper set but out to the track to meet Rosie in pit lane.

Paul saw a few others mingling to one side of the track with Rosie. Sitting in pit lane were three of the two person Formula AG race ships used for training and VIP experiences at the track. They were all done up in FIAR livery. Paul raised an eyebrow and smiled. He was always happy to climb into a ship. He wondered what the twist would be this time. He didn’t have long to wait as Rosie filled them. Paul was paired with Hamid. They would be a passenger in the back of the ship asking the questions on the card while the other piloted them around the track.

Paul grinned as he casually put an arm around Hamid’s shoulders with a sly smile. “Cheer up Hamid! This will be fun!”

Hamid looked nervous as he climbed into the back of the ship. Paul made sure he was in and tested his restraints to ensure they were latched properly. He patted Hamid on the shoulder. “Don’t worry Hamid. I got you.”

Hamid swallowed looking nervous as Paul climbed into the ship and strapped in and tugged on his harness. He plugged his neural interface in.

Hamid: "Habibi, yo! So uhh...you aren't gonna go too crazy, right? Chilled out for a local track? Right"

Paul couldn’t really see Hamid from where he was sitting in the front. The neck bracket there for pilots prevented from his turning his head very far. “Hamid! You are a racer. You go fast all the time. I can’t go as fast as I do in my own ship. This ship is not as good as mine. You’ve got nothing to worry about!”

Paul smiled and of course it was captured by the cameras inside the cockpit that were trained at both him and Hamid. Paul did his usual prerace ritual of massaging his gloves to warm up the material and work it down between his fingers ensuring his dexterity. Paul heard Hamid give a soft prayer in his lilting native tongue. He smiled.

Paul: “Are you ready Hamid?”

Hamid: “Remember I am precious cargo. My Mama tells me so.”

Paul grins as he laughs lightly. “Really mine too!”

Paul waited for Rosie and the Delta Hyper team to move away from the ship to a safe distance. He gave a nod to Hamid as he hit the throttle. “Here we go Hamid.”

Hamid let out a squeal of surprise as the ship leaped forward. Hamid was still reacting as Paul went into the first corner. Paul laughed and snorted as he had not even gotten the ship close to his normal speed but the ship rocked up on its side.

Paul: “This ship’s handling sucks. They need to adjust the left side gravity skirt. It is not balanced with the right side. That is what causes the ship to tilt so far to the side.”

Hamid was pleading and then laughing. Paul went into a section of the track that wove back and forth. The ship’s handling was somewhat sluggish to Paul. He felt disappointed that he had to slow down so much to make the curve pattern.

Paul laughed. “The handling is a little sluggish. So what questions do you have, Hamid?”

Hamid had forgotten all about the questions. He didn’t like being in the back of the ship. He was being thrown around more than he expected.

Hamid: “Bissah?!” He gave a nervous laugh before he started reading off the card. "Who's your idol in Formula AG, past or present?"

Paul smiled as he answered. “My father and Starcross.” Paul laughed as Hamid squealed and then let out a peal of mad laughter as he drifted the ship through a hairpin curve.

Hamid tried to ask the next question. Paul must have caught Hamid by surprise. The question came out "Schn…itzel or Strud..EEEEel? Shit! Wall! WALL!” He could hear Hamid’s hand slapping the side of the ship as if he could turn it that way.

Paul grinned as they came into the mag track section. He took the ship up the wall and banked it hard, whipping it around the s curve. The ship shuddered under the high speed stress. Hamid gave a squeaky girlish screech.

Paul answered: “Strudel of course. I mean really, who likes Schnitzel!” Paul smiled as the ship came back down with a clack.

Hamid was laughing madly again. "Do you think about anything else while racing?"

Paul floored as the ship undulated up and down over small hills. “Nope. I focus on the ship ahead of me and the ship behind me.” He heard Hamid’s body thrown into the restraints as the ship caught air and then came down hard. “Yeah they need to really adjust the aerodynamics on this ship. They are all out of balance.”

Hamid seemed to be trying to get the questions out as fast as he could as Paul hammered the throttle down the straight. "Who in the paddock would you ship as a couple?”

Paul laughed at the question. “Who comes up with these questions?” He paused and then spat out, “Hyeon-Ae and Astrid. There is a thin line between hate and love.”

Hamid laughed at that. “Bissah?! Really?”

Paul: “Think about it.”

Hamid laughed again which got even more manic as Paul took another hairpin curve. He was gasping for air when he managed to get out the next question.

Hamid: "Best BBQQQQQ (the q was a high pitch and went up) host?"

Paul laughed: “Max he is the ultimate American Maverick Cowboy Yeah?”

Hamid laughed at Paul’s answer which turned into a grunt as Paul pushed the ship to take a corner at what felt like a ludicrous speed for an older ship. Hamid: “You are going to pay for that!”

Paul laughed and was having a great time. He wished he was on pavement in a car so he could Hamid the full experience. There is something about the friction of meeting the pavement and smoking tires that adds something to the experience.

Hamid managed to grate out the next question. Paul could actually hear his teeth clack together at one point. "What's your dream historic car, money no object?"

Paul shrugged and without hesitation responded quickly. “Already got to drive it. Lauda’s Ferrari. Next!”

Hamid sounded surprised. “Wiliwiliwiliwiliwiliwiliwiliwiliwiliwiliwiliwiliwili!... PAUL!”

Paul threw the ship up the wall and jumped it across in a roll catching the mag tracking on the opposite side whipping it around the corner in a corkscrew maneuver.

Hamid:“Oh don’t do that again! I am going to be sick.”

Paul pushed the throttle up as he was once again in a straight line. The ship settled and felt peaceful for a moment. Paul grinned and in an excited voice. “Flugplatz! Here we go!” The ship was gaining speed and he started down the straight.

Hamid's voice quavered as he quickly got out the next question. "What would you prefer, a race on Mars or at the bottom of the ocean?” Just as he finished his question the ship bounced up into the air. “Yallah!"

Paul once again responded quickly with no hesitation. “The Ocean. I didn’t like racing on the moon. I figure Mars would be similar.”

Hamid was so surprised by Paul’s answer it distracted him from what he was experiencing in the back of the ship. “NO way! I can’t wait to race on the moon.”

Paul just chuckled. He was excited about it till they got there and had nothing but issues. Paul slammed on the air brakes realizing that the ship just didn’t have the handling to take that corner at his normal speed. He felt like driving Miss Daisy in this older ship. He quietly mumbled under his breath about poorly maintained ships. The poor handling was frustrating him even as he did his best to get the most of the older ship. Paul heard Hamid grunt as his body was slammed against the restraints once more.

Hamid was sucking in air for a few breaths before he asked the last question. "Things that people might not know about you?"

Paul had to think about this one. He guarded his privacy and was careful what he shared with the media. He grinned “My love of classic cars started with collecting match box cars as a kid.”

Paul finally brought the ship to a rocking stop back at pit lane. Hamid climbed shakily out of the cockpit laughing somewhat maniacly. He looked a little shaky.

"Not bad! He's got some bravery braking in a ship that late!" The others chuckled, as Hamid wiped the sweat off his brow.

"You are crazy, Paul! What the hell, you went through Flugplatz completely flat, in a ship you've never had? Yallah, you're crazy!"

Paul laughed with Hamid. “What were you worried about? We were in a ship that was already flying! Admit it! You enjoyed yourself! Okay my turn!”

Paul eagerly climbed into the back of the ship. He loved roller coaster rides. He expected to enjoy this. He kept laughing as Hamid tried to make him squeal in fear. He put his hands up at one point as Hamid caught air. “Look Ma, No hands!” he laughed maniacally forgetting to ask Hamid most of the questions. He got through about half of them.

Paul climbed out when they got back to pit lane. He was still laughing at Hamid. He smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “Thanks for the ride.”




Formula AG in the News


This is Shannon Taylor with AG Source here. Keeping track of what happens on the track and off of it for Formula AG fans everywhere! Team Valkyrie AGR Sport announced that former Formula AG racing star Sami Lipponen has been hired to act as Crew Chief for their junior academy. Tocho Lister has been recruited and signed to a contract with Team Valkyrie as their new test pilot and junior team teacher and mentor. The new revamped Team Valkyrie Junior Academy Bootcamp has been all anyone has been talking about since the Summer Break Delta Hyper Special came out that followed the junior team through their experience. In an unprecedented move Alexander Knight invited a junior team member from every competitive team to attend their academy. Phoebe Kostas, Olivia Lau, Amber Beck, Elise Vogel, and Liam Hunter were the junior pilots who accepted the invitation to attend. We reached out to some of the pilots that attended to see what they thought.

Liam Hunter: “Irie. I am glad I took Knight up on his offer. I learned more than I thought I would. It was a good experience. I want to say Bless Up and thank you to Knight for the invitation. Ya Mon.”

Phoebe Kostas: “I was surprised to get the invitation but I am glad I took it. I got more out of it than I thought I would.”

Amber Beck: “It was harder than I expected.” She kept the remark about not doing as well as she expected to herself. She shrugged in a what are you going to do kind of way. “I would say it was a worthwhile experience. It came with perks that I enjoyed.”

Olivia Lau: “I accepted the invitation to find out more about my competition. Knowledge is power after all. I got a great deal out of the experience.”

Elise Vogel: “It was much harder than I expected. I would say it was an eye opening experience for me.”

Check out the Delta Hyper Special for a first hand look at what happened during the bootcamp. The one question we all have here at AG Source is "What is Alexander Knight up to now?” This has been Shannon Taylor with AG Source. Your news for what’s happening in the world of Formula Antigravity Racing.




@MrSkiMobile

This is Baetriz Caetana with the EU Observer. We just want to bring attention to something other news sources overlooked in their coverage of the Mulder Foundation Fundraising Gala. How can they not stop and recognize the gloriousness that is Kais Zenix with a horde of children! Who knew the grumpy former soldier had a soft spot? This proves he is human! Take a look at these photos of the pilot working with Nora Kelley and a group of children from the foundation to paint the motorcycle that Kais donated to the foundation for auction. [A montage of the press release photos of Kais Zenix and Nora Kelly working with the children follows. Kais is surrounded by children in every photo and guiding them. He often had a look of concentration but it was clear he gave the children all his attention when asked a question by them.] I never would have thought that he would have the patience to deal well with children. This last photo sealed the deal for me. I am officially declaring that Kais Zenix has a heart in there somewhere. [The final photo shows the children posing proudly with Kais in front of the finished bike. They were all wearing white coveralls splattered with paint. Kais was standing behind them with his arms crossed. His body language and stance read protective of the children in the photo. Kais’ face was serious but had less edge than it usually did.] This has been Baetriz Caetana bringing you the latest behind the scenes news. Remember to follow us for updates!




This is Germain Lothair with Winners Circle Vlog. Let’s talk about Alexander Knight and Team Valkyrie. Alexander Knight is proving to be quite creative and bold as he guides the team out of a time of turmoil. I have never heard of another team inviting their junior team members to join theirs for summer training before. I can’t say whether it was a stroke of genius or lunacy yet though. It did give Knight the opportunity to view the most promising pilots in the junior league together and see how they ranked against each other. Remember he has not yet announced who will be replacing Dorian Hornfleur at the end of the season. It also gave his Junior Academy pilots a deeper look at their competitors. They will know them better now after this experience. Will the experience create friendly bonds or spark some epic rivalries? We will have to wait to find out. Then Knight arranged an endorsement deal with Delta Hyper to come and document the camp and the competition among the junior league which rarely gets the same attention. It gave fans a unique look at what it takes to become a pilot in Formula AG. I dare say that fans of Formula AG are now rooting for their favorite Junior League members and will follow which team they decide to join. We love what Knight is doing with the Valkyrie Fan zone. Can I just say that the Team Valkyrie Fans showed up to represent at the Spa Grand Prix and Paul Mulder did not disappoint them! The changes feel like they happened suddenly at Team Valkyrie but part of the controversy and drama we have seen is Knight making those changes behind the scenes. It is my belief that Knight is being underestimated. I have been converted. Knight is the team principal to watch when you want to see something interesting. This has been Germain Lothair with Winners Circle Vlog. Don’t forget to subscribe so that you get updates when we post new material.





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Monday August 1st


Paul would be in Spa for the rest of the week dealing with the Mulder Foundation Fundraiser. He had put in his work during summer break to get that time now was not a big deal. Alexander had been almost ambushed by Dorian this morning in his eagerness to discuss an idea to eke some more speed out of his ship. Alexander had given him his blessing to explore it with Cavan’s oversight. He was glad to see Dorian engaged and excited but he didn’t want him making changes to the ship that might be detrimental. Alexander had spoken briefly with Cavan who had agreed to listen to Dorian but refused to make changes unless he felt there was merit to them. Alexander left it for the two of them to sort out. He did recommend that they could try changes on the test ship first to see if they were viable before trying them on the current racing craft that were being used.

Paul’s epic battle with Bea at Spa right on the heels of his win at Montreal had catapulted the team to new heights. Katherine was inundated with media requests. Interested sponsors and endorsement offers were pouring in from companies hoping to capitalize on Paul’s rising fame in the Formula AG world. Alexander smiled as he remembered congratulating Paul after his win at Spa. He was glad he had been there to see it. He reminded Alexander of Audrick on the track that day. Paul had literally given it his all. He had been physically and mentally exhausted by the end of the race as well dehydrated. Alexander and Konrad had to help him out of his ship. He recovered quickly after some fluids and electrolytes. Paul’s drive to victory at Spa was what he had been hoping to see. Paul proved what he was capable of when his desire for the win coupled with his training and support. The board of directors was happy. Miss Lipsuv was happy. That was an important one. Dorian had not done very well at Spa. Scarlett and Anna had done surprisingly well. Their performance showed all the effort they had put in during the bootcamp. The Junior Team Sponsors were happy as well.

Alexander began the laborious process of looking over the sponsorship and endorsement offers. He needed to prioritize the background checks for Wulfric. They had started a new vetting process for all their contracts. They were being more careful about which companies they partnered with. Alexander reviewed the list of businesses and pushed Zeus Limited to the top of the list. It was a global manufacturer of mass transit systems. Alexander was familiar with their work from his previous job. They had been one of their major competitors. The next business to catch his eye was Wizard Technologies. They produced a variety of technology for the mass consumer including smart home appliances and home AI systems. He pushed Radian Security Systems into the number 3 position. Radian Security Systems offered cyber security solutions and commercial security systems. Alexander thought about how compromised their systems were after uncovering Brendel’s work. It wouldn’t hurt to have Wulfric consult with a new company and overhaul all their security systems. They would be a good partner for that endeavor. He put Immersia Entertainment in the number four spot. They were an entertainment company that specialized in immersive virtual reality gaming and entertainment experiences. He rounded his top five companies with Meridian Aerospace, a company that manufactured aircraft and spacecraft engines. They were an older company but had a solid reputation. Maybe there was something there that would make it worth his while to investigate. He still needed an engine manufacturing company to support his new ship design. Alexander let Wulfric know that he could prioritize the rest on his own. He would review the results when he was finished with them.

Alexander turned his attention to the next thing on his agenda. He had known that the fan response at Spa was going to be massive with Paul’s popularity and it being his home country. The Germany Grand Prix is where the team was headquartered. He was uncertain what to expect from fans. He went to work with Wulfric to revamp security and traffic flow to try and accommodate as many fans as possible. He hoped that they would avoid having to turn fans away like they had in Belgium. The local sponsors for the German Fan Zone were excited by the turnout in Belgium. He had a few more local vendors vying for a spot in the Fan Zone. Alexander laughed when he spotted a request from a familiar name. The Drunken Dragon Pub had put in a request to serve beer that had been renamed in honor of Paul’s and Bea’s epic race, Mad Biermaiden. The pub’s twist on beer, a brew that combined methods for mead and beer using hops and honey. Alexander just shook his head as his laughter got the better of him. Once he stopped laughing he looked to see where they might fit and approved their request. They would fit right in with the other local company serving traditional German beer. The food at this Fan Zone would make any American football tailgate fan happy. Not to mention it was the favored hangout of his engineering team. Happy engineers made the Formula AG world go round.

Alexander reviewed the report from Sami Lipponen of how things had gone with the Junior team at Spa. Both Scarlett Collins and Anna Hausmann performed much better after the bootcamp. Tocho Lister had been on hand to mentor the two offering last minute guidance during practice and their qualifying runs. The Junior Team members were surprised to be receiving so much additional support and were taking advantage of it. The team's medical staff supported both teams as they were onsite for all the races. Spa had been a testing ground of sorts but with the additional support staff to help with the racing coaching the others just went about their usual duties. The meals were already set up as drop in as the team worked at an away race. There were no real changes to that or the medical staff. The new setup had gone well. Alexander was pleased to see improvement. He knew had made the right decision to delegate the Junior Team. Sami was proving to be the right man for the job.


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Thursday August 3rd
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1500 EST

Fear Factor Part Two


Soundtrack: The Prodigy- Timebomb Zone



Ben had taken a fast approach, giving Bea everything and more back when the canopy lid went down. What she'd given, he'd give back....

"Past idol, has to be Starcross, come on!" Ben replied, taking a nice line through a chicane, leaving the GP circuit out to the Nordschlife. The next question came quickly, after Ben didn't take any corners slow, blasting back on power hearing that particularly iconic question come back.

"Schnitzel! Okay, back over Flugplatz in a bit!" Ben whooped, turning the ship through another series of MAG-walled corners, cackling with excitement, waiting for the next question.

"Uhh, honestly, sometimes whether I've left....ooo that's late, yeah sometimes I think about just random stuff, crap that is tight out of there!" Ben yelled out, taking a tight line after the ship landed at Flugplatz, coming a few meters closer to the wall, but internally, not wanting to communicate that in this ship, he hadn't felt that all there.

"Couple, I'd ship Cassie and Harrison, I mean where there's smoke there's fire!" Ben was replying to the quick fire, as the corners burned and burned away.

"BBQ host, probably Sally, she is amazing!"

"Dream car, uhhh.....crap, probably a Pagani Horatio Carrera, 2052 spec, always wanted one of those, best looking car, ever!" Ben hurtled the ship around into Eschbach, giving Bea back exactly what was given, even as a junior, knowing how to find the margins. His skill lay less in being able to tame unstable ships into corners, but more like his mentor, smoothly, caressing the ship to find a limit, starting slow and then ramping it up, a conservative approach that then started to push against limits.

"Uhhh, race on Mars, definitely, I love space so no brainer!" Ben kept going, keeping it flat through the turbulent undulation towards the last third of the lap, hearing Bea's next question, the feeling of piloting a ship without traffic absolutely addicting.

"I have an orange tabby cat called Peach, my girlfriend says we should get more and call them after other fruit but I think she's....woah, big turn in little Carousel!" Ben yelled, basically screaming at this point as the ship got whipped around like a bobsled in a corner. And pulling off it.

"Yeah, okay, that was fun! You alright?" Ben smiled, back down the final sectors, peeling off the Nordschlife and back into the pits, opening the canopy, getting a glance at a no doubt, terrified Bea.




Meanwhile, Florence was smiling, as best as she could and returning the favour to Kais, piloting with a certain kind of smooth, controlled, gentle poise. She almost seemed buttery at the controls, barely having to think much to pull the ship around, Florence similar to Cassie in having Scots heritage, albeit rather than Edinburgh-accented soft touch, it was a more or a Highland, northern Scots accent given her roots in Aberdeen and Moray, whisky country. A legend of the sport, with very little to prove, given her two titles and Triple Crown, she just oozed ease, even being attacked around a circuit by the most scary of all the pilots, and now in control, reflected that.

"Past idol? David Coulthard! I mean, come on, Scottish, F1 driver! Yeah, I'm old school like that!" Florence was easy, barely even wincing under pressure.

"Strudel! With cherries, honestly, unbeatable!" Easy again, Flugplatz taken more gracefully than Ben, Florence able to steer the ship, even this model, like it virtually flew through the sector and into the MAG-wall catch.

"When leading a race once, I was so far ahead, I genuinely thought about the robot at Robot Corner in Tokyo, loads and loads. Like, you ever been like....oh damn, these brakes are so much worse than a normal ship! Yeah, like how does it work, is there a person in there operating it like a mech, or just a server, and if the former, when can I give it a go?" No doubt Florence caught out Kais there, stabbing on airbrakes and no doubt winding him up with just how hard she had to bank in, pushing the ship a little more now she was comfortable, knowing she'd likely winded Kais if she was feeling that turn herself.

"Sorry! A bit of late braking there, yeah apart from that, what do I think on track, probably trying not to crash! Uhh, I would ship Paul and Bea, they're both basically border collies and mad as each other!" Florence replied, giggling away, absolutely enjoying this format again as silly as it was to the next question.

"Probably Sally, she's gonna get a shout here because I didn't think it was true, but she might actually be better than my dad's!" Florence added, giving a whoo as the undulation threw the ship out of the winding esses, already into the last third of the circuit.

"Dream car, uhhh, I already have it, 2012 Porsche GT3 RS, best thing in the world, absolute dream. Let me know if you fancy a go and it will change your opinion on early 21st Century cars, completely, it's so mechanical!" Florence smirked, the questions quick-firing back.

"Ocean, I do not sleep well in space, I tried Rally Raid on Mars but it is sickening! So yeah, under the sea, which I prefer!" Another easy one, the ship cranked up to 400kph through the tight forest, before back through towards Carousel.

"Things you don't know, gosh you already did so many of these....okay, I actually found out through my mum I am distantly related to the guy from Pink Floyd, Nick Mason? I have no idea how, but I suppose it explains why I liked drumming as a kid! Or something! I don't know, but yeah, that's a lap! How are you feeling Kais?" Florence smiled, pulling into the pits, behind the other ship that had already run a lap, Bea and Ben already out.




In the other ship, Hamid kept a tight leash through the corners, no doubt terrifying Paul at this point. The GP track had its fair share of tight corners, even in spite of it being tame versus the Nordschlife, public-road like section.

"Shit, Dunlop is way tighter than I thought! Okay, idol, that would be Maxine Lacroix, she was unbeatable on a good day!" A deep cut. Interesting from Hamid, given he probably wasn't alive during her dominating period, but well, it all trickled in, questions coming quick.

"Strudel, I have always been a sugar fiend!" Hamid was bullet point, his technique with the ship as a former test pilot finding limits fast, but perhaps not quite yet as comfortable as others in extracting the dark arts when it came to qualifying or races, just focussed on technical rather than the innate ship to ship feeling.

"No idea, I think uhh...Ben and Bea? Come one, someone had to say that! Or else someone is saying you and anyone else, brother!" Shipping was not an easy answer to make. But he could make a punt at least.

"Uhh, honestly, I heard good things about Harrison, Australian BBQ is almost better than Tagine, if not, then my father with mechoui is the best!" Hamid was boyish in his response, but of course, nothing to him beat that mechoui. Noting artificial even glimmered.

"Yallah, Land Rover Defender 90, air conditioning attached! So many rusted out models that I wanted to buy and restore, I would give my kidneys to find an original like my great-grandfather had in Ouazarate!" Hamid chuckled, a little bit of that rally raid lover coming out, as he peeled through a tight left right, building his trust with the ship, albeit hanging loose through a dip and turn.

"Mars, I'm all about sand, desert, same thing, right?" The Moroccan understated, in the way only a young pilot similar in age to Paul could.

"Uhhh, I play electric guitar and e-bow in my spare time, I used to play in a Saharan rock band so I love music and run a separate social page, @RiffSaharien for that!" Hamid straightened up the ship on the straight, cackling, with a big grin, hoping Paul had held it together.

"Habibi, this was fun! Thank you!"




Saturday August 5th
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1500 EST

Out Lap


Qualifying had come and gone. The lap was normally the longest of any F1 circuit, yet in AG terms, seemed short compared to Jordan, Auckland, Cape Town and Italy in particular, with the endless amounts of corners and undulation making it feel longer, as well as the lack of an insane view that any of those four presented. It felt more cerebral, every undulation terrifying, yet speed never lost completely in any section. It was difficult to pass, that was for sure, so a good qualy lap felt like a good marker of performance, at least, knowing that it was about what the ship could do on the circuit.

And the results put teams that had invested into stability back on top. Though Amy's ship catching fire at Flugplatz was not on anyone's bingo card, the disappointed Brit clambering out of a ship that simply decided that it didn't want to complete a qualy lap today, the trim set a little too aggressively on the ship and engine settings turned up a little too high. But on the flipside, Jenny was actually proving to be a fiend in that second seat, and wedged between two Zygon ships. They'd been performing well, coming through with a stability setup that certainly threatened other teams on the grid, no doubt, Carrera Condor were watching that. Southern Cross were off the mark, with Nora Kelly doing what she did best in ragging a ship that simply just didn't feel cohesive over the line, while Valkyrie were looking like they'd go to war with Carrera once more. Al-Saqr weren't exactly loving how lacking in stability the ship was, but Hamid not being as bad as before was a good omen, at least.

Unlike Spa, the dry, sunny qualifying had been fairly without incident.






Review with Rory Andrews


Rory looked up, sitting in the sofa again, first time in a little while after the results of qualy played out, the ups and downs all to see.
"I think it became clear that what we saw in Auckland turned out to be a false dawn for many teams, for many pilots. And for Kelly and Zenix, I think their early successes got tested in how the rest of the grid bit back. It has been one of the most competitive seasons in Formula AG in years, and they were put against it."

More footage played back, showing them talking to staff, as Aurora broke the murmur.

"And how about the pilot swap at Silver Apex?"

"The move for Lowry just seemed like a match made in heaven. And her friend in Formula AG, Beatrix Ward....well, nobody had a victory from Carrera Condor! Nobody!" Rory chuckled, cutting to them, looking at telemetry in their pit box, coming back in.

"I suppose it comes down to how they did in improving that ship. Lots of risks, but lots of payoff too. And it makes the midfield, which was impossible to separate, simply even more difficult. We've had so many race winners, and what we thought was a sweep from Amy Stirling just isn't happening this year. And then there's NOVA Racing...well, that has been staggering too. All change." Rory commented, the camera cutting back to him.

"How do you see the rest of the season playing out, with that update?" Aurora asked, as Rory laughed, the lightly bearded commentator leaning back in his chair, shrugging.

"Harrison Makara is two dozen points from Amy Stirling. And Nora Kelly is no doubt smelling blood because she's right behind. Her injury was....well, one of the worst we've seen, and most thought she'd be down and out. But not her, so I expect any chance she knows she has, she'll take. She is overperforming a ship that seemingly can't be tamed in stability, even in circuits like this. Kais Zenix is the same, despite losing Layla to personal, medical reasons, he just won't let up now. And as for the others? I think they all want to make the most of this season. Valkyrie want a solid finish to prepare for next year's final push. Carrera want to solidify their position and beat out teams, maybe style themselves as a Southern Cross for next year. Zygon want to recover, bring it back to somewhere they can with a ship that now looks like what they really wanted at the start of the season. And the other teams in the midfield will squabble. Silver Apex will want to get that first place back, by any means, and with Jenny, I think they have a chance of it." Rory paused, shrugging his shoulders.

"It's all to play for. No runaway winners yet."




Post Qualifying Interview


Back on the couch, the interview felt like it shifted gears, from the fun. All of the pilots got asked the same question, cutting between the individuals, the question feeling a little bit more brutal, honest, open, from Aurora.

An opportunity to bear a heart, or cover that.

What would you say is the hardest thing for you about racing in Formula AG?
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LadyAmber Sweet tea in one hand - Sass in the other!

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Qualifying Race
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany


Paul smiled as he climbed into the number 72 ship in Team Valkyrie livery. He fastened his safety harness and plugged in his neural interface before he began his prerace checklist with his race engineer Carmella.

Carmella: “The changes you requested at practice were completed.”

Carmella sounds hesitant before she asks Paul. “Paul I know we talked about this already, but are sure about trying these changes Dorian wanted? I mean, this track is all about stability. We gained a little bit of speed but it cost us in stability. Dorian seems to be doing well with this set up…” she sounded unsure if her opinion would be welcome before continuing. “But you have not been posting good lap times. I feel like this setup has hurt your performance. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn't state the facts plainly for you.”

Paul sighed as he and Carmella had been at odds over these changes. He understood her point of view. If he did poorly on this set up, it looks poorly on her as his race engineer. He tried to keep his frustration out of his voice as he replied.

Paul: “Carmella we need to be pushing boundaries especially where speed is concerned. I want to try this. Maybe it will work out for us and be an advantage. If it is not, at least I know we tried something different. If we want different results we need to try different things. We are going to fail sometimes. But we might learn something useful we can apply later.”

Carmella sighed knowing she had lost her argument. Her conscience felt better knowing she had given him all the facts and didn’t lessen the blow to soothe his ego. She didn’t believe Paul would do very well here in Germany. They should have tried this set up at a different track. She was on Cavan’s side in this argument. They had been over ruled by Alexander who was backing his pilots. This is one time Carmella wished Alexander would have been a team principal first and put his foot down. She believed Alexander made a mistake in allowing these changes for Nürburgring.

Carmella: “Well at least you understand the potential consequences of your decision. I just wished you had decided to wait to try this at a different track. Stability is essential for this track.”

Paul just grumped and sighed as he continued to test his ship’s systems one at a time. He let it go because it was go time and they didn’t have time to make any changes at this point in the game. He also wanted to be a good teammate and one of the conditions was that for Dorian to explore this, he had to embrace it too. He just hoped that this gave Dorian what he was looking for, for this race. Paul smiled. This was Dorian’s last race here at this track. Paul planned to have many more races here in Germany. He would love to see Dorian do well here in Germany. That doesn’t mean he would not push his team mate the entire way. Paul always drove to win.

Paul turned his focus back to testing his systems. He tested the air brake system and noted the tension on the rear air brakes had been set slightly higher per his request and that the energy feed back from the kinetic dampers on the airbrakes had been optimized for greater energy retention. Hopefully the tension setting changes would help the handling and stability without compromising the speed boost gained.

Paul finished his internal systems check and everything looked good.

Paul: “Internal system checks are green. Radio check.”

Carmella’s voice was all business now. “Radio check is good. I am reading all systems green Paul. You are clear to head to the starting line.”

Paul: “Number 72 heading to the starting line.”

Paul suited actions to words as he took the ship from Team Valkyrie’s paddock bay out to the track.

Paul: “Engine is warmed up and at operating level.”

Carmella: “Start countdown commencing, Good Luck Paul.”

Paul wrapped his hands around the control yoke as he watched the start lights flash in sequence.

Paul got a good start but over-corrected at the Yokohama S curve as the ship was not quite as stable as he was used to. He almost binned it into the wall as it rocked up on its side as he whipped it around the corner.

Paul: “Shit! I almost left my mark the painful way!”

Paul focused as he came out of the S curve and picked up speed quickly before he had to lean on the air brakes to make it through the Dunlop Hairpin. He managed to make up a little time but he could feel that this run was not going to be stellar or as solid as he knew he was capable of. He was pushing but the ship just felt off to him. He was not having a good day in Germany.

Paul flew through the Advan Arch barely slowing down as the ship rocketed around the shallow curve. He was grateful for his neural interface as he gracefully wove the ship through the Veedol Chicane like a dancer. Paul drifted the ship through the Jaguar curve finally finding his pace. The track is hard to find the optimal racing line with all the braking and slowing for all the curves. Paul’s ship gained speed on the Hatzenbach straight before taking the curve into the Flugplatz. He hammered the throttle wide open as he adjusted the ship’s trim for optimal aerodynamics using his neural interface picking up even more speed. The ship followed and stuck to track like it was glued as the ship swanned through the Aremberg curve. Paul’s form was great even as he slowed to go through the curve at Ex-Muhle. The absolutely stunning green views of forest and grass covered hills were lost as Paul focused on the track and navigating its turns and twists. Paul’s eyes were watching the track carefully for the slight rise and curve that led to the track’s most famous corner. Paul slowed the ship as he entered the famous Caracciola-Karussell hairpin corner which is almost 180 degrees. The ship tilted to the side as the speed kept the ship pinned to the track as it banked around the curve. As he got to the middle of the curve he began to accelerate the ship which spat the ship out as it rocketed up the hill towards the next section of track.Paul had to slow once more to take the corner at Hohe Acht. Paul piloted the ship through the rest of the circuit without much trouble but he still felt as if he was off pace compared to his norm.

He completed his qualifying lap and shook his head in disappointment at the time. He knew he should have done better. He would just have to wait and see how his competition did.

At the end of the day, Paul was starting in P7 and Dorian in P4. At least it had been worth it for Dorian.




DELTΔ HYPER


Episode Eleven: The Green Hell

Post Qualifying Interviews

Soundtrack: Hans Zimmer - Lost But Won

Paul was sent directly from qualifying at the track to the Delta Hyper couch. He had a moment to slug dug a Zap to replace the electrolytes he lost and sweated out due to the heat in the ship.A team member had given him a wet towel that he had used to cool down and wipe the sweat from his face. He ducked into the bathroom and used the towel to soak and scrub his overheated head. The cool towel felt heavenly. He scrubbed at his sweat soaked helmet flattened hair. He finger combed it into submission before slamming a bottle of water. He might need to report to the set but he could take a minute for himself. He looked at himself in the mirror and had to admit he was disappointed at the result. After his last two races, he couldn’t help but feel he should have done better. He sighed and sucked it up before heading towards the set.

Paul sat on the white Delta Hyper Couch in his dark gray and gold racing suit with technical patches of digital fabric that flashed with sponsor logos. Paul always felt like a walking billboard which he supposed he was. It was part of the job though. He took his seat with a neutral expression. His hair looked darker since it was still wet. He leaned back into the comfort of the couch waiting for the next question. There was an air of gravity and seriousness about the set today. The light playfulness of the prequalifying interviews are gone.

Aurora: What would you say is the hardest thing for you about racing in Formula AG?


Paul had to stop and think about this one. He could share something lighthearted and funny and punt the real answer down the road or answer truthfully.

Paul decided to give a real answer. “I could say sticking to a strict training regime and diet. I can’t just run out and grab junk food every day even if I can afford it. I can’t just stop my exercise routine because I need my body to be in peak form. But I feel that is the cheap answer.”

Paul swallowed and looked Aurora in the eye as he answered. His tone was serious and revealed some nervousness.

Paul: “It can be lonely at times. I might be surrounded by hundreds of people who are all asking for my attention but not many people really know me. I am almost always on the go doing something. There is training, endorsement and sponsorship commitments, and of course traveling to the races. I travel a lot for work. That is not a lifestyle conducive to having a relationship, family, or a pet. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do. I love traveling but it can be draining as well. It is a whole different set of pressures and challenges that only other pilots understand. The team atmosphere at Valkyrie helps a lot.” Paul smiles and lights up the camera with real warmth. “I can’t thank the Team enough for always being there for me and having my back.”




Social Media


From: Paul Mulder @ValkyriePaul:

I am going to steal an idea from @MadBea and auction off something special to the fans. A signed limited edition T-shirt designed by the Team to commemorate my first Podium win at Montreal. It is signed by me and has a video authenticating me signing it and a certificate. [A picture of Paul signing the size extra large t-shirt. It is Team Valkyrie’s logo and colors with a silhouette of Paul’s ship on the back. It is decorative and edgy with a rock and roll feel to the design. There was a limited number of them for sale in the team’s gear store.] The highest bid by the end of the race in Germany wins the T-shirt. The proceeds will be donated to a charity of the winner’s choice.

MagnetoMuppet:I have put in my bid. Don’t expect to win.
Nana2050:Count me in!
Hater101: Publicity stunt! Distraction from his poor performance in qualifying.

Papabear34:I like the shirt and it will go to a good cause. Count me in.
HydrofoilHater Mulder is so fake! *barf* No one is that nice!
ThrusterJester:If I want the shirt I would just buy it. No thanks.

QuantumQuokka:Mulder is back to choking. Poor performance at qualifying.
Bertha:Couldn’t agree more. I don’t like the clean and squeaky image.
ValkyrieFan56:WOW jealous much? You must be rooting for MMR.
Nana2050:Why are they so hateful? He still managed P7. Let’s see you do that pipsqueak!
MulderMuse:I agree with you @Nan2050!
Paulmulder4eva:I am bidding on that shirt!
OfficeDrone#12:@Nana2050 Mulder’s fans sound like squeaky little dogs! All bark and no bite just like Mulder.

RumorMill:I heard they are racing a new setup at this race. It doesn’t look like it’s helping them.
DantheMan: Oh yeah? What have you heard?
RumorMill:Just that they made some kind of changes to the airbrake systems.
LegacyStan94:Either way P7 is not bad and Dorian is in P4.
OfficeDrone#12:It is nice to see Dorian performing for once this season.
SuperfanAGR54:Dorian in P4! Hope he gets another podium. Would be nice to see before he retires.
BatDave: Batman sends his approval.


Hidden 9 mos ago Post by Starlance
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Starlance

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Thursday August 5th, 2094, 15:00
Nürburg, Germany
DELTΔ HYPER
Episode 11: The Green Hell



”Past idol, has to be Starcross, come on!”

”Booo, I’m telling Flo!” Bea jeered in jest, her laughter cut short by the next corner.

”Schnitzel! Okay, back over Flugplatz in a bit!”

”What kind?”
”I like pork neck the most, but between the food plan and my girlfriend hating the connective tissue it’s a rare treat.”
”Fried or oven-roasted?”
”Fried, of course, that’s what schnitzel is. Who roasts schnitzels?”
”It’s too greasy when you f- fuuuck me sideways and call me Susan- fry it Same with potato chips.” SHe knew Flugplatz was coming and it still caught her out.
”You roast potato ch-” Ben simply shook his head with visible disappointment.

”Uhh, honestly, sometimes whether I've left....ooo that's late”

”Yep, okay, I did that, you get that one for free.” She lamented through gritted teeth, bracing her arms against the sides of the canopy.

”Couple, I'd ship Cassie and Harrison, I mean where there's smoke there's fire!”

”Not Cassie and Dorian then?”
”Too much fire, that’s a blast furnace.”
”Jamie and Kais?”
”That’s not a couple, that’s homicide.”

”Uhhh, race on Mars, definitely, I love space so no brainer!”

”What made you like space?”
”Every star I see is a mystery, maybe one day an adventure. Down here, we’re on the top rung, for better or worse. But when I look out of a porthole up there, I feel small and humble again.”
”Try being 162 centimeters, theeeeeen- Bloooody Hell! You won’t need space to feel small.”

”Yeah, okay, that was fun! You alright?” Ben smiled, opening the canopy and getting a glance at a no doubt terrified Bea.

”I’m good…” She squeaked, both hands white-knuckling the crash harness since the Little Carousel.


Saturday August 7th, 2094, 15:42
Nürburg, Germany
Qualifying
Bea managed to wrestle the ship through the woods in a satisfactory manner, trying not to think of Thursday’s Delta Hyper shoot too much during her hot lap but finding herself wishing she had that brakeless, spin-happy, tandem-seated tub in certain sections where high stability was required. On paper, they should’ve burned on this track - okay maybe not burned, Amy did that - but they should not have been this high up while the likes of MMR or Al-Saqr seemed to struggle despite the track suiting them better. Their speed and handling must have compensated something fierce to keep them this high up despite still having some of the worst stability rating on the grid.
”Fantastic result, Bea! That’s P6.” Alistair called out happily when she returned from the showers, ”Ava’s in P9. You drove the bolts off the ships today.”
”That’s right. Everyone else didn’t have a shite day, we are overperforming.” She returned the offered fist bump with a toothy grin. ”Now just to survive tomorrow.”
”We survived the night after Spa, we’ll survive anything.”
”So you’re saying I should stop paying your tabs?” She cocked an eyebrow.
A nearby mechanic, bent down under the ship, sprang upright. ”No! No, he’s shutting up now.” He clamped his hand over Alistair’s mouth, chuckles spreading though the garage.


Thursday August 5th, 2094, 15:00
Nürburg, Germany
DELTΔ HYPER
Episode 11: The Green Hell



”What would you say is the hardest thing for you about racing in Formula AG?”

”I would say the dieting, but that’s sports in general.” She thought for a few seconds. Beatrix Ward, actually paused to think. What was that, third time in the year? ”I honestly can’t give you one thing unique to AG racing. There’s things about this level of sports in general, things about racing, as much as I love it it’s not without its drawbacks, and things shared among all circuit racing, but nothing specific to AG racing comes to mind.”
There was one thing she could name, but it didn’t seem prudent to do so.

“Really, not one? How about something that’s true for AG racing compared to anything else you’ve done in your career?”

”I miss the close relationship with the co-driver.” She fired off without a second thought, ”Yes, we work closely with the race engineer a lot, but it’s not the same. If the race engineer is your right hand, the co-driver is your left brain hemisphere.”



Double Stint @DoubleStintPodcast:
[A picture of Ingrid and Gerhard Kahler, both with wide smiles and each holding a painting. Between them stands Bea, an arm around each of their shoulders.]
"She did it, guys. @MadBea actually did it!”

#DoubleStint #BeaDrawsStuff #CarreraCondorFA #FormulaAG #AGRacing

MadBea: A promise made, a promise kept. Father didn’t raise no liars.
CloroxEnjoyer: Speedrunning the ‘best guest ever’ championship I see.
MadBea: You bet! Hearts and minds. 😛
ForzaGl0ria: More PR stunts. 👎
Cats4Life: How does she do it? How is she this happy and friendly all the time?
SixTimesSeven: It’s often said that Paul’s a Golden Retriever. Well Bea’s a Rottweiler: No brain cells but anger and care.
MadBea: …Never have I been so offended by something I agree so much with.
GalwayGirl: I can already hear the furry artists getting busy.
MadBea: You had to ruin it, didn’t you? 😀
Sol_de_Mayo: When do I get a free painting after not making the cut in a contest?
AndesAG: When you become interesting to the artist. 😀
MadBea: That’s rich coming from someone who got her third painting this summer.
Sol_de_Mayo: That’s fair.
2x Laugh Laugh
Hidden 9 mos ago 9 mos ago Post by FourtyTwo
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FourtyTwo

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Saturday August 5th
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1800 EST

Mindset


Jen Lowry


Sitting inside the meeting room, Peter finished up, having said all that was said, between himself, the strategist, Keira and Callum, shutting the holographic panel down.

"Okay, we'll leave it there for now. Thanks all. Let's go after P1 tomorrow, Jen, and Amy, damage control, and let's get after it." Peter concluded,

"Gotcha." Amy nodded, grabbing her tablet, standing up, as the others did so, about to leave the room, as Peter put a hand to desk.

"Jen, can you stay behind?"

With the meeting over, Amy and the other engineers left, leaving Peter and Jen alone in the room, the others filtering through as Peter leaned against the wall, waiting until the door shut with a hiss, glass sound-deadening plenty more advanced than before.

"So I suppose I may as well check in on how you're feeling. You've done well so far, and P2 here is impressive, like I said earlier. I know you spend a lot of time with Yan in the neurology lab we have back at Silverstone, but I wanted to check in person, how's the neural link and your prosthetics feeling? Any abnormalities with it? All playing out okay?"

"None so far. It's....so, so much quicker. Like honestly, it's night and day. Genuinely, even off track....it's wild. I was at the climbing wall and it was like I could see the entire thing in front of me, every move planned out five ahead, throw myself up an entire five grades worth of holds without sweat, let alone on track....it's something alright." Jen replied, as Peter nodded, knowing this conversation was a difficult one to have, but, well, it had to be breached at some point.

"Good. Sounds like you're enjoying being a little more superhuman. But, I think you should probably be aware you know we're pushing the limits. And, you know we'd never put you in danger. But, with stuff like this, I just want to get a feeling that the pilots we put through this understand the risks. And your adaptation is a fast one to it." Peter stated, Jen butting in before he could continue.

"This isn't when you tell me it's going to give me brain damage, or get me addicted to eating tangerines or something? Or, are you gonna sell my soul? Look, I get it, there's risks. Am I in danger or something because I've gone too quick into this?" Jen asked, genuinely a little off-put, as Peter shook his head, the Irishman not holding back.

"Nothing like that. The opposite, if anything, it's a neural link that's been tested to the nth degree, ahead of the curve of most units on market, as you can feel. The reason it came up because I know Al-Saqr are cheating feckin' bastards, but also, I don't want us to be stung by anything. Layla had to be fucking around with her neural link, and I reckon it's why she retired. So, between us, I just wanted to check in that you've not done anything similar, because given the examination FIAR give our team, and how fast you've adapted, I just don't want questions asked, and I don't want you to fall fowl of the pricks that inspect us, and most importantly, I don't want to lose you because you're doing too much to it, too fast. It takes time, it's like a pair of shoes to wear in. I know the temptation, because yes, it comes with the top level of competition. But given the situation, and how fast you're adapting, I want to just check we're on the same page." Peter was near deadpan, the feisty Irishman turned to basalt, and clearly, not wanting to fuck his words around here.

"Peter, are you being serious? You think that I'd..." Jen was interrupted, the team boss cutting in.

"I'm not thinking you would. But I just want to hear it. I'm not in the business of being your doctor. I'm in the business in making you a pilot that gets that top step tomorrow, and the team with it. If you are, I'd like to know, and we nip it in the bud. Now." Peter was dead serious, as Jen nodded, new prosthetic hands on table, knowing that Peter was riled up something to ask that. His presence was enough to make her almost feel like a schoolgirl.

"Nope, nothing, Pete. Pushing it to the limits Yan recommended. Nothing more. Focusing on motion." Jen replied, realising that well, Peter was a hard man to please. And while the compliments on her performance had been reeling from him, with him gushing plenty, she also knew that he had to be feeling a little fear. Something had stirred him. Made him ask. And Jen wasn't sure if that concerned her more. The stoic, usually brazen team principal that didn't care what he said, seemed to be quite particular.

"Good. I appreciate that. You're doing really well, Jen. Plenty of heads are turning, and Cal, and Simon Calder tell me you're a pleasure to work with. So let's keep that momentum going. Go grab first tomorrow." Peter smiled, the classic "shit sandwich" working rather nicely. Compliment, constructively criticise, compliment.

"Thank you. Won't let you down." Jen smiled back, and with it, took her tablet and left the room with a mind wondering what the fuck had gotten him so riled.

That was Silver Apex though, and what she signed up for. But being on a podium, after a year and a half of having a shitbox, well, she wasn't turning her chances down. And it appeared Bea was still in her mirrors.




Saturday August 5th
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
2000 EST

Boarding Call


Max "Wedge" Wedgewood


Staring at the telemetry, Max flickered through the glass tablet, immersed, in the zone, the ship sitting in the steel rack silent, engines dead, magnificently sky blue and orange as always. They'd picked up Gulf as a sponsor, so the ship had an absolutely legendary look- the Gulf logo on the front and rear panels, clashing with a glimmer of orange against the beautiful blue. An oil company turned biofuels firm, the logo stayed exactly the same as it had, and exactly as cool. The other sponsors including Pratt and Whitney, AON, SiriusXM, Oakley and Paulaner 0%, the latter from Ulrich's connections to Bavaria. A mighty ship. A ship that was not going to score points this round, Max reminded himself.

Moving to Valkyrie at the end of the season felt strange. All the promises of staying, now moving. It felt weird. He wasn't quite sure what he'd get at the German outfit, Ulrich had started teaching him already some key phrases,

Getting a tap on his shoulder, Max whisked around, caught totally in a daydream.

"Jeez, scared the shit out of me!" Max winced, as Carl Matthews, race engineer to Max chuckled, grabbing a seat next to him, as Max did the same, still in the undergarments from qualy, and direly aware he needed a shower sooner than later.

"Well, don't wear noise cancelling headphones when you're sitting in the pit on your own! Dude, I coulda done so much worse..." Carl laughed, the Minnesotan engineer happy to chat the shit, as he sighed, sipping down some water, Max taking off his headphones, used to help him dial into the noise that he read from the data. A personal choice, of course. A weird one to some.

"Coulda, but didn't. Got enough shit on." Max nodded, the silence breaking as Carl looked around, before checking back into Max.

"So, how did the boss take it?"

"Not great. Got a lot of promises on what is to come. But....I need something else. Try something different."

"Yeah, I mean....I don't blame you."

"I mean, it isn't...it's just you know. A team like Valkyrie come knocking, you can't say no." Max added, Carl nodding, saddened, but agreed.

"Yeah. It's hard to move. You got any plans?

"I always wondered. If you had to pick, who do you think could replace you? Or rather, who do you want me to suffer through?" Carl asked, both of them chuckling in response,

"Well.....shit, too many good names. I guess."

"Too late to bring me along to Valkyrie?"

"Hah, shit, I haven't actually signed the contract....won't you miss being an hour by train to home?" Max realised his mistake, knowing in all of it, he'd not thought that one through. But then again, he didn't expect Carl to smile, wanting in. That was not on his cards.

"Shit, dude. I'm fucking bonded to you at this point, no neural link needed."

"Alright, I'll fire him an additional line. The sage wisdom of Carl Matthews in my fuckin' ear for another year."

"Amen to that, brother!" Carl joked, the two chuckling, enjoying the dying of the light, looking out at the sunset, as with it, Max typed out a message, pinging it across to his agent, in a hope that well, before the weekend was up, at least he could tie that up. More money for Alexander to throw, but then again, he had a feeling that it wasn't an absurd request.




Sunday August 6th
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1500 EST

Out Lap


Nora Kelly


The feeling bubbled, as Nora's hands sorted out the remainder of the start sequence, hearing her engineer's voice rustle in her ears.

"Comms."

"Yeah, check check." Nora's reply was that of certainty.

It had to be weird looking in after a little while out of the focus. But then again, #NitroNora was not exactly sitting quietly. Not since losing a leg and an arm. The fear, the absolute state she had to push through. All the shit back home with family, all of it bubbling, burning a hole.

Making her feel even hotter than ever, to go prove every single one of them wrong.

Beatrix sat to her side, as Nora gave a glance, the Aussie now a little more aware that the Brit had something about her. As aggressive as she was, her equal in taming an absolute heap in stability, but Nora seemed to work on that analogue level. Something prosthetics made harder, but it was like she didn't care.

Dorian was ahead. And he would relish in holding his line through the bits of the GP circuit, before the Nordschlife began, where he was no doubt, an ace. Valkyrie had prioritised pace, but Dorian's experience shined through on a complex track that felt easy to get lost on. It was nothing to Nora. She'd just take him straight away. Remove that piece from the board.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Soundtrack: Turbowolf- A Rose for the Crows

And away they went.

She didn't waste time. In corner one, she let him run all the way out, but immediately made a switchback and ran as wide as she could let it, making sure Dorian would be forced to back off, and in turn, keep Beatrix behind. That would do nicely as a buffer.

Now for the rest. With Amy at the back, and Harrison nearly out of the points, this was one hell of an opportunity, in a ship that barely wanted to stay on track, to make it count. Han was already escaping her. But she wasn't losing 4th. Not after that.

The GP circuit was normal, conventional even, like Portimao with excitement, but the Nordschlife was absolutely mental in an AG ship. Corners that felt fast in an Endurance car were taken at fast-forward levels of speed, magnified by how tight the circuit was even compared to something like Tokyo, it was wide enough for overtakes, sure, but it was insane to try them at this speed without being absolutely certain you had the ELS to make it stick. And Nora was not backing off chasing the Zygon ships ahead, the ship screaming in and out of compressions, and the lap burning away faster than most normal people could think. Corner after corner, bend after bend, but it was home.

Where she knew this best. No noise. Just that signal.




The rest of the race, however, from a spectator's point of view wasn't anything spectacular. A fairly big crash from Ben Hale at Schwedenkreuz into the barriers created an extended VSC through that sector, buffering times there while the wreckage and Ben, unharmed but with an ego more than a little bruised, were pulled out. Beatrix made a move on Dorian after he made some mistakes in the GP section, the changes to the ship in race trim just not working today, just a bad swing of the dice in setup that had happened.

Kais managed to make up a couple of places, first sniping off Paul, then the struggling Dorian, making it two Valkyrie ships at their true home GP, and no doubt a motivator. Harrison, surprisingly had gone backwards, his stability particularly poor in the bumpy section, his risks not working at all, while Amy, despite charging up the grid, couldn't get past Florence and instead, settled on a duel with her old nemesis who saw all her mentee's tricks.

Compared to Belgium, the overcast, sometimes sunny atmosphere of the Nordschlife meant it was more a beer drinking session than race for spectators given they weren't hiding from pouring rain, but every now and then, an exciting overtake kept things tense. The feeling was that everyone had piloted well, the deltas indicating times in the higher percentiles, but nothing really broke the deadlock. High form from one pilot just meant another was on it too. It felt a little anticlimactic, the end of the race having the same starting three, that finished, separated by seconds.






Delta Hyper Interviews


"Well, we can't say it was the most inspiring, despite Hale's crash leading to a remarkable lack of change on the rest of the grid. Nora Kelly was still rampant, and the crash out from Amy had meant she'd closed vital points between herself and the reigning champion- who despite rampaging through the backmarkers, couldn't make her way to the front."

"Nonetheless, some impressive progress there for Hamid Atlassi, who scores his first point in Formula AG, and looks over the moon. The first of many, it seems, as he took that ship around a turbulent track with grace. But what consistency from Cassie Neves to put it in first, her first win in over two years, and an impressive effort from the Zygon pilot. They must be beaming, their first victory of the year, and that closes them up to Valkyrie, and the rampant Carrera Condor." Rosie replied, Rory nodding, "Aurora, over to you!"




"Thanks Rosie! Well, I'm joined here by race winner Cassie Neves, Cassie, how are you feeling?

"Amazing, thank you! So so happy, the ship did everything right, and....oh my god I'm so happy to be back!" Cassie was nearly crying, and put her trophy in the air once more, to the shouting whoops of the crowd, clutching it like a baby, posing for a camera and smiling for the first time in a hell of a long time with that result.




The interviews continued, as pilot after pilot filtered through, getting an eye in on their results and their feedback in the forested, undulating German track.

"Kais, a nice turn there for you through that race to get a respectable points haul from Al-Saqr. How did you find those moves on Hornfleur and Mulder?"

"Bea, that seemed like a very controlled race from you, sitting in P5 nearly the entire second half of the race unchallenged. Are we seeing a matured, controlled side to you?"

"Paul, sadly not the result you were looking for at Valkyrie's home race. Do you think you could have been a bit more aggressive today, given the pressure from Zygon and the midfield pack?"

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Hidden 9 mos ago Post by LadyAmber
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LadyAmber Sweet tea in one hand - Sass in the other!

Member Seen 5 days ago

Race
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany


Paul went through his prerace checklist and routine. He was sitting in his ship in P7. The setup for this race was not working for him as well as he would have liked. He had been hopeful that the extra speed would help but it came at the cost of handling and stability. Dorian had done better in qualifying but Paul was frustrated with his performance. He also believed that they needed to try new things. If they kept doing the same thing they would keep seeing the same results. He had managed a few podiums now but he couldn’t help questioning if he couldn’t have taken Bea if he had a little more speed at Spa. He sighed as he worked his gloves over his fingers. He stretched and wiggled his fingers before double checking his harness was snug. He then took a moment to meditate.

Carmella’s voice came over the radio. “Race starts in five minutes, Paul. How are you feeling?”

Paul laughed at Carmella: “As ready as I am going to be. I am not liking this new set up though.”

Carmella: “Yeah it doesn’t work with your racing style.”

Paul sighed: ‘We will have to see what Alexander comes up with next.”

Carmella: “Good Luck Paul.”

The countdown started.

5
4
3
2
1

Go!

Paul had a good start but then the handling on the ship caused him to go wide at the first turn. He cursed as he lost a few seconds recovering his racing line. Paul should have known that was how his whole race would go. Even with his neural link upgrades the changes to the air braking system were significant. He couldn’t seem to get a handle on the changes. It felt like the more he tried to dial it in the worse his performance got. Paul felt as if his ship, which was normally a graceful dance partner, had become a clumsy elephant on roller skates. He fought to maintain his racing line and keep his position. He was frustrated as Kais went whizzing by him on the Flugplatz. Paul had his ship’s throttle wide open and Kais sailed by him easily. He managed to maintain his position after that and ended up with Dorian finishing just in front of him.

He sighed as Carmella's voice told him he finished in P8. That was a wrap for Germany. Paul felt as if he had let the fans down at their home race. Dorian had a good starting position but had lost 3 positions by the end of the race. Paul was disappointed in the result but he couldn’t be sad that they had tried something different. It just meant this setup was wrong for Germany. He would own that decision since he had backed Dorian. He understood Dorian wanting to make a good showing as he wrapped up his career. He wanted to be a good teammate but this was a learning thing for Paul. He wouldn't compromise his race again for him. He would listen to Cavan next time when he told him what the changes would mean. He had a great deal more respect for the head engineer and his opinion on these things now.

Paul pulled the ship into the parc ferme in the P8 position. He hung his head and took a deep breath before he unlatched his harness and canopy and climbed out of the ship. He went into the paddock. Cavan was here since it was the home race. He walked straight up to him and looked him in the eye.

Paul: “I should have listened to you. I won’t make that mistake again.”

Cavan gave Paul a sheepish smile and nodded. He clapped him on the shoulder.

Cavan: “I appreciate that Paul.”

Paul just nodded and headed for his ready room. He was not happy about today’s results but he knew he bore the blame. It was his performance and his decision to back Dorian on the setup he wanted. He still had a lot to learn about being a professional pilot.




DELTΔ HYPER


Episode Eleven: The Green Hell

Post Race Interviews


Paul took a few minutes to calm down and used a wet towel to cool down from the race. He ran a quick comb through his hair and then left for the mandatory interview at the Delta Hyper set.

He arrived and waited his turn to take a seat on the Delta Hyper couch. Aurora was just as perky as ever.

Aurora: "Paul, sadly not the result you were looking for at Valkyrie's home race. Do you think you could have been a bit more aggressive today, given the pressure from Zygon and the midfield pack?"


Paul: “Well we tried a different setup for the German Grand Prix and it simply didn’t work. I pushed as hard as I could but the ship just didn’t have it today. We will go back to the drawing board and come out swinging at the next race. I did the best I could but I can’t win them all.”

He gave Aurora a charming smile to disarm any bad feelings or blame as he owned his mistakes on the track that day.


Hidden 9 mos ago Post by Starlance
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Starlance

Member Seen 3 hrs ago

Sunday August 8th, 2094, 15:00
Nürburg, Germany
The Race
It didn’t even feel like she passed Dorian as much as he seemed to fall back past her, the whole race just sort of going by as if everyone was just there to get it over with and go home, and at one point she found herself asking Alistair if he was still awake, the latter joking that he was going to make a snack run since he had nothing to do past the 20 minute mark. Poor Ben’s crash was the only thing of note. Trying to straight line Schwedenkreuz was certainly an unconventional racing line for obvious reasons, Bea unable to prevent herself from thinking ’Well I’m glad he didn’t do that on Thursday.’ after Alistair confirmed that he was alright, unfortunately thinking ‘loud’ enough to be picked up by the throat mics, the broadcast director obviously playing it on the live coverage because they had little else to keep the fans awake with.


DELTΔ HYPER
Episode 11: The Green Hell



”Bea, that seemed like a very controlled race from you, sitting in P5 nearly the entire second half of the race unchallenged. Are we seeing a matured, controlled side to you?”

”Uhhh, no, you saw a bored side to me.” Bea shook her head, ”Not that I’m complaining about the result, but it was one of those races you forget quickly. Truly one of the races ever, as they say.” She joked, inwardly happy she didn’t have to hold back Paul for the whole 45 minutes like she did in Belgium. At Spa, that was fun. Here, it would be a lot less so given the error margins. The fact that the two races were back to back as opposed to the usual 14 days apart likely also played a part. ”I honestly feel a bit bad for people who bought tickets to this, because nothing happened. Should we stay a day longer and try a 15 minute shootout along the GP circuit to give them at least something?” She offered half heartedly.
”And I’m always in control, thank you very much. Don’t bring up Cape Town, that doesn’t count.” The mischievous grin returned, followed by a slide show of quick cuts to some of Bea’s most prominent crashes - A rally car wrapped around a tree with her climbing out the passenger side door and Gazza facepalming off to the side. A rally truck drifting wide and clipping a bollard with its back, causing it to spin around its vertical axis three times before coming to a rest on its side. A Junior series ship losing the AG unit at Spa and sliding down the Kemmel straight and a few more, Aurora clearly having mentioned at least some of them during it, unheard by the audience.
”...those were for style points?” Bea offered with a chuckle.



Carrera Condor Formula AG Team @CarreraCondorFA:
"We are excited to announce that Bea Ward (@MadBea) has signed a four year contract extension, continuing our journey together until 2098!

Between securing the first win in our team’s history at Spa, her infectious enthusiasm, a new set of eyes to view our ship through and bringing scores of new fans to our doorstep, Bea has been one of the forces behind our recent rise, and with what’s coming, we’ll continue rising.

The path ahead is bright and we look forward to four more years of chasing the highest of highs and writing history together.

In conjunction with this, we are proud to announce Bea’s ‘Fans First’ initiative. From the 2095 season onward, Carrera Condor will be using a portion of our income for community outreach including sim racing events for unique prizes, internships at the team or select suppliers and workshops which will let you live a day in the shoes (or gloves) of a Formula AG team member, from mechanics through strategy team to race engineers.
Follow our socials or subscribe to the Fans First newsletter on our website so you don’t miss anything!”

#FansFirst #CarreraCondorFA #FormulaAG #AGRacing

MadBea: DISCLAIMER, because I know this will crop up: The workshop is NOT a job application, it’s a simplified (more here, less there) fan experience. However, if you’re someone who would like to join the team, our suppliers or apply for an internship, it will be a good place to ask questions face to face. If you have questions about the initiative, use the email address listed on the website. The admin team will get back to you as soon as they can as well as use it to build an FAQ section. Some things may yet change, we’re still working on it.
Shel1: An extension in FA, team on the rise, a Le Mans tease earlier. She’s gunning for a triple crown early. 👑👑👑
MadBea: A girl can dream.
Darkstar69: Was really hoping she’d go back to a real sport. Finnish back roads are calling your name! Oh, well, still a fun watch even with all the bullshit.
Xinny: Wonder what kind of prizes they mean.
AndesAG: Don’t expect to become the next Jann Mardenborough.
MadBea: Yet…
Xinny: Oh, good, I don’t need a crash like that in my life. 😛
Mate0: First she displaces a home pilot and now gets her contract renewed before the other South American one. I get the results, but it’s still hard to swallow.
MadBea: I wouldn’t worry about Ava. A condor needs two wings to fly.
TruckerTim: Not on track you don’t have to…
Briat77: Oh, great, four more years of this twerp…
User420: Amy would’ve had her in Spa if Paul wasn’t in the way.
MadBea: Big “My WiFi lagged!” energy from this comment. 😛
MissedApex: At first I was excited about the Fans First thing because I thought it might feature ride alongs, but after watching the Delta Hyper episode…
TruckerTim: DH had to postpone the tandem ride questions until after Jamie got booted, they couldn’t risk giving him a passenger.
Cats4Life: Stoooop, he’s already dead! 😀


Pilots’ Group Chat
[Image of a burned-out design lab at the Carrera Condor factory.]
Bea
Alright, which one of you did that? @Paul? @Cassie Neves? 😛

Ava Villarosa
BEA! Jesus Christ.



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Hidden 9 mos ago 9 mos ago Post by LadyAmber
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LadyAmber Sweet tea in one hand - Sass in the other!

Member Seen 5 days ago

Race
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany





Alexander was pleased to see that Scarlett and Anna did well at the home race. The fan zone was hopping. Alexander was amused to see that the fan zone was getting more attention than the race itself. The biergarden was particularly popular. The Drunken Dragon was very popular with local fans who had been following the pub’s connection to Team Valkyrie. It was not a surprise to see the German fans at least happy holding a pint of beer. He was also pleased to see that the fans had embraced the junior team and were seeking them out in the fan zone when they were there for autographs and pictures. The Delta Hyper special had certainly helped raise the Junior Team’s popularity with fans and the general public. Sami Liponnen and Tohad been asked for interviews by a lot of the media wanting to update fans on the junior league performance. The Delta Hyper special had sparked a greater interest from the fans which in turn was raising interest with sponsors and media trying to capitalize on that interest. Alexander sighed knowing that he was not the only team to benefit from his actions but he couldn’t be upset that the entire Junior League was seeing benefits from it.

Alexander watched the German Grand Prix with memories of the past flowing through his head. He smiled remembering him and Audrick battling it out on the famous track. He had fond memories of the Carousel from his F1 days. It was simply not quite the same in a Formula AG ship. The tactics were different for getting through it. He was disappointed in Dorian’s performance. He had given him the support and space to try his idea but he could clearly see that the setup was working against Paul. He sighed and felt a greater push than ever to solve their speed problem which meant overhauling the engine. He had work to do when he got back to the office. He needed to prioritize hiring those engineers he needed. He would reach to Lipusv and see if there was any in house support he could call on in the meantime.




Team Valkyrie Headquarters
Monday August 7, 2094
Aachen Germany


Alexander had reviewed the background reports submitted by Wulfric the head of security. He had sent out emails inviting the chosen five to meet with him. He contacted Meridian Aerospace first. He and the CEO had exchanged some emails and had a meeting over teleconference. They had already exchanged contracts for a research and development partnership on ship engines. They would help develop an engine for their ship that would help them enter a smaller ship market whereas they currently specialized in large cargo and passenger transports. This would allow them to break into the luxury air and space craft market. The partnership would include sponsorship endorsements and they would provide engine expertise, parts, and design. The engine designed for the team would be exclusively owned by the team but Meridian Aerospace were allowed to take what they learned in partnership with the team to build small engines for luxury aircraft and spacecraft. The engine design might incorporate similar ideas and technology but would not exactly mirror the engines for the racing ships that were designed for speed.

Alexander’s next contact was Radian Security Systems. In exchange for a sponsorship endorsement through the end of the year, Radian Security Systems would do a security assessment and upgrade Team Valkyrie’s security systems and processes under Wulfric’s supervision. The contracts had already been signed. Their personnel were scheduled to begin working at Team Headquarters in a week. They were sending a 5 person team to do the job. The new computer systems for headquarters from Banshee Microsystems were being installed over the weekend. The timing for the security overhaul was perfect. They could then test the new software and computer system for cybersecurity issues. Alexander felt better knowing that the Team’s secrets would be secure and safe from future predation by anyone that Brendel might have sold information too.

Alexander contacted the remaining sponsors that had cleared Wulfric’s background check for meetings. Immersia Entertainment wanted to build an immersive gaming experience for Formula AG fans. They needed some support from one of the Formula AG teams to make that a reality. They were interested in helping make the experience as real as possible for fans while keeping the experience within tolerable levels in regards to realistic feedback. In return Immersia was going to pay them a shit ton of money and help them overhaul and improve their current simulators the pilots were using. The contracts had been signed and they would begin work after the race in Hawaii. Wizard Technologies was a standard sponsorship package seeking endorsement advertising from the team that would include Dorian and Paul. It was again a lucrative sponsorship deal. They also requested a space in the Fan Zone for the Singapore race. Zeus Limited was still mulling over the contract. They were interested in a sponsorship but had not pulled the trigger yet. Alexander got the impression they were shopping between teams.




Alexander had a leisurely lunch in the cafeteria. He was glad to see the atmosphere had changed at the headquarters after he brought Brendel and Maier to justice. There was a positive can do vibe supportive vibe among those who worked there now. People stopped to say hello and check in with him. They often asked how things were going in the big office with a chuckle. Everyone seemed happy and content. They didn’t seem afraid to bring any issues to him. One of the engineers stopped to tell him about a supply issue they were experiencing for proprietary parts for some of the antigravity components. Alexander promised to look into it. He would check with Lipusv to see what the hold up might be. Cavan had stopped by to remind him he couldn’t perform miracles and there were still several key engineering positions that needed some support if he wanted him to continue working on the new ship design.

Alexander sighed after cleaning up his tray and returning it to the wash bins. Alexander returned to his office to review his options. Alexander had reviewed his options for a new Neural Interface Engineer with Cavan. Hiring for the position had been put on hold during Brendel’s trial. The three candidates Gaylord Chaveau, Cillian Kilpatrick, and Daria Krupnik had already found and accepted other positions. A new engineer had caught Alexander’s eye who had written an article about combining older cognitive therapy methods with modern neurological medical interventions with a great deal of success in crafting new therapies that had combined both fields. Juliette Marsman was a Dutch/Finnish engineer working in a research center in Finland. Alexander reached out to see if they might be interested in a position at Valkyrie, after Wulfric completed a background check on them. Alexander felt that they were breaking ground in areas that could benefit the team.

Alexander then called in Dorian’s race engineer to have a frank discussion about his future with Dorian retiring. Remy Deschamps was the typical Frenchman. Remy was a very straight forward character, he was charming and polite while maintaining a slight elitist tone. He had the ability to tell you off and make it sound good. Alexander was always amused by Remy’s character. He was so typically and stereotypically French. He had offered Remy three choices. Remy had been a loyal race engineer and that deserved some recognition. He had offered to allow Remy to take a nice severance package or retire early, he had offered to let him take a teaching position in the academy for their junior pilots, or to take a promotion and move to the headquarters Engineering team to help build the new ship. Remy jumped on the chance to get his engineering hands involved with building the new ships. After Dorian retired, he would be moving to the engineering team to help them troubleshoot possible race strategies and setups with the new ship. Remy’s experience would be invaluable in testing the new ships for the various setups required by the different races. Remy was very pleased with the opportunity and change in position. Alexander was pleased to have him stay. It also left the position open so that he could potentially offer it to Max’s engineer. Alexander had told Max it would depend on his background check, NDA, and a personal interview but it was possible to bring his engineer with him.

Alexander reviewed the dossier on the latest engineering talent that had been vetted by both Mabel for suitability and Wulfric for background checks. He set up an interview with Isaak Cronenberg to interview for the position of engine specialist. Jacqueline Schultz was on the list to interview for the position of engine specialist as well. Gorm Malmström a Swedish engineer and Régulo Bandeira a Portuguese/Spanish engineer were both interviewing for general ship maintenance and design positions. After checking with Lipusv he had promised more antigravity engineering support from the European Space Agency team. He hoped to have new engineers hired and started after Hawaii.




Social Media


From: Paul Mulder @ValkyriePaul:

This is a message to my fans. I want to apologize for letting you down in Germany. We tried a new setup and it simply didn’t work. I hope to make a good showing at the race in Hawaii. I appreciate your support! See you after Hawaii!

The t-shirt was won and shipped. The money was donated to the charity of the winner’s choice, the Rainforest Project in Brazil. Congrats to superfan Francine Dutra Delchiaro.

MagnetoMuppet:I was disappointed in Paul’s performance in Germany.
Nana2050:I like that he took accountability for it though.
Hater101: He should!He lost a place and Dorian lost 3! Unacceptable performance from both of them.

Papabear34:Nice choice of charity.
HydrofoilHater Distraction from his poor performance. Mulder sucks!
ThrusterJester:Poor team performance in Germany.

QuantumQuokka:No surprise we get two good races and disaster. No consistency.
Bertha:What else do you expect from Mr. Goody Two Shoes?
ValkyrieFan56:At least he acknowledged his performance and apologized. That is more than most pilots do.
Nana2050:I couldn’t agree with you more.
MulderMuse:So what if he has class and manners. I like it.
Paulmulder4eva:yeah… and he still looks amazing even when he is failing.
OfficeDrone#12:Oh please! Go buy a damn poster already!

RumorMill:That new setup did them no favors at all.
DantheMan: Yeah they need to throw that one in the trash can.
RumorMill:@DantheMan I couldn’t agree with you more.
LegacyStan94:P7 and P8 still got the team some points.
OfficeDrone#12:It was a boring race after Spa.
SuperfanAGR54:Yeah I didn’t feel like anything important happened in that race. It was a snoozefest.




@Starlance

Pilots’ Group Chat
[Image of a burned-out design lab at the Carrera Condor factory.]
Bea
Alright, which one of you did that? @Paul? @Cassie Neves? 😛

Ava Villarosa
BEA! Jesus Christ.

Paul
Unlike others, I play by the rules. It is more fun to battle you on the track on an even playing field. When I beat you, I want no excuses. I can't wait to meet you again when the world aligns and we duke it out on the track. Spa was a blast!


Hidden 9 mos ago 9 mos ago Post by FourtyTwo
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FourtyTwo

Member Seen 37 min ago

Sunday August 6th
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1500 EST

In Lap


"Well, a race not to write home about, but it feels like we're seeing the tables turn this season." Rosie commented, the pair in the booth returning from Aurora on the interviews, looking across to Rory, who had some more commentary to that end.

"Certainly. Amy Stirling not getting points is vital for the Southern Cross pair who are hunting them down, especially Nora Kelly, who really ended up doing well. The constructors race is hotting up, and well, what will we be in for next time in Hawaii?"

"Certainly, and on that note, thank you all for watching. We'll see you there, thank you for watching us, and have a peaceful evening!"

Soundtrack: Caribou- Odessa

The end credits to the Nürburgring played, with slow-motion shots of ships through the various corners.

The editors must have been working hard, as making highlights were tricky, but the slow-motion crash of Ben's ship into repulsors, overtakes on track, sparks flying from the static from the anti-gravity unit through bumps from various ships, to the absolute speed of onboards, it all played out, quietly fading to black and ending the Delta Hyper episode in the west of Germany.




Ava Villarosa


The fire in the design lab burned away in the white building far from the evacuation zone, as the entire staff stood outside, fire drills the same as they were forever. Even with advancements in fire suppression technology, working with a massive battery bank full of highly combustible materials, as was done on this day, with a few corners cut and a few bits of technology not doing what they should, meant that lab get caught on fire. Most of it had been put out quick, sparing anything serious, in particular the autoclaves, the rapid-test wind tunnels and any prototypes of ship chassis and engines in the end of the design centre.

Sighing, Ava looked to Bea, glad she'd brought her waterproof coat.
"This is some bullshit." Ava didn't really have the words, the husky Chilean looking at the high-vis wearing fire marshalls, hoping to go in soon. She instead turned to her phone.

Formula AG Pilot Group Chat

[Image of a burned-out design lab at the Carrera Condor factory.]
Bea
Alright, which one of you did that? @Paul? @Cassie Neves? 😛

Ava Villarosa
BEA! Jesus Christ.

Paul
Unlike others, I play by the rules. It is more fun to battle you on the track on an even playing field. When I beat you, I want no excuses. I can't wait to meet you again when the world aligns and we duke it out on the track. Spa was a blast!

Cassie Neves Oh shit! Everyone alright?

Amy Stirling You're one bad social media post away from having George Russell energy @Paul

Astrid @Cassie Neves they will be when you stop burning shit down and stop cheating

Jen Lowry WOAH WOAH WOAH

Flo Mason You lot getting silly again?

Harrison Always

Cassie Neves Hey I didn't know

Amy Stirling That's what they always say ;)

Astrid Speak for yourself!

Kofi Guys you're out here committing violations in chat

Wedge My mixtape be like: [reposted picture of lab on fire]

Dorian And FIAR ones too.....I can't help it

Ben Hale Why have I been told to bring trunks to Hawaii? What shit is Delta Hyper planning?

Jen Lowry I'm gonna say diving or surfing. I'm packing for both.

Hamid @Wedge habibiii

Cassie Neves I didn't even get an invite :( Enjoy all, I will be thinking about you when sitting in the sim

Harrison Can recommend Basqueatoes in *W3W co-ordinates* afterwards, really good Basque food in New Hilo area

Cassie Neves You are taking the piss. Wait, they do Patatas Bravas in Sweet Ch....fucking hell I'm in

Astrid I'm on that too, I'll book us a table :)

Ava Villarosa Yes! Doctor Ivan (our native Basque) tells me it is the real deal. He also says he doesn't get how Basques ended up moving to Hawaii in such number that they'd make restaurants out there....

Wedge Enjoy! Yeah I'll get trunks, honestly, surfing ain't my thing, unless it's similar to snowboarding I guess?

Harrison @Wedge It is really similar

Jen Lowry I was hoping to go diving more! I think we talked about it before, but if Delta Hyper has plans, then we'll do that

The creepie crawlies in the jungle are scary so none of that please :O

Cassie Neves @Ava yeah, lot of them moved, my mum says some Portuguese too but it's like they gotan opportunity to live out there or something...

Amy Stirling Speaking of, I thought I'd sort out Singapore food too, given you can't have any fun there without being arrested lately. Tsai Wen Tower for a spot of dinner?

Flo Mason That was in Raven Squad! What a sequence it was too!

Dorian @Flo Mason Agreed, it was crazy. Me and Paul should be able to, I think?

Ava Villarosa I'm in, I think Bea too?

Cassie Neves Sure, me and Han can come

Harrison Not sure about Nora but I'm down

Astrid I'm busy with marketing stuff that evening :(

Flo Mason Yeah same with me and Ben. Something about some more commercial stuff and time with Bella

Dorian Such a mother, that's a fair excuse :)




BUGS///VOLCANO///PARADISE




Soundtrack: Flume - Hyperreal

The chirp of movement of bugs.

A ship roars through the rainforest.

"Not expected to be here?" The voice almost seems alien, a creole of Hawaiian, a weird Spanish and Pacific accent, in English. A female one, to be specific.

A cut through, from the bug's multiple eyes, to the pilot's frame of vision.

The island opening up from the seabed over decades, after one of the biggest volcanic eruptions. Kanaloa Volcano was a seamount, expected to arrive on the surface of the Pacific Ocean in 10,000 years. Geology had another idea in 2028. In what was probably one of the most violent tectonic events of the region, some of whom believed it to be a reckoning from Mother Nature herself in whichever legend of Hawaiian culture or beyond you bought, the spew of lava created a black shell of rock from nothing into something.

It kept going for at least a decade. More volcanic ash and magma spewed from the ground than anyone could have ever dreamed the hotspot could produce, creating a volcano that was needle-like and 624m high, and only stopping in 2043. Almost all of Hawaii, bar Oahu and Molokai had to be evacuated, and what was left was an ash-filled, smoke ridden place. It wouldn't be a shocker if anyone who was born here had left for parts unknown.

"Sometimes the ocean spits out something new. And we welcome you to it."

The bug paces along a stick, into the newly grown mangrove, a bit strange given you're seeing it from their perspective.

"We take nature and bring it into humanity."

The roar of the ship through the MAG-enabled track, through the dense rainforest, the camera pointing up to an orange-red spewing shield volcano, old lava tubes creating a perfect line, and of course, away from the spewing constant that was Kanaloa And into the pilot's view, spiralling in chase after another ship, the red-orange glow of lava like goop was at a safe distance, but still dominated the view.

The bug's eyes catch again in reflection and inversion back in its perspective, as it goes from stick to stick, the view revealing absolutely, how insignificantly tiny they were relative to a human.

"We're so small in this huge world."

The bug leaps away, a bigger fly trying to tether it, sprinting, scurrying, moving quickly. At this scale, everything that even looks insignificant to humanity seems so, so much bigger.

"Yet part of something bigger than us."

The ships in pit, mechanics, engineers, strategists, pilots, all moving, all making it happen, and watching on in the distance.

"Shaped by their nature."

The bug clambering up the tree, into the canopy, another ship going past, revealing the volcano itself, the facility embedded in it, and in the distant, the ecocity of New Hilo, etched into the eastern side of the island, green towers like fingers of rock, except super-structures of residents.

"Built by our nature."

Ships roaring past, and a cut to Bea's ship fighting with Paul, at Spa, and a historic duel with Florence and Kofi.

"Remembered forever."

The top step, staring out with a fade to white.

"E komo mai, Formula AG. Welcome to Hawaii."

The intro parses the circuit in wire-frame form, and bit by bit, colours in the render, before sucking out into black.




DELTΔ HYPER


Episode Twelve: Hot Like Lava





Thursday August 17th
Waimanu Valley, Hawaii Island, Republic of Hawaii, Federated American States
0500 EST

Surf's Up




Paradise was a hell of a place to be. In a speeding, incredibly bumpy old Japanese boxy minivan though, it was passing by rather quick.

"Bea, slow the fuck down! We're not on track, we're in a shitbox van!" Harrison yelped, feeling the bumps through the gravel, the road rutted and clearly not used in a long, long time. There was no way into the valley a long time ago, but, an emergency services road had been carved out in the steep sides of the mountain, carving a way down to the beautiful valley, waterfalls and all, and shoreline.

Inside of that van, sat Beatrix, Paul, Kais, Max, Jenny, Han, and Harrison. It was staggering that they'd actually trusted Bea to drive, but they reasoned with a following vehicle, and the fact there seemed to be enough guardrails, it would be enough to stop anything ridiculous coming on the news. It was reasoned that the road would have to be taken slowly anyway, according to Delta Hyper's management. Nobody had realised in that risk assessment and health and safety meeting, that they should actually have told the ex-rally driver not to drive.

"Relax, she's only crashed on gravel.....actually, never mind!" Jenny replied, the van undulating heavy through a stream, making everyone get slammed into their seats, and most of the occupants of the van swear, lots, as the van turned around another hairpin turn, one of many, many, many that went down before following the coast on an incredibly scenic route on a cliff-side route, revealing the view of the valley.

"The view is mental from here! God, what have you got us doing, Rosie..." Max commented, looking out through glass on the winding, granite-black gravel road, the Waimanu Valley one of few to not be completely ruined by the volcanic eruptions on Big Island, and left untouched as a paradise.

It wasn't long until they got to where they were going. Through a dense woodland in the valley floor where Bea actually had to slow down due to how thick the mud and trees were, the van came to a stop in the dawn, the fog just about cleared but leaving a cold feeling on everyone's skin. Stepping out, after the winding, gruelling gravel trail in a non-AG equipped beater that looked like it had been the way in since the 2040s, the team saw Rosie gleeful as ever, caffeinated to the gills after a morning of getting out here.

Rosie beamed, looking across at everyone.

"Hello all, and welcome to Hawaii! So, we brought you to paradise, and while here, we thought we'd introduce you, and the viewers to something rather different. How comfortable are you all in water?" The question went out from Rosie, as the team was likely to have some very mixed opinions on that.

"Well....if you'd like to follow me, let me show you what we have planned."

The camera panned out, revealing the sandy shore beyond the dense mangroves and woods, as well as a few small huts on the beach where the group collectively walked through, and cut back with them at the huts, by the morning tides.

"Aloha kākou, welcome to Waimanu. I'm Tane, and this is Katie, and here to show you a bit of real Hawaii before you go out and race all over it. So, who here has surfed before?" The question went out, the two instructors, Katie and Tane, the latter's Polynesian carry coming out to the wider group in front of him. The former was a shorter, blonde-haired stereotype of a surfer, while the latter had a Tongan, burly build, perhaps more akin to Harrison in skintone than anyone else.

"We'll show you all you need, and get you started out here." Katie added,

It wasn't long before the group were in wetsuits, and with surfboards to hand, were being readied for what was to come.

A Hawaiian lea as a little award sat on the beach, left there for whoever stood up longest....and it was clear that Max's snowboarding skills didn't translate, Harrison was absolutely sending it, and Jenny seemed to be somewhere inbetween, before getting quite a nasty wipeout on the last break.




Thursday August 17th
New Hilo, Hawaii Island, Republic of Hawaii, Federated American States
1800 HST

Solarpunk




Soundtrack: Kaela - Superliminal

The city of New Hilo was something beyond comprehension to someone that might have been alive 70 years prior, but to those that lived, worked and played in the city, it was the bustle of four million people that made up the best lifeboat in the now second to most eastern Hawaiian island. With much of the remaining small towns of western Hawaii island destroyed from ash and vulcanism in the events of Kanaloa emerging and Mauna Kea's massive eruption, many believed that these lands would never be habitable ever again. Instead, through a mixture of private investment, and the energy provider Coalescence Energy finding that Kanaloa's thermal capacity could be harnessed, it created a hive for data centres, rocket launches and chemical plants, your usual energy intensive activities through lax regulations. And that needed a city for people to live in, to make their own, and to staff them.

The refugees from the Pacific brought their own cuisine, food, culture. Fijians, Tongans, Micronesians, all fleeing flooding, weather and the pulling of foreign aid that left them without a home. Entire countries, islands left underwater as the sea levels rose and nothing was left to stop the tide coming in. Anti-immigration rhetoric spewed when they arrived, but then again, the United States collapsed under the weight of its own disasters, as did much of the world in the 2050s and 2060s. No help was coming from the Mainland. Many had hard memories of that, so self-reliance became key. Let the world in if they want, but they weren't coming to carry the people of the land. So the Republic of Hawaii was a quasi-independent state in the aftermath of that, and in the light of the destruction caused by the seamount volcano, made decisions to create a future braver than any. Those refugees brought with them not a sense of shame, but a willingness to build, and they happened to be in the right place to staff that future. New Hilo was a city-state within a new state like no other.

Instead of creating Kowloon, they created a human-scale paradise. Something that took vision, an Eco-City that actually lived up to name. Most towers were barely over six storeys, with a central green-glass structure that stood at 40, like a basalt tower, low density with forest and tree plantations and streams in many streets, traditional wooden Hawaiian architecture meeting cutting edge safe, clean and efficient design, it felt....well, like a futuristic fairytale. Design in mind with humanity, no towering buildings, and a city that felt more like forest than an actual settlement given the palms and pines. Water recycled near infinitely, energy produced completely from the distant orange glow of Kanaloa volcano across the bay, food produced on rooftops and on walls, in vertical farms and literally produced in a way that was symbiotic to the environment. Solar panels, wind turbines in building structures that avoided polluting the landscape, it meant that each of the structures and buildings looked like fingers of some ancient Polynesian society rather than a city. Advertising was non existent, or at least, far more subtle, making it feel more like an urban jungle than an actual city. And markets, social spaces and community was carved out in a way that let the cultures that came here, thrive together, rather than isolate- quarters still dominated by one language or another. Equity, yet balanced by forcing an integration in a new way of life.

A small flutter of drones broke the peace, but with no flying AVs, cars, in fact, anything here inside the city itself, it was incredibly quiet. A gigantic dockyard sat out of view, turning it into the logistics centre of the Pacific, trade often finding itself here in the freeport before moving to where it needed to go. The chemical plants, once key to the development of this place, had long since shut and been completely folded into algal processing and biofuel production farms.

The tech companies followed the others when energy, water and human capital abounded, with virtually unregulated free trade making it easy to do business, and the government being committed to high levels of security, education and social cohesion. Then local firms emerged, built like Cooperatives inspired by the Basque model from immigrants from North-Eastern Spain. Many of those settled in New Hilo creating the port of New Euskadi in the south of the city, given their extensive knowledge in large-scale structural and environmental engineering, and added another angle to what was already a very exotic melting pot. The near destruction of their Basque homeland through forest fires had forced them here, and despite how out of place they were, they bloomed even among Pacific Islanders that made the city what it was. International environmental companies, many of whom were instrumental in the great rewilding and geoengineering efforts across the globe made the Hawaiian Islands their home as a testbed, as did the Oceanic Whanau, their HQ of Honolulu and providing a collective voice for the islanders who had lost everything and found no country, or concept entirely able to take them. A highly fertile soil between East and West, the old powers and the new, sat like a nexus point that linked it all together. Like Singapore with volcanoes.

The movement of billions could have ended the Pacific, but if anything, they embraced the future harder than anyone else. Innovated more, and from nothing, created an entirely new way of living that transcended traditional capitalist narratives. Communities, culture, yet finding ways to create new things and build from that nothing into something. A model of a new world they were willing to share, almost as if in a peering-through-glass kind of way. They had built what they had built, but didn't take refugees from the continents, outside of the ASEAN area, and in another way, that achievement seemed almost what made it more remarkable. They'd done it their way, and as silly as it seemed at first, now it was showing the fruits of why it was worth it. While other cities choked in their own squalor, limited themselves to their history, as beautiful and as stunning as they were, this was something else. A city that more than fed itself, more than looked after itself, seemed to now be imparting that into the world.

And somehow, they'd done it without destroying their cultural heritage, or their environment. The west of the island was still an absolute wreck when Mauna Loa erupted violently and virtually fried it all, but the choice to create a new rainforest reversed the tide of biodiversity failure, and was the single most impressive, if not important turning point in ecosystem recovery and rewilding that humanity had seen. Vulcanism created fertile soil, and when the volcanic activity stopped, it let a landscape go from black to green within a generation. A choice that was seen as stupid, ignorant of resources and demands, proved to be a dividend for future generations decades later that saw it come back to fruition. Culture had been maintained in the hills, and it felt distinctly like the land had been put back to hundreds of years.

Yet New Hilo was not perfect, given it also felt like Singapore in terms of how it treated crime, the language being so different on every street it felt strange to go from Basque to Tongan to English and back to Hawaiian, and the fact that living here required abandoning any idea of what a normal city dweller would be comfortable with. Public transport was intentionally not that great despite AV bus lines and an overground metro to encourage cycling, walking and connectivity- on the other side of whcih, the Maglev virtually turned journeys to Honolulu, a more "Western" city by any extent, into a metaphorical portal.

Some lamented the loss of jobs in recent times, especially since much of it had been resourced back to more traditional bases, and the city government's constant use of referendums on a weekly basis frankly felt like an invasion of time for many residents. And perhaps it gave off an air of being boring. It was sculpted, but outside of the cultures here, it felt a million miles away from the dirty, cool, underground feeling of other cities, London's charm and history to somewhere like Buenos Aires's anarchy that made it so alive, so real, so tantalising. There weren't clubs here, there wasn't that cyberpunk feeling that came with bars, dirt and danger. Not even the super rich were here, unlike the abundance and excess of Monaco, it almost relished in being a city that put people into interaction, equity over anything else. If you wanted quiet, there was an island devoid of anyone now, left to nature and untamed. Even Aachen, a garden city that probably blended the ecologically focussed aim of a solarpunk world with the reality of people being people was not something New Hilo considered a compromise. It was absolutely different, and may as well have been written in a science fiction piece from another 100 years into the future, given that the lack of roads, walkways and architecture with nature, streams and plants at their core, ran so counter to everything humanity had ever built.

If other cities at least felt recognisable to people decades prior that the calendar visited, albeit with a new lick of paint and technology, this felt interstellar.

Yet if the street food and music was decidedly Pacific fused with Basque, bringing Thai green curry into mix with Fijian sweet potato and synthetically-produced North Atlantic Cod, it was exclusionary, and being in the city felt like a place that did not want outsiders to tether themselves in permanently, even if the trade and ideas were allowed. Almost like a version of Japan 100 years prior, it wasn't so much as racism, as it was just almost as if it didn't want to corrupt itself, it felt decidedly, and significantly foreign to anyone visiting in just how different life was. The creole of Basque, Hawaiian and other languages seemed outwardly like people here spoke a language that even a Earworm hadn't figured out entirely the rules of.

Starting from a refugee camp to an ecologically focussed city, it was what it was, and didn't want change now from outsiders that weren't willing to adapt. To give up a car or AV, to eating food only made on the island, and taking a co-operative feel rather than a capitalistic one would be alien to anyone- this wasn't socialism or a commune, it wasn't even a third way; it felt like an isolated example of something totally different. It let visitors look, but didn't let them touch, beyond the bits of tourism that they did allow special guests like Delta Hyper in, it didn't feel like a place that was drowning in excess, but rather, living in the reflection of the world beyond itself. Hawaiians may have been famous for hospitality, the lei and the warm embrace of a ukulele on a beach, but strangely, it felt like when the world forgot them, they wanted to forget the world's embrace when they looked inside and remade their world, quite literally and figuratively.

If Solarpunk had a city, it looked like this. The air clean and near silent bar voices from markets, cycle bells and the occasional permitted AV, the buildings green, and a culture and feeling that this was a model for living. Not some idealistic one, but one that felt biophilic, intertwined with the very volcano in the distance that created life and destroyed it in tandem.

The pilots had a chance to explore the city, given their accommodation wasn't on the volcanic island as it had less in the way of amenities than even Mare Austral- it was here, with an AV shuttle allowing them to cross the small strait to the volcanic mountain literally decades old in the making. There was fanfare for Formula AG being back in town, plenty of events on, but none of them were commercial outside fanzones that had gone up fast from each team in the city. Oceania was obsessed with Formula AG, probably being one of the largest markets outside of Europe, East Asia and the Americas, being one of the first to adopt and race it, so the fans were of course, gutted to not be in attendance, but glad to see the teams themselves.

Coalescence had agreed with the Republic that as part of hosting that Pilots, if they were going to do anything related to their teams would not promote sponsors but rather promote themselves, their stories and their lives, returning something back to the communities that they were idolised by. Stories in Polynesia, after all, were currency worth more than gold. They didn't need charity, they needed engagement, inspiration, and the pilots that attended were that. From events in the city to beyond in the volcanic hills and mountains, pilots were here to show a very different side of themselves. Walks up mountains, to hub events in the cit yitself.

How they did that was up to them, if they wanted to. Unlike Silverstone, it wasn't a stage, unlike Canada, it wasn't cookery, unlike Italy, it wasn't a mountain hut away from everything, unlike Belgium, this wasn't an exclusive charity gala. This was their chance to show off who they were, their story with their team's support or on their own, and their identity so far to a captive audience in a new world that even in globalisation, they were truly foreigners in, and could inspire.




Sitting on the roof of one of such green buildings after all was said and done in the evening sun, the eco-block gave a panoramic view of a sun about to pass the far horizon on the southern coast, instead of the hyper-tech like white walls or traditional concrete and composite, this was wood and greenery. A garden on a rooftop, where, in that view, the yellow sofa sat.

"Welcome back to Delta Hyper, Bea. We know you never spent time here, but does it feel like a strange return back to home, nearly at the antipode to where you live? What would you say about your experiences in Hawaii so far, how does it compare to London?"

"Hello Paul, and welcome to the Delta Hyper couch once again. With the season taking us to such incredible places, from the surface of the Moon to the legendary race tracks of Europe, how are you feeling about our unplanned visit to Hawaii?"

"Kais, welcome back on Delta Hyper! How have you found the change so far this season, with a visit to Hawaii instead of Rwanda, as planned in the season?"




Friday August 18th
Moa Tempesta Circuit, Kanaloa Island, Republic of Hawaii, Federated American States
1400 HST

The Tempest


Soundtrack: 65daysofstatic- Under the Summs



The tiny island of Kanaloa in the last 60 years had sprouted vegetation densely in the rich, organic soil that had propagated, and despite being barely 20km2, with an almost stereotypically jungle-island-needle like volcano contrasting the other shield-like structures in the Hawaiian archipelago. The eruption's end, endless rain, and a little bit of ecological work had turned the island from a barren black mount to a lush green rainforest, dominated by nothing apart from Moa Tempesta, a ground-breaking geothermal plant that instead of drilling into the earth's core, instead worked right at the coal face of the quietened caldera. Unlike traditional thermal schemes, it produced a significant amount of efficient electricity through a fusion-supported cycle, and the excess heat was piped into New Hilo for heating and industry. While fusion was beginning to get cheaper, there was no denying that Tempesta had single-handedly, created all of what happened across the strait.

Nobody lived here, mostly due to Moa Tempesta being a quite literally heat-extracting boiler that created an endless amount of steam so much that it turned it into rain that peppered the island itself, left just the wildlife and track on it as features that made it feel truly alien, wild, and strange. An Ecological Preserve was the other reason, and well, sulphur was not ideal as a smell given it reeked around the plant itself higher up the mountain, where the trees ended and the barren black moon-like environment took over on the Palmer Plateau, the only remotely manageable bit of land that Moa Tempesta could be built on below the bubbling, red-glowing caldera. This wasn't something that felt like it was here forever. It felt like it had arrived yesterday, and already been filled with rainforest. An island sculpted almost by human hand yet left totally over to nature.

The commentary team pipped up, sitting in a commentary booth overlooking the track, and the short straight of the pitwall before the circuit began, Rosie and Rory in place.

"With teams gearing up for practice, we're joined by Rory Andrews. Rory, would you like to take viewers through the circuit?"

"Yes, it is an impressive track. A replica of a classic, Moa Tempesta uses much of the same technology used in our Italian AGP race, but is used in a more confined space with tight, MAG-driven corners and less in the way of snow, and more in the way of technically difficult lush rainforest. The circuit starts at the base of a valley, densely in the rainforest into a tight left hander at Turn 1 (Poaka) followed by a loose right left at Turns 2 and 3 (Tartaro), before climbing up one of the spines of the volcano, flanking through a historic lava tube (Tempesta Climb), and a brand new cut that has full MAG tracking in 360 degrees of the tube itself, creating a pivotal overtaking spot on a circuit that is incredibly twisty in other areas."

"The circuit then emerges into Moa Tempesta itself- the plant is still active and operational, and runs through a series of straights interrupted by hairpins and chicanes in the approach roads (Turns 4, 5, 6, 7- Pira Complex and Kapua Complex), running up and around a lava dam- an enormous wall of rock that holds in the extruded magma chamber of the Kanaloa Caldera, known as Kami Crater, and directing the continuous flow of lava from the now calmed, shield-like volcano off into the northern face of the island. The circuit then descends with a hard left at Turn 8 (Lamia) back down through another series of deep, gouged valley-like lava tubes and streams that emerge during rainfall, and then winds back down through the rainforest deep into a steep valley with multiple inversions and chicane-like complexes at Turn 9, 10 and 11 (Lacroix, Hina and Maui), with 90 degree knife edge runs through decants and walls, and new for 2094, a long section running behind a rapidly eroded waterfall at Turn 12 (Manilla) cut into rock. Each come with a mixture of fast, medium and slow corners that bring us back to sea level through Turns 13, 14 and 15 (Mari, Gulf and Coal Corners)."

"The circuit then loops down vertically and into a chicane-filled section, going to the coast before cutting back in to the newly built pit area, where me, Rosie and Aurora are watching. Energy Systems are critical, with so many MAG Sadly, with no fans today the virtual stands are up but if you're watching at home, enjoy through your devices just how lush this circuit is. Wow, I thought we had it good in Rwanda!"

"Yes, it was unexpected to return here. Now, as the lights go green, ships are leaving the pits, and we're seeing them take to the track."

The rain gently picked up, and stopped, coming and going in showers, making the run around the volcano caldera even more spectacular, the glow of orange in the background behind ships, or through the rainforest a smattering of colour.




Friday August 18th
Moa Tempesta Circuit, Kanaloa Island, Republic of Hawaii, Federated American States
1900 HST

Mahalo my Dude


Florence Mason


Back in the temporary pit, the modular buildings and the tracking outside as temporary as could be, the evening sun was beginning to close in on the densely forested canopy, and turn things darker than the clear skies would allow.

With the NOVA ship adorned with a rainforest-inspired pearl leaf scheme of its own, best seen in person up close, that took the livery to another level, Florence was busy with diagnostics.

Plugged in and running the track again and all the data, configuring her last adjustments. Setting each corner the way she liked. She stopped, seeing Sally appear, waving a hand, pulling hand to neck and peeling out.

"We looking good here? Florence asked, as Sally nodded, sitting down by her side.

"How's it all going? Managing Bella, the role, yoursel..."

"It's fine. I miss her a bit. Formative years and all that. But, I also love racing. And Mark is a great dad. He gave up all of his bits working on Luna to come back to it, and I think he enjoys it a lot. They get to watch me race, and they know I'm happy doing what I love." Florence replied, Sally taking her star pilot's response quickly blurting out, to the point, and knowing where Sally was going.

"That is good of him. I never asked. I know you don't mention it a lot, but what you're doing here, it's....well, it gave a lot of the staff a lot of confidence. The management aren't expecting miracles. But with your involvement, the staff are beginning to believe in this." Sally replied, as Florence nodded, sitting up.

"That's good. I mean, I believe in this project. And what it can do. But also, because it's a good opportunity to throw my hat in the ring. I never was that good at doing stuff delegated, I...guess I had to get stuck into something. This was it, and well, I'm glad it's working. Like anything I do, I suppose." Florence mused, as Sally nodded, walking across to the ship, resting her palm against it.

"Good, good. I was hoping you'd have a word with the board about next year. We had horrific stability going in, really bad procurement. I just hope they don't make the same mistake."

"Aren't they listening to you?" Florence asked, as Sally shrugged, looking up at it, then back down.

"To be honest, they see me as a left-behind object from Fitzroy. The success came despite it all, but....what can I say. You're a bigger voice, with success. And they might listen to that more than me." Sally retorted, as Florence nodded, putting away the neural line, standing up and also leaning against the ship.

"Perhaps. But don't knock yourself back. You got this all here. And I can do that for you, but the results will come. Maybe not yet, like you said. Procurement's your business, Sally, I'll deal with on track, and make them turn heads. Get you something to shout about. Between us, we've got this." Florence replied, ever confident, as Sally nodded, a strange feeling of a Team Principal wanting the backing of a pilot, rather than the other way around.

"Good, I appreciate that. Rare this sort of thing happens. Hawaii won't be our circuit, not if we can spare it."

Florence shook her head, a grin forming as she peeled back the circuit layout, looking over it.

"Not if you go for a riskier ELS strategy, and load up the cells harder. A lot more battery charge in the ship's hull, through a supercapacitor bank might do it, store more power from start and reduce the amount picked up on circuit. I did it here years ago when they were trialling ELS. Dodgy, yes. But like you said, we didn't have a chance. Means you can react if there's a Virtual Safety, find a little more energy out of corners than others later in the race, but the ship will feel like it's basically tazed half the time."

"You suggesting we break the rules?"

"I'm suggesting we bend, Sally. We know it's going to take a miracle to do well here. So shit or bust." Florence suggested, as Sally looked up, looking through the delta times, nodding.

"For you then. Sure your reputation isn't going to be burned up by this entirely?" Sally asked, as Florence shook her head.

"Zygon fielded an entirely false chassis for a race, maybe two. We'll need a lot more bravery if we want to compete. Management don't care how we do it. Only that we do, and start to take scalps like you did earlier in the season every now and then." Florence replied, as Sally realised where Florence was going with this.

"Oh....then I might have some ideas of my own." Sally grinned, as Florence smirked, and with it, a text went out to get a few engineers back.

It wouldn't be much, or enough, but a 50/50 was worth a punt.
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Team Valkyrie Headquarters
Monday August 7, 2094 Late Afternoon
Aachen Germany


Alexander had a meeting with Cavan now that the ships were back in the paddock. He joined Cavan in his office in the engineering department. Alexander noted that the mechanics and engineers were already in the process of tearing the ships apart and inspecting them for damage. Alexander smiled as he accepted a cup of black coffee from Cavan who understood his need for the black nectar. He gave a sigh of satisfaction as he sipped at the rich dark brew. He took a moment to enjoy his coffee before starting the conversation they needed to have.

Alexander: “Lipusv is sending some engineers to help out till we get more hired. I want those ships torn apart and reworked again. Whatever Dorian had asked to be done needs to be rethought because the Nürburg race was a disaster. I understand their frustration. See what we can do rework the engines and try to find some more speed without compromising the stability, handling, and ELS. The next race is Hawaii and my sources say that ELS will be critical. So whatever you can do to support those systems for the next race would be great. I should have new engineers hired after the next race. We also have a research and development contract happening later today with Meridian Aerospace to develop a new engine for the new ship. Once the agreement is signed, work should start shortly after the race in Hawaii. I do want you to consider separate setups on the ships tailored to the way each pilot races. Paul has better technical skill and is better in the corners than Dorian. Dorian has the experience and has a better sense of how things need to change from track to track but his age is showing. Dorian is better with the ELS systems than Paul. Paul has worked hard to bring his skill level up but Dorian has a better intuition on when and how to deploy the ELS. Any concerns or questions?”

Cavan had been listening as he sipped at his coffee. He had been nodding along. He had been expecting something like this after what happened at Nürburg. Cavan had a pretty good team of engineers. They were stretched a little short with trying to maintain the current ships and work on the plans for building next year’s ships at the same time. Work had to be slowed on next year’s designs to handle the immediate needs of the race season. The extra engineers would free everyone up to be able to contribute more to the design sessions and then the prototype testing as they tried what worked. Cavan’s brow furled in thought as he considered what kind of support he needed from Alexander.

Cavan: “We have run into a supply issue on some proprietary parts for the antigravity engines that have created a bottleneck. Certain elements used in their manufacturing have been backlogged or supply has been limited in certain raw materials. If you can do anything about that, it would help.”

Alexander nodded. “I was aware of some of it. Send me the list. I will run it past Lipusv to see what the hold up is. Maybe she can help get it for us through the government contracts.”

Cavan smiled as it was so different from his days at Fitzroy when he had to make due with what they had on hand. Cavan gave Alexander a grin.

Cavan: “I want my anniversary off. Babysitters for the kids and tickets to the art museum and reservations at that hot new restaurant everyone is raving about the Gilded Spoon.”

Alexander’s eyes crinkled as he let out a genuine laugh. “You are on your own buddy. I commend you for planning ahead though. I will confess, talk to Mabel. She is a godsend with getting stuff like that done and will remember to order the flowers when you don’t. That is why I pay her well and treat her right. You have to convince her to help you though.”

Cavan looked panicked for a moment and then excited. “Damn your right I did forget the flowers. Really I can ask Mabel for help?”

Alexander laughed again and shook his head. “Cavan, you should know by now that Mabel does what she wants too. She is her own person. My advice is to ask and see what she says.”

Cavan smiled happily. “Thanks for the advice.”

Alexander nodded and then moved on to his next point. “Dorian’s engineer Remy Deschamps will be promoted and moved to join the main engineering team at headquarters when Dorian retires. Feel free to lean on him for help with the new ship designs or ideas on how to tweak the ships for the individual racing circuits. He has experience from working with Dorian over the years. Carmella is good and brings fresh ideas with her as she does setup for Paul. However the experience Deschamps has shouldn’t be wasted. It might be beneficial to host some team collaboration brainstorming sessions to get those ideas cross pollinating to see if we can come up with new ways to do it.”

Cavan nodded in agreement. “That was on the schedule for tomorrow morning. Today is all about tear down and looking for wear and tear and damage. I will reach out to Carmella and Remy and ask them to join us.”

Alexander moved on to more updates Cavan needed to know about. “Next weekend Banshee Microsystems will be upgrading all the computer systems here at headquarters and that includes here in engineering. I wanted you to know so you can plan for it. The plan is to get it all done on Saturday. You can be here to supervise if you want too but I don’t think you will get much done that day. We also are bringing in Radian Security Systems to overhaul all our security systems which will begin next Monday. They shouldn’t disrupt your work too much in their initial assessment. Once we have agreed to what the updates will look like, you will be informed of any changes that impact your department.”

Cavan nodded and felt a worry and tension he had been unaware he had been carrying release. “You know it was a worry in the back of my head after hearing about the charges against Brendel. I think it is a good idea and prudent of you. I am glad you are taking those steps now.”

Alexander finished his coffee. “I appreciate that you feel that way. Well I am off to my next task. Let me know if you need anything else.”




Formula AG Pilot Group Chat

Amy Stirling You're one bad social media post away from having George Russell energy @Paul

Paul @Amy Stirling Why Amy you say the nicest things about me! Are you trying to flirt me?

Ben Hale Why have I been told to bring trunks to Hawaii? What shit is Delta Hyper planning?

Paul@Ben Hale I was already packing my board shorts. I want to try surfing. I am hiding Dorian’s speedo though and buying him some board shorts! His speedo is almost indecent. He is such an exhibitionist.

Harrison Can recommend Basqueatoes in *W3W co-ordinates* afterwards, really good Basque food in New Hilo area

Cassie Neves You are taking the piss. Wait, they do Patatas Bravas in Sweet Ch....fucking hell I'm in

Astrid I'm on that too, I'll book us a table :)

Paul@Astrid Count me in! I don’t think I have ever tried Basque food.

Amy Stirling Speaking of, I thought I'd sort out Singapore food too, given you can't have any fun there without being arrested lately. Tsai Wen Tower for a spot of dinner?

Dorian @Flo Mason Agreed, it was crazy. Me and Paul should be able to, I think?

Ava Villarosa I'm in, I think Bea too?

Cassie Neves Sure, me and Han can come

Harrison Not sure about Nora but I'm down

Paul@Dorian @Amy Stirling Sure count me in for Singapore too! Sounds like fun. Avoiding arrest is always good.




DELTΔ HYPER


Episode Twelve: Hot Like Lava





Thursday August 17th
Waimanu Valley, Hawaii Island, Republic of Hawaii, Federated American States
0500 EST

Surf's Up


Paul yawned, having been woken up before dawn at the request of the Delta Hyper producers. It was cool before dawn on the island. Paul was dressed in warm athletic gear unsure what he was walking into. The team was staying in an apartment tower that had been rented out to FIAR for the race. He was sharing an apartment space with Dorian and Alexander. He felt picked on since Dorian had not received the early wake up call. He felt like going to his door and knocking on it to wake him just so he was not alone. He decided it was not worth listening to him gripe about it all day. He refilled his sports bottle with water before grabbing his bag. On a hunch he had stuffed his board shorts in it. Breakfast was not a possibility so he scarfed down a protein bar on his way out of the apartment.

He was soon picked up in an old Japanese minivan that looked like it had seen better days. The exterior paint was pitted from the salty ocean air and it was rusted in a few places. Paul’s knowledgeable eyes saw the beefed up suspension underneath it that gave the minivan better clearance and traction on different types of terrain. The suspension showed mud and dings from rocks showing it was well used. It was nowhere near what you might see on a rally car but it was better than a bog standard minivan designed for suburban streets. Paul chuckled as he could almost see a soccer mom driving the kiddies to practice.

Paul climbed into the very back of the minivan and pulled his bag off and promptly used it for a pillow. Maybe he could go back to sleep for a bit. Paul managed to drift off with the chatter of the other drivers lulling him back to sleep. He was awakened after being thrown against the window next to him when the van rocked hard to one side and then back as it hit a pothole in the road.

He heard Harrison complaining about Bea’s driving. "Bea, slow the fuck down! We're not on track, we're in a shitbox van!"

Paul rubbed the red spot on the side of his head with his fingers. Paul added his voice to Harrison’s. “Yeah you almost gave me another concussion with that last pothole. Can we try to avoid those?”

Paul smirked knowing that his comment about her driving was likely to set Bea off. He grinned knowing it would just make her all the more competitive this weekend. Paul looked out the window now that there was more to see. The van was angled down a switchback gravel road that had been cut into the side of the mountain. It was clear the road was not maintained very well or used very often as indicated by the huge ruts and potholes that marked it. The view out the window was stunning. The sun was just starting to come up. False dawn gave just enough light to see what was ahead of them. Paradise was the only word for it. They were headed down into a wall of green trees and plants and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean crashed into the shoreline in a strip of white. They were too far away for more definition than that. He couldn’t wait for the sun to come up so he could see everything better.

Jenny started to come to Bea’s defense. "Relax, she's only crashed on gravel.....actually, never mind!"

Just as the van rocked heavily once more and everyone was thrown back into their seats once more. Paul put an arm up to brace himself more securely in place. The other van occupants added their swearing to the atmosphere. The van continued to make its way down the side of the mountain on the incredibly scenic route down into the idyllic valley.

Max’s voice was full of awe as he commented on the view. "The view is mental from here! God, what have you got us doing, Rosie..." Max commented, looking out through glass on the winding, granite-black gravel road, the Waimanu Valley one of few to not be completely ruined by the volcanic eruptions on Big Island, and left untouched as a paradise.

Paul answered Max. “Well I have to believe it has something to do with the request to bring swimsuits. It has to be something on the beach or in the water.”

Paul continued to watch out the windows but the view was soon swallowed up by the close packed trees on either side of the van’s windows which blocked the view of the valley. The van pulled up a slight rise and came down the other side of a gravel parking area in a small clearing with a path further to one side. There was a fog hanging over the area that was just beginning to lift as Paul stepped out of the ancient minivan. Paul was annoyed to see the bright and perky Rosie. His eyes narrowed a little envious of his caffeinated state. Paul could use a cup of coffee about now. They got them up at the crack of dawn! It was the only courteous thing to do after the long trek out here and being awake before dawn. Paul had to chuckle at his thoughts since he now felt like he understood Alexander’s addiction to coffee a little better. That wouldn’t stop him from teasing him. It was a running joke among the staff since Mabel was always trying to reduce his coffee intake. He would have to team up for Mabel for their next shift of shenanigans.

Paul tried to pay attention as Rosie beamed at them. No one should be that perky at the ass crack of dawn.

Rosie’s excited and perky voice cut through the morning fog like an excited Chihuahua barking. "Hello all, and welcome to Hawaii! So, we brought you to paradise, and while here, we thought we'd introduce you, and the viewers to something rather different. How comfortable are you all in water?"

Paul managed to mumble something. “Adequate.”

Rosie waved them to follow him like an eager beaver. "Well....if you'd like to follow me, let me show you what we have planned."

Paul walked along with the other pilots following Rosie as they led them down the path through the woods to a sandy beach with a small group of huts to one side. Rosie had them stop with their backs to the huts facing the ocean. There was the Delta Hyper crew there filming and a few people who looked like they lived here. One was a typical blonde surfer type girl and the other was a darker skinned Tongan with a burly build.

The Tongan introduced who they were. "Aloha kākou, welcome to Waimanu. I'm Tane, and this is Katie, and here to show you a bit of real Hawaii before you go out and race all over it. So, who here has surfed before?"

Paul smiled at the question. That was one of the things he wanted to try while he was here. Paul loved anything that let him go faster. When he was younger skateboarding, skiing, and snowboarding had been favorites of his. His mother had demanded he try other things than motorsports. He also wanted to try paragliding and parasailing while he was here but wasn’t sure if he would find the time. He had never tried surfing but it seemed the thing to do when visiting Hawaii where it had been born.

The female instructor Katie added her voice to the conversation. "We'll show you all you need, and get you started out here."

Paul answered the instructors' questions. “I have never surfed before, but it was on my list to learn while here in Hawaii.”

Shortly after Paul had been ushered into one of the huts where privacy dividers waited for changing areas. He was given a wetsuit and told to change. Once he was outfitted for the water, he was led back out of the hut and handed a surfboard.

Katie took Paul in hand along with others who had not surfed before. She began with the basics of how to stand up on the board. To Paul’s dismay they didn’t immediately head out to the water. She had them drop their surfboards in the sand. She then had them practicing popping up into a standing position in one smooth movement like a jump. Once she felt they had the basics down, she went on to demonstrate how foot placement and keeping your center of gravity and shifting would guide the board. She went over how to safely fall off the board. They were given warnings about not being crushed into the reefs and rocks below by the waves as they went over the top of them. She told them how to paddle out. He did learn why they had to be up before dawn. Evidently that is when the waves were best for surfing. Paul didn’t think surfing much would be in his future but he still wanted to try it.

Finally they were sent off into the ocean under the watchful eyes of their instructors. Kane had paddled out with the experienced folks and was playing lifeguard and judge. He was on hand to pull them out if they got into trouble.

Paul got a workout just getting out far enough to catch a wave. He managed to get his board turned around. He watched for the swells of the waves to see how the experienced folks were choosing their waves. After hearing Katie’s explanations he finally understood what he was looking for. He waited for a good one and a clear spot. He began paddling like mad. He could hear Katie screaming at him. “Paddle faster Paul!”

His board was moving faster and faster. He got his knees under him still paddling. He could hear Katie screaming at him again. “Now Paul NOW!”

The board began to dip down the face of the wave’s crest. Paul felt his center of gravity changing. He tried to pop up like he learned on the beach. He managed to get up on his feet and promptly lost his balance as the board kept going with the momentum of the wave and he didn’t manage to catch it before he fell off the side of the board. Paul swam up the surface and there was his board attached to his ankle by the tether. He paddled back out to where he had started. He turned his board around and tried again. He fell off the board about a dozen more times before he finally managed a shaky ride all the way into shore. He thrust his fist into the air with a big smile. He had done it. He could see it would take practice like when he was learning skiing to get faster.

It was a pleasant way to spend time at the beach. He was hungry though. He wasn’t sure about getting up so early to indulge in surfing as a hobby. Maybe if he lived closer to a pleasant beach such as this one. He certainly wouldn’t want to try to surf in the North Sea. The thought chilled him and caused him to shiver. Paul was not the best surfer that day. He didn’t embarrass himself but it did take him some time to get the hang of it.




Thursday August 17th
New Hilo, Hawaii Island, Republic of Hawaii, Federated American States
1800 HST

Solarpunk


After leaving the beach, Paul went in search of food. He spent some time walking around the neighborhood where the apartment was. He found the foodtrucks. He took pictures on his phone of the amazing city to send to his mother. He knew she had probably already been here for work but he couldn’t help thinking she would love to take photos of the city. He saw an art mural draped and almost hidden by plants and smiled. He took a picture and sent it to his mother. The art felt like a hidden treasure one had to find to enjoy. He liked the whimsy of his own thoughts. Paul had been left mostly to his own devices. He had been approached by fans with questions which he answered. The fans were even different to what he was used to seeing. They didn’t ask for photos so much as more information about him. He tried to answer honestly based on the terms of what FIAR had arranged for the race. He laughed when others asked him if he really liked the Zap drinks they always saw him drinking after a race. He told them that he did but he had his favorite flavors and they were orange and cherry. The fans here seemed more real and genuine somehow. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it but they were different. Paul wandered around exploring the city until it was time for his Delta Hyper interview.




Paul found himself sitting on the roof of one of the buildings in the middle of a garden-like setting. The buildings were eco-friendly with green roofs. He laughed as he took a seat on the familiar yellow sofa even as the backdrop was not the traditional wall with the Delta Hyper symbol on it. The Delta Hyper Symbol was freestanding on a metal stand in front of the wood wall. It still felt very familiar despite the differences. Paul was wearing cargo shorts and a Team Valkyrie polo shirt and sneakers for his interview.

Aurora: "Hello Paul, and welcome to the Delta Hyper couch once again. With the season taking us to such incredible places, from the surface of the Moon to the legendary race tracks of Europe, how are you feeling about our unplanned visit to Hawaii?"


Paul: “Hello Aurora, always a pleasure to be here. I am excited to be here. I never thought I would get the opportunity to race here after it was removed from the circuit. I am excited to try a new track. I want to thank the fans here in Hawaii. They have been so warm and welcoming to me. I want to thank them for inviting Antigravity Racing into their home here in paradise. The food has been incredible so far. I am enjoying Hawaii. I plan to explore some more while I am here and get to see more of Hawaii and the culture here. I want to try paragliding and maybe sailing.” Paul looked thoughtful as he wrapped up his answer.

Friday August 18th
Moa Tempesta Circuit, Kanaloa Island, Republic of Hawaii, Federated American States
1400 HST

The Tempest


Paul got a solid good night’s sleep. He was at the track after eating a light breakfast. He was ready to see what Cavan and the team had done to fix the ship for this track. Paul was ready as he took his ship out on its practice run. Carmella and Cavan’s voices in his ear. He brought the ship up to speed as the engine warmed up.

Paul began to push the ship hard to see how it was handling. He could see why ELS would be a factor on this track. It was a tight and twisty track. There were only a few good areas for overtakes. He lined up for the first corner. The ship on what he felt was an optimal racing line. The ship rocked unsteadily on the exit.

Paul: “The handling coming out of the corners is rockier. Can we do anything to stabilize that better.”

He continued around the track. He loved the lava tube tunnel. He put the ship through a 360 degree corkscrew down the tunnel since he was the only ship on the track. He let out a joyful Wahoo down that section. Once the lava tube spit him out again he gave some more feedback.

Paul: “Can we adjust the gravity skirting to be tighter to the ship. It will give me better clearance for passing down the tube. It felt like it flared out in the corkscrew maneuver."

Paul continued through the track. He kept a close eye on the energy levels and the constant slow downs and starts from the corners ate into the ship’s energy reserves. He would have to watch that during the race.

Paul once more noted the issue and turned it over to his engineers to see what they could do about it. “The corners and chicanes are eating into the energy reserves. Is there anything we can do to help efficiency or reclaim more energy from the track? That is going to be vital for ELS defense and attack on this track.”

Paul finally pulled the ship back into the temporary paddock. He thanked the engineers and mechanics and left them to it.




Social Media


From: Paul Mulder @ValkyriePaul:

Well here we are in paradise! Wish me luck on the track! My thanks to all of you fans for your support.

[picture of the valley from the beach with the waterfalls in the distance]

MagnetoMuppet:Wow it’s beautiful there.
Nana2050:Thanks for bringing us along Paul!
Hater101: Why are you thanking him? He doesn’t deserve it.
Papabear34:Beautiful picture but it doesn’t tell us anything about the circuit.
HydrofoilHater Another distraction tactic so we don’t focus on his poor performance in the last race.
ThrusterJester:@HydrofoilHater 100% agree with you.

QuantumQuokka:Yes it is lovely but are you going to come through for the fans in paradise?
Bertha:@QuantumQuokka No he is going to choke again!
ValkyrieFan56:I think it is nice that he is letting us know what’s going on up to the race. This circuit is different, no fans will be onsite. Everyone will be watching virtually.
Nana2050:I like it. I feel like I get a better understanding of what’s going on in the race with the commentary.
MulderMuse:That’s beautiful and I like that he shared what he is seeing.
Paulmulder4eva:The only thing that would make that picture better is him in it topless in swim trunks…


RumorMill:I heard they scrapped and rebuilt the ships after Germany.
DantheMan: Yeah they needed to do something different.
RumorMill: Heard they are trying for more speed and better ELS for this track.
LegacyStan94:We will just have to watch and see. We will have a better idea after qualifying.
OfficeDrone#12:I am hoping this race will be more like Spa. Germany was so boring to watch.
SuperfanAGR54:@officedrone#12 I couldn’t agree with you more. I want to see movement on the grid and overtakes.



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