[color=gold][center][h1][i][b]
La Villa des Fleurs, Spa
[/b][/i][/h1][/center][/color]

[hider=La Villa des Fleurs Hotel]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/DD50dFzZ/Villa-De-Fleurs.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/wN35zdmk/Back-entrance.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/yjBW3sP/Entrance.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/BH7vVhBC/Staircase.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/bj8XBMq4/Lounge-2.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/ksCnVywz/Lounge-1.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/6RpwRBC1/Room-2.jpg[/img]
[url=https://ibb.co/YBnP6wMm][img]https://i.ibb.co/HTwB03s6/Bathroom.jpg[/img][/url]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/spRtKkv1/Breakfast.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/CsDtV3dn/Dinner.jpg[/img]
[/hider] 

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. 

[color=fff200]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.”
[/color]

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. 

[color=fff200]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!”[/color] 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. 

[hr] 

[color=gold][center][h1][i][b]DELTΔ HYPER[/b][/i][/h1][/center][/color][color=gold][center][h2][i][b]The Shared Couch[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color]

[hr]
[quote][color=yellow]”Does anyone else feel like they are on the seat outside the dean’s office?”[/color]

Paul lowered his voice and gave a conspiratorial whisper. [color=yellow]“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?”[/color] He waggled his eyebrows enquiringly at Bea and then Kais.[/quote]

[quote][color=#1EFF24]”Not like the dean’s office at all.”[/color] Bea shook her head, [color=#1EFF24]”Every time I went there, I knew exactly what they were going to ask about.”[/color] She answered as innocently as possible in stark contrast to the words coming out of her mouth.
[color=#1EFF24]”But how do [i]you[/i] know what sitting in front of the dean’s office is like, mister golden boy gentleman?”[/color] 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. [color=#1EFF24]”What did you do? You broke something, didn’t you? Something expensive.”[/color][/quote]

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. 

[color=fff200]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.” [/color]

Paul looked into the camera and did his best to look sincere and apologetic. [color=fff200]“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.” [/color]

[hr]

[center][h1][b]
Race Day
Sunday July 31st
Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
1400 EST
[/b][/h1][/center]
[color=gold][center][h2][i][b]The Battle of Stavelot[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color]

[center][h2][i][b]Collaboration: Beatrix Ward vs Paul Mulder[/b][/i][/h2][/center]

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. [color=f7976a]“All systems look green from here. Radio check Paul. Confirm.”[/color] 

Paul: [color=fff200]“Confirmed. I read you loud and clear Carmella. All systems read green on my end.” [/color]

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. [color=f7976a]“Time to take the ship to the starting line.’ [/color]

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. 
[h2][center][color=red]5
4
3
2[/color]
[color=green]1[/color][/center][/h2]

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:[color=f7976a]“Great job Paul. You are in P4. Jenny is 4 seconds ahead of you.” [/color]

Paul: [color=fff200]“Shit!” [/color]

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: [color=fff200]“Paul P3! Amy is 5 seconds ahead of you!” [/color]

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.

[color=#1EFF24]”Goodbye.”[/color]
[color=#129914]”Nice pass, you’re P1.”[/color] Alistair had time to say before Les Combes, falling silent to not distract his driver through the next series of corners.[color=#129914]”She’ll try to get you around the MAG tracking of sector two.”[/color] 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. [color=f7976a]“P2 Paul!” [/color]

Paul's voice was quiet as he said [color=fff200]“And then there was one.” [/color]

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. [color=fff200]“The hunt is on! I knew Bea wouldn’t make it easy for me!” [/color]

Carmella: [color=f7976a]“Paul the engines can’t handle continuous redline. You are close to blowing the engine. Pay attention to your temperature gauge.”[/color] 

Paul:[color=fff200]“Carmella shut up. It’s my race now.” [/color]

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. 

[color=#1EFF24]”And where did you come from?”[/color] 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.
[color=#129914]”You’re pushing the edge, Bea, ease up through the corners.”[/color]
[color=#1EFF24]”I have the local hero nipping at my heels, if I ease up I’ll have to let him pass.”[/color]
[color=#129914]”The AG unit is peaking on corner entry at one, seven, eight, ni-”[/color]
[color=#1EFF24]”Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing.”[/color] 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.
[color=#129914]”VSS for accident.”[/color] Alistair cautioned.
[color=#1EFF24]”Everyone alright back there?”[/color]
[color=#129914]”Yes, it was a minor one. But both Mensah and Atlassi are out of the race.”[/color]
[color=#1EFF24]”Poor Hamid. Not how you want your debut to go down.”[/color]
[color=#129914]”Nope. Looks like they’ll get it cleared away quickly.”[/color]
[color=#1EFF24]”Good. We’ve got a race to win here. Pointers in the meantime?”[/color]
[color=#129914]”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.”[/color]
[color=#1EFF24]”Check. I’m reading nominal engine and radiator temps, your side?”[/color]
[color=#129914]”Same here, thermal capacitor at 35 percent, predicted to stay below 90.”[/color]
[color=#1EFF24]”Ha, Felix’ gizmo works!”[/color]
[color=#129914]”VSS ending, go get them!”[/color]

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

Carmella:[color=f7976a]"Virtual Safety Ship has been called for a crash on the track."  [/color]

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

Paul: [color=fff200]“Carmella is everyone okay?” [/color]

Carmella: [color=f7976a]“Yes but Mensah and Atlassi are out of the race.” [/color]

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. 

[hr]

[color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Belgium: Cooldown[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color]

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: [color=00aeef]“You okay Paul?” [/color]

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

Paul: [color=fff200]“Well I might need some help. I am not feeling too good even as I feel ecstatic.” [/color]

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: [color=fff200]“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.” [/color]

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

Konrad’s authoritative voice made him focus on him. [color=9e0039]“Drink it all down now.” [/color]

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. [color=9e0039]“Again”  [/color]

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. [color=9e0039]“Ready to try standing again?” [/color]

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: [color=fff200]“I think that did it. I feel a little better.” [/color]

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: [color=9e0039]“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.” [/color]

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. 

[color=#1EFF24]”I’m alive, I swear. No need to poke me with a stick.”[/color] She called out to the other two pilots as she watched the highlights. [color=#1EFF24]”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.”[/color] 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:[color=fff200]“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.” [/color]

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. 

[color=#1EFF24]”And you…”[/color] She turned to Paul, poking a finger in his direction before changing it to an offered hand to shake. [color=#1EFF24]”...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!”[/color] 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: [color=bc8dbf]"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!" [/color]

Paul gave Amy a bright smile. [color=fff200]“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.” [/color]

Paul was already slurping down another Zap drink feeling parched. 

Paul overheard Amy’s words to Bea. 

Amy: [color=bc8dbf]"This one isn't a fever dream, Bea. Go out and enjoy every second of it. This is your moment." [/color]

Paul added his smile to Amy’s voice. [color=fff200]“Lead us out to the podium Bea. Enjoy this moment. You earned it.” [/color]

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. [color=fff200][b]“Yahhhh!”[/b][/color] 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. 

[hr]

[color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Stolen Moments[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color]

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: [color=f6989d]“I saw you almost fall. Are you okay?” [/color]

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

Paul: [color=fff200]“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.” [/color]

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: [color=f6989d]“He would be so proud of you. He would of course brag to all his friends that he taught you all you know.”[/color] Her hand reached up to cup his face gently. [color=f6989d]“You reminded me so much of him today.” [/color]

Paul’s expression showed he was conflicted. [color=fff200]“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.”[/color] 

Alicia looked up at him in tears. [color=f6989d]“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?”[/color] She gave him another pat on the cheek.[color=f6989d] “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.” [/color]

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. [color=fff200]“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.” [/color]

Alicia gasped softly as tears fell softly down her cheek. She nodded and wiped them away. [color=f6989d]“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.” [/color]

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. [color=fff200]“I would love that mom.” [/color]

Just then there was a knock at the door of the room. A voice he didn’t recognize called through the door, [color=ed1c24]“My apologies Mr. Mulder but they are ready for you on the Delta Hyper set.” [/color]

Paul sighed and called back. [color=fff200]“I will be right there.” [/color]

Paul smiled down at his mother. [color=fff200]“I need to finish this interview. Would you like to join me for dinner? I need a shower first.”[/color] 

Alicia smiled at her son. [color=f6989d]“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.” [/color]

Paul snorted and laughed. [color=fff200]“What is this kindergarten?” [/color]

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

Alicia: [color=f6989d]“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.” [/color]

Paul gave his mother a warm smile. [color=fff200]“Of course mom.” [/color]

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. 

[hr] 

[color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Delta Hyper: Pilot Interviews[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color]

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. 

[hider=Picture of Paul and Alicia Mulder]
[img]https://i.ibb.co/hFh5nmtP/Paul-and-Alicia-Mulder.jpg[/img] AI generated[/hider] 

Paul smiled at Aurora. [color=fff200]“Hello Aurora. Thank you for having me. I want to introduce you to the special woman in my life, my mother.”[/color] Paul gave his mother a sideways hug. [color=fff200]“Aurora, this is my mother Alicia Mulder.” [/color]

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: [color=ed1c24]“What a pleasant surprise Paul! Welcome to Delta Hyper Alicia. You must be so proud of Paul. Thank you for joining us today.” [/color]

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

Alicia: [color=f6989d]“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.” 
[/color]

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

Alicia: [color=f6989d]“You may use this portion for your show. Now I am leaving before you ask me something I don’t want to answer.” [/color]

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: [color=f6989d]“I will see you at dinner.”[/color]

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. [color=fff200]“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?” [/color]

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. 

[quote]Aurora: [color=ed1c24]“Paul, absolutely gutting for you to just miss out on 1st, nearly going back to back on the top spot of the podium.” [/color][/quote]

Paul: [color=fff200]“Nope”[/color] Paul shook his head emphatically in the negative. [color=fff200]“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.” [/color]

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.  

[quote][color=ed1c24]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?”[/color] [/quote] 

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

Paul: [color=fff200]“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!” [/color]

[quote][color=ed1c24]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!"[/color][/quote] 

Paul shrugged his shoulders before answering the question. [color=fff200]“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.” [/color]

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:[color=fff200]“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.”[/color]
 
[hr] 

[center][h1][color=fff200]Social Media[/color][/h1][/center]

[center][b][color=fff200]From: Paul Mulder @ValkyriePaul: [/color][/b][/center] 
[center][color=39b54a]TO @MadBea[/color] [@starlance] [/center]
[[color=fff79a]Picture of Paul on the podium as Bea poured ice cold champagne down his back. He is wearing a funny shocked expression.[/color]] 
[b]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. [/b] 
	[color=fff200]Weedhead81:[/color][color=39b54a]@MadBea [/color]I keep trying to tell Paul, forget celebrating with the beer. Try some primo weed. You won’t regret it. 
		[color=fff200]MagnetoMuppet:[/color]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! 

[color=fff200]Nana2050:[/color]The “Legacy” is a class act.  
	[color=fff200]Hater101:[/color] Legacy my A$$. He only took p2. Let’s be honest, Bea was amazing. 

[color=fff200]Papabear34:[/color]I loved the back and forth between him and Bea. That battle in the second half of the race was brutal.    
	[color=fff200]HydrofoilHater[/color] Oh great. Another “perfect gentleman” podium. This is AG Racing, not afternoon tea. :rolleyes:
		[color=fff200]ThrusterJester:[/color]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.


[hr] 

[center][b][color=fff200]Team Valkyrie AGR Sport @TeamValkyrie[/color][/b][/center] 
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, [[color=fff79a]link to Team Valkyrie Store[/color]]. 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 [[color=fff79a]Link to the Mulder Foundation[/color]].


[b]PosterShoppe[/b]
[[color=fff79a]image of a poster of Paul and his father’s ships both at the Bus Stop turn at Spa.[/color]]
LEGACY AT SPA — P2 poster. Proceeds from the paid version go to the Foundation ([color=fff79a]link above[/color]).
	[color=fff200]Paul@ValkyriePaul[/color]That is very generous of you. Can you send me one?
		[color=fff200]QuantumQuokka:[/color]Calling it now: Spa was scripted. How else does Valkyrie go 		
		from dumpster fire on Luna to podium streak? Follow the money, sheeple. :ph34r:
			[color=fff200]Bertha:[/color]Hmm tell me more.

[color=fff200]ValkyrieFan56:[/color]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.)
	[color=fff200]Nana2050:[/color]It is nice to see someone acknowledge Alexander Knight’s role in Valkyrie’s success. 
		[color=fff200]MulderMuse:[/color]Every visor lift at the podium, you can see it — that mix of relief, pride, and “I wish Dad was here.” Feels.
			[color=fff200]Paulmulder4eva:[/color]I know right! It makes me want to kiss his pain away. 
				[color=fff200]OfficeDrone#12:[/color]Rumor has it his mother was at the track to watch his race. 
					[color=fff200]RumorMill:[/color]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)



[color=fff200]DantheMan:[/color] [quote=@AGNN_trackfeed]“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.” — [i]AGNN[/i][/quote]
	[color=fff200]LegacyStan94:[/color]
	Audrick: P2 at Spa in ’46
	Paul: P2 at Spa in ’99
	Me: Crying in legacy. :’)
		[color=fff200]OfficeDrone#12:[/color]Paul is performing but Dorian is lacking here lately. At least he posted some points at this race. 
			[color=fff200]SuperfanAGR54:[/color]LEGACY P2! Mulder Back on the Podium!
				[color=fff200]BatDave:[/color] Batman sends his approval.   

[color=fff200]Superfan2075:[/color]That race was fire! They both dropped the hammer. So exciting to watch. 
	[color=fff200]DadBod89:[/color] Yes! That is the kind of racing I want to see. 
		[color=fff200]GeorgeFly:[/color]That was the most exciting race we have seen all season. I can’t wait to see what happens next. 
[color=fff200]BusStopBarista:[/color]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.
	[color=fff200]Paulmulder4eva:[/color]Really? I wish my ticket had been for that part of the track. 

[color=fff200]!YouSlow!:[/color] From Silverstone’s heartbreak to Montreal’s shocker and now [b]P2 at Spa[/b]… 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
	[color=fff200]Britball12:[/color] Paul is placing consistently in the top 5. He is definitely one of the rookies to watch.   



[hider= Team Valkyrie Characters]
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zrLx5XUgYiVm6KjTpFTWZtJvXc0MX77enkLzINHujKw/edit?gid=0#gid=0
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