[color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Cause and Effect[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color] Alexander had done nothing but think about the choices he was facing as he flew on the company shuttle to England. He simply didn’t trust this information being handled any other way. He didn’t want to file it publicly but he understood how bribes and accidents might try to bury this information before it was ever brought into the light. Alexander was not naive but he did have rock solid morality. He had been through enough that he knew where his lines in the sand were. There were certain things he could not let slide and still be able to look at himself in the mirror. Some would say that made him an idealist. He felt it made him a realist. He knew if he was forced into a corner that he would walk away and leak the information himself live on air to multiple media outlets. He was hoping to avoid taking such drastic steps. He was not going into this with rose colored glasses on. He had no illusions about the damage this information could cause not to just Formula AG racing but to neural interfaces that made cybernetic augmentations possible and the people like his daughter who depended on them. The knowledge that neural interfaces could be hacked and taken over is not knowledge you want out in the general public. Alexander knew the damage unscrupulous folks could cause if they felt they could get away with it. This information needed to be addressed but it needed to be handled delicately. Alexander chose to go to Royston because he was not sure how much he could trust Johanna Lipusv with this information. She was looking for ways to make space safer for humanity but she was also looking for ways to push the envelope of what was possible. He would like to believe she would investigate but he didn’t trust her to take the information and use it herself for her own agency needs - a means to an end. Royston had the power to investigate and maintain control of what information was given to the media. He was gambling that Royston would not cover it up to save Silver Apex and would address the issue. Alexander had history with Royston. Royston had been with Formula AG from the beginning much like he had been. Royston was the one who had pushed for new safety measures after Audrick’s death. Alexander may have been persecuted in the court of public opinion but Royston had been firm but fair with him. He still believed that there was some kind of foul play in Audrick’s death but he had let it go. He would not let this threat go though. It impacted the safety of his pilots. He was never more grateful than his decision to upgrade their neural implants and that it had happened after he had uncovered just how far the rot had gone at Valkyrie. Alexander was out of time as the shuttle was landing in London. He was set on his course. Now all he could do was roll the dice and see where they landed. [hr] Alexander had left the plane with a briefcase, a small overnight bag, and his travel documents. He had an antigravity car waiting at the private air terminal to take him to Royston’s estate. The private driver had been hired to drive Alexander while he was in England. He would wait for him as long as this meeting took. Alexander had Mabel check with Royston’s staff to confirm he was home and that he was on his way with sensitive information and needed an immediate meeting with the head of FIAR. His staff had pushed back but Mabel managed to force the issue. Alexander had expected Royston’s staff to give him trouble when he got there and was pleasantly surprised to be let through security without much trouble. He soon found himself escorted into Royston Pearce’s home and presence. Alexander didn’t beat around the bush and laid out his suspicions and handed over the evidence to Royston. Alexander then waited while the man went through the information he had provided. Alexander was still dressed in dark gray slacks, a team button down shirt with the logo on the pocket, and his dress boots. His hair was a disheveled mess from running his hands through it. His clothes showed a long day and the travel with creases in places. His eyes reflected the soul deep weariness he felt with the weight of dealing with this knowledge. He waited patiently as Royston Pearce looked over the data and absorbed the implications of it. [color=92278f]Royston Pearce: "If this is true, Alexander, this is a breach at the highest level. That is an enormous scandal. Anonymous, sure, but there's enough here to prove fairly irrefutably if we digged into their logs in the way your logger shows." [/color] [color=00aeef]Alexander remained silent as he nodded to acknowledge Royston’s words. Alexander watched as some of that weight settled onto Royston Pearce’s shoulders. Alexander was sympathetic to the man. He had put him in an impossible position. He watched as Royston stood and walked over to a window and was looking out at the gardens in his estate. [/color] [color=92278f]Royston Pearce:"Alex, do you know why I believed in getting Formula AG off the ground? Like, beyond all of the stories I tell to the media?"[/color] [color=00aeef]Alexander shook his head no even as he answered the man. “I apologize but no I do not know.” He watched as the man sucked on an electronic cigarette. He recognized the device from his youth before they had been banned in most countries. He listened as Royston Pearce monologued and reflected on decisions of his youth like older men often did. Alexander simply listened knowing there was a point to Royston’s story. Alexander listened as Royston stated the obvious that Amy Stirling’s performance this season reflected a pilot nearing the end of their career. Her meteoric run and wins were coming to an end. Alexander knew Paul’s star was rising in Formula AG. He did not have the consistency of Stirling but he was consistently placing in the points as a new rookie pilot. The only two rookies to come close to his performance were Bea and Nora. Royston wanted some exclusive access to Paul for FIAR. Alexander felt his protective instincts flair and he wanted to automatically deny Royston Pearce what he wanted. It would look like favoritism in the court of public opinion. Alexander wanted to maintain as much neutrality for the team as he could. He tried to listen with an open mind but it was hard for him to trust after his history with FIAR. He had been fed to the wolves by the likes of principals like Peter Thatcher. It had cost him everything when he had left racing. It was hard to put his trust in Pearce now. He listened as Royston Pearce laid his thoughts and said that he wanted to handle the situation but he wanted something in return. Alexander’s protective instincts got stronger as Royston brought up his daughter’s own augmentations that had enabled her to live a mostly normal life after an accident that left her as a quadriplegic. Alexander followed along as Royston Pearce rambled and asked rhetorical questions before seeking a response from him. [/color] [color=00aeef]Alexander moved to look Royston Pearce in the eyes. “Let’s be honest with one another. You know I would take this to the press directly and damn the consequences if I had thought that was the right way to handle this. The public would be scared shitless if the truth of this ever came to light. It would set back augmentation, cybernetics, and nanotechnology for decades from the fallout. I have no problem letting you handle this situation as you see fit as long as you don’t sit on the information and bury it but actually do something about it. Even if their pilots agreed to this, it is obviously dangerous and doing permanent damage. Yes I want to win but the win means nothing if it is a hollow victory. I have no problem promising some additional press from the Team to highlight Paul but I have a few conditions of my own. I think you should highlight the rookies from the season. This would prevent charges of favoritism from FIAR for the Team. I like where you are going with how you want to include pre-race medical and technology checks by racing stewards on ships and pilot augmentations.” Alexander paused as he thought about Royston Pearce’s question. Where would he take FIAR next? “Well I have heard rumors about adding weapons but I feel that is taking it too far. I would rather see more skill involved somehow. Maybe points for hitting targets on the track? Targets that deliberately take a pilot off the optimum racing line. It would require skill to gather those points which would deduct time from their overall time maybe? I am not sure how that would work exactly but we need to keep and focus on the human elements and talent. I think we have lost sight of that with all the technology and pilot augmentations.” [/color] [color=00aeef]Alexander spent almost an hour with Royston Pearce. He felt lighter after he left the mansion. He believed that Pearce would handle the issue discreetly but fairly. He hoped it was not too late to help the pilots that had been affected. He checked into a hotel in London for the evening. He was saddened to know that pilots felt the need to go to such lengths to win. [/color] [hr] [color=gold][center][h1][i][b]DELTΔ HYPER[/b][/i][/h1][/center][/color] [color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Episode Eighteen: Ticking Hourglass[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color] [hr] [center] [h1][b] Round 18 of Formula AG Friday 17th of November Practice Day The Eye Wadi Rum, Jordan, Arabic Union 0930 Arabic Time [/b] [/h1] [/center] [color=gold][center][h2][i][b]As Crows Fly[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color] Paul had received directions from Delta Hyper via email to wear his racing suit and bring his helmet to the Delta Hyper taping that was scheduled for early this morning. In deference to the heat he was rocking a new racing suit in a golden yellow with dark gray trim. The helmet was painted in shades of dark golden yellow with some metallic gold paint that hinted at feathered wings with the Team Valkyrie Logo on the back. Paul was curious what they would have them do this time. He had to admit he had some amazing experiences that had been arranged by Delta Hyper so far. Learning to surf in Hawaii and diving the Great Barrier Reef were among his favorites so far. He looked around the grand majesty of the desert and felt the history of the place. His imagination could imagine long caravans of colorful bedecked camels crossing the deep sands. He was excited to see Kais was here. Finally maybe he could get some answers. He approached Kais before they joined the others for the filming. He pulled him to the side. Paul was more determined to get to the bottom of the text than ever after his conversation with Alexander. [color=fff200]Paul: “Hey Kais, I texted you back but I haven’t heard anything from you. I tried to see you after the race in Bonneville but I couldn’t get past security. Are you okay? What’s going on?” [/color] [color=f26522]Kais had a very controlled expression and he looked around scowling at Paul. “Not here. Not now. Too many ears and cameras.” The fury in Kais’ eyes seemed to weaken as he noticed Paul’s shocked face. [/color] [color=fff200]Paul looked around and noticed that they were being watched by numerous members of the crew with curiosity. He winced when he saw the number of cameras around as well. Paul: “Sorry I should have thought of that. We need to talk later.” [/color] [color=f26522]Kais simply nodded and moved to join the rest of the pilots. Paul followed in his wake with his racing helmet under his arm. [/color] [color=fff200]He looked around as Rosie was being filmed and introducing this segment instead of Aurora. [/color] [quote][color=ed1c24]Rosie: "Hello and welcome, and we're here this weekend in Jordan! The Hashemite Kingdom is our first stop in the Middle East, as we head to the desert sands of Wadi Rum for one of the fastest, and some would say, most cinematic circuits of the year." [/color][/quote] [color=fff200]Paul watched as the camera drones focused and followed Rosie as she slipped down the side of a dune. [/color] [quote][color=ed1c24]Rosie: "But, before we dive in, we're here with Paul Mulder, Kais Zenix, Beatrix Ward, and Bellatrix Olympus, and we thought it would be about time we have a tour of the playground of the sands, and on four wheels before the race." [/color][/quote] [color=fff200]Paul pulled on his media face. A bland charming smile that could mean anything but was his neutral face as he was introduced in the line up. His eyes had of course drifted over the older trucks that were clearly geared for off road running with special suspension work. Paul felt a glimmer of excitement. He had never had the opportunity to drive anything like this before. He had always meant to make it to Baja California and enjoy the dunes there. That kind of recreation did seem right up his alley. As a professional pilot, he was a busy guy year round. Being a celebrity made it harder to travel and do things under the radar. He was recognized everywhere he went. That took some of the fun out of it since he almost always needed to travel with security these days. It had been mandatory after the almost riot his appearance had caused in Tokyo when they were filming the advertising for Enigma Lux. [/color] [quote][color=ed1c24]Rosie: "Ever seen these before? We think the audience might appreciate just how big the dunes are here that AG ships sail over, with something a bit more grounded!" [/color][/quote] [color=fff200]Paul wanted to roll his eyes at the fake enthusiasm Rosie was rolling out as if they were giving them all the best present ever. Surprise! Drive these ancient buckets of bolts around the Wadi Rum in an impromptu race. Paul was happy to be paired with Kais. It was the first time he had been paired with Kais for one of these events. He smiled and was genuinely excited to see what the vehicle could do. He had knelt and was looking over the custom suspension as Rosie continued building the hype for this segment. Evidently they were racing in teams and were being joined by a World Rally Car driver. Paul let out a loud guffaw of laughter at the person revealed to be the driver. His eyes flew over to Bea to see what her reaction was. He was in Monaco when the two had almost come to blows at the Prince’s party. Paul had been assigned to drive and Kais was grumbling about losing the advantage to a foreigner. Paul pulled on his helmet and climbed up into the beast of a machine. He fastened the safety harness and worked his driving gloves down into his fingers to ensure full dexterity. He made sure he was familiar with the gear shift set up. He adjusted the seat and made sure he was in a comfortable position for driving. He looked over at Kais who had climbed into the passenger seat. He had folded up the maps and stuffed them into the glovebox. [/color] [color=f26522]Kais: “I don’t need a map. I come here often. Just be sure to follow my directions. Remember the gas pedal is the one on the right.” Kais fastened his harness after pulling his helmet on. He looked over and gave Paul a competitive smile. “Do not lose this race. We must win for my team. It is our home turf.” [/color] [color=fff200]Paul shrugged. “You never know what will happen in a race but I never race to lose.” He gave Kais a fist bump. They waited for the beginning of the race to be called. Paul hit the gas and began shifting as the truck’s big beefy tires caught the sand and flung it out in a long tail and arc as the truck shot forward. The truck was already rocking as it began to roll ahead. Paul focused on driving and left navigating to Kais. [/color] [color=f26522]Kais: “Turn at the dark rock. We need to get out of this canyon.” [/color] [color=fff200]Paul tried to follow Kais’ directions. It didn’t take long for Kais competitive streak to show. “Drive closer to the canyon wall. The ground is firmer and we can go faster.” Paul laughed as he felt like his kidneys were being shaken and not stirred even as he wondered if he would have any fillings left after this race as he was bounced around. [/color] [color=f26522]Kais’ accent was thick as he switched from English to Arabic. “Turn… TURN HERE> NOW PAUL! My grandmother drives better than you. Floor it! We need to win.” [/color] [color=fff200]Paul just laughed and went with the flow. He was having a blast as the truck roared out over a dune and came down hard on the other side bouncing. The sand helping cushion the impact as the old truck gained 4 feet air as they shot over the top of the dune. [/color] [color=fff200]Kais was screaming at him again and pointing for Paul to aim for another canyon but the entrance was small. Paul almost didn’t get the vehicle turned in time. The entire truck tilted up on one side as the truck went up at an angle on the canyon wall as he barely made the turn. [/color] [color=fff200]Paul: “Some warning would be nice bro.” [/color] [color=f26522]Kais: “I am not your brother. If you were paying attention to what I was saying you had plenty of time to make that turn. Pay attention and go faster.” [/color] [color=fff200]Paul: “I am not sure how much faster I can make this hoopty go.” [/color] [color=f26522]Kais turned and looked at Paul with an intense look. “There is only faster in a race Paul. You should know this. Now the canyon curves up here. Be ready for a sharp right.” [/color] [color=fff200]Paul was cursing and laughing as he tried his best to follow Kais’ instructions. He felt as if the truck was the ball in a pinball game. He was swerving left and right. The tires sometimes caught and sometimes they spun and dug in before catching again and would spin them in a new direction. He felt as if he was fighting the truck more than he was driving it. The truck came roaring over the last dune. They saw Mushroom rock ahead and Paul put on as much speed as he could. Kais let out a victory yell as they flew over the finish line and the truck bounced on the other side. Paul laughed and pulled the truck into a victory donut drifting the truck in a circle before bringing it to a stop. Paul looked over at Kais with a grin. “Well that was fun.” He got out to see if they had beat the girls. [/color] [hr] [h2]Pilots’ Group Chat[/h2] [quote][color=fff200][b]Bea[/b][/color] Also, have you seen the fight you two had on track? Bet you a fiver the next chapter features handcuffs and a whip. 😛[/quote] [color=fff200][b]Paul[/b][/color] Nope I am not going there. [quote][color=fff200][b]Bea[/b][/color] Hmm. Do I dare? [color=fff200][b]Bea[/b][/color] Do I dare ask what everyone’s wildest piece of fan content is? 😀 [/quote] [color=fff200][b]Paul[/b][/color]See my previous answer. Nope. [quote][color=fff200][b]Bellatrix.[/b][/color] @paul. I have a Dungorn at family home. ;) but it's really just used to store junk and my brother's spare rock stuff. Signed. Princess Brat :) @Beatrix. Deal, don't tempt a girl with a good time lol. Ps…also. I got sent a creepy story… im not sure i can even fully type it out… it involved a ship..ship… Ps. Anyone else feeling like Anakin..and sand…[/quote] [color=fff200][b]Paul[/b][/color] TMI Princess I am thinking more about Lawrence of Arabia. [hider= Team Valkyrie Characters] https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zrLx5XUgYiVm6KjTpFTWZtJvXc0MX77enkLzINHujKw/edit?gid=0#gid=0 [/hider]