[b][centre][h1] Bellatrix Olympus. Nordic. Jordan. Desert Dunes. 19 -11 - 2094.[/h1][/centre][/b] [b][h2][centre][color=fff200]Jordan[/color][/centre][/h2] [/b] [b][h3][centre][color=fff200] Race Rituals. Pre race. 19-11-2094[/color][/centre][/h3] [/b] The morning before the race Bellatrix paced in a lilac sports bra, matching leggings and tried to relax as she sat doing her meditations and yoga, trying to centre her mind and channel her energy away from the chaos. She sat outside with a protective sun screen, going though movements and forms slowly, steadily as light warmed her skin and the wind moved her hair and provided no mercy from heat even early in the morning. Bellatrix had nothing hidden as she worked with the metallic spine and reinforcements fully open to the world, her augments were part of her life and bonded as one entity, there was no separating the two anymore in her mind. She stepped mid movement to run a hand through her hair and fell backwards just lying down and looking at the bright skies above them from horizon to horizon. Bellatrix did not move for a while and just lay there flexing her metallic, then organic toes and drinking from a reusable water bottle with glowing blue design that kept cool even in hot weather, the battery life was rather short here though. A sharp beep came near her head making Bellatrix lift her body and roll over onto her chest to check the phone. [color=ec008c]“Sure. Be over in 5..maybe 10.”[/color] She said into the phone and ended the call and groaned before moving to push off the ground and find some clothes to wear and the slow morning was over. The busy, the chaos and the frantic energy would begin. … “All Pilots and ships ready in 1 hour.” Came over the pit intercom on a tinny speaker as people worked like a hive of ants in the especially confined spaces Jordan provided. It was hot, heavy and people moved through planned and practiced motions, check, verify, confirm. Panels were being locked and secured, heavy carts piled with tools, wires plugged into numerous ports and screens that ran text and data graphs in lines of green texts, code and other information from the ships sensors and systems. Bellatrix was looking on as her team worked on the ship, her name and a Welsh flag clearly painted on the hull. Someone had even painted a small pink crown as part of the design with a B design akin to her cap. … “Come on, up ya go.” Sif pulled Bellatrix up and into being able to climb safely into the cockpit, its systems already partially activated with firm hands moving to help secure the straps, secure them tightly and lock the quick release catch together into the belts. [color=ec008c]“I know the drill.”[/color] Bellatrix lifted her arms so Sof could check everything was tight, locked in and tested the fit of her giving it approval with a casual double tap to the head as a good to go signal. “All ready, watch the temps. It's dry, dusty, and we cannot get clean air so easily. We got extra filters but they can also limit cooling flow too.” Sif finished and went to lean back so the cockpit could be closed. [color=ec008c]“Got it, watch the temps, save the extra coolant, until I need it. Why is it always sandy or hot Sif?”[/color] Bellatrix asked as she checked the dials and settings where all green to go. “5 minutes. The intercom voice, across the entire garage and people began to rapidly make space for the ship to exit.”Because, us Engineers have to suffer for our art. Good luck.” She ended and closed, locking down the heavily reinforced pilots compartment, with sloped additional protection that had been installed to help deflect a stray rock off from the pilot given the race terrain. Nordic call made small safety changes to adapt to races, it was approved and the effect on speed was negligible. “Go, go go…” someone outside the garage said over Radio and waved the ships out and pointed their way to the start line, several others joining that block of traffic to the grid, releasing roughly in order. “Copy. Nordic is go.” A voice said confirming as the two ships left into a small stream of racing ships headed to the line and mid of the pack. [b][h2][centre][color=fff200]Jordan[/color][/centre][/h2] [/b] [b][h3][centre][color=fff200] Racing. 19-11-2094[/color][/centre][/h3] [/b] … The start was dusty, messy and entirely choked with traffic due to the bad position but Bellatrix was beginning to get the measure of the pack ahead and formulated a plan to get past. The additional installation that seemed silly paid off when it sent a larger rock kicked up by another ship deflecting off and away with minimum damage and carried on her move, several smaller rock strikes but breezed past, 1 down, far too many to go but it was a start. She was fighting up the pack but it was as tough going as the meetings agreed. The team panel crew would not like the dents in the hull but that could not be helped as ships raced through the red stained deserts, tails of dust and loose rock followed where each one left dramatic looking shots the cameras must be making the most of. 5 laps later Bellatrix made that 2 down as she passed a pilot who misjudged and swept on by cleanly, no fuss, no drama, a clear better line and glided right past them and steadily cutting her path to the points and to salvage a small victory from this utter cluster fuck of the race. She was lining up and checking out her next target when the whole system came alive with warnings. “Heat warning.” “Engine temperature warning.” “Engine temperature exceeding operating range.” “Fuel mix error.” “AG motor error.” “Engine bay status system fail.” “Left rear Cam. Fail.” “FIRE. ENGINE FIRE. EMERGENCY BEACON ACTIVATED.” Bellatrix was in a well armoured and protected pod, her limited view did not let her see the fire behind her the status systems where showing but externally the camera panned instantly to see several panels with flames leaping from the Nordic call ship, thick black smoke and the bright paintwork soon vanishing to fire, heat damage and smoke stained grey. By time final warning hit the flames fully took hold and one panel of the ship was just gone showing flames leaping from the Engine hatch as Bellatrix did her best to pull the ship off to a flat area of ground dead ahead. “And. Olympus, Bellatrix of Nordic has had an engine fire, we are live as she is fighting the ship off into the escape lane.” “I don't think Nordic will repair this one.” Another less subtle commentator said as the camera panned to watch the crash after the engine fire. Those few seconds felt like hours to Bellatrix in the cockpit. The controls were on emergency and felt like forcing a 200 ton super hauler on manual rather than a racing ship to force them over. With a great effort driven by augmented strength and sheer adrenaline the ship came to halt cutting through a sand dune for dozens of metres given she was racing at nearly 150mph beforehand. Even before she could panic, training kicked in and Floki being a mother hen about safety was truly worth it. Slamming the emergency button, an ear ringing noise and blast of force detached the entire canopy section and sent it over a dozen metres into air and away, the second effect saw a huge plume of steam and noise as all coolant, fire suppression systems and more was dumped into the engine bay to slow down the fire. “Wait for the hell frost my dear, count to 3.” He had said in his own way, explained later but reality was different as the AG motors super cooled state was diverted into a dramatic final pilot protection system forcing flames away from the cockpit. The final result… Bellatrix slammed her emergency release, the pain as she was force disconnected from her ship sent a jolt right down her spine and to her ends of body but she forced, grabbed, rolled and was rolling down the side of the ship and just moving till she felt the hands of stewards pulling her away and noise of people rushing towards the fire. [color=ec008c]“What the….”[/color] Bellatrix's first words as she patted herself frantically seeing her suit was fully intact bar superficial damage, smelled of smoke and her helmet had needed help to remove after the protective seals and other things moved to do their functions of protecting the user. “Where, what…” She asked as the last few short minutes were all a blur of chaos. The pain and aches came later. One of the stewards had an arm about her shoulders and took her into the medical centre for standard checks, if you crashed. They checked. That was the rule for decades. In the final shot media got Bellatrix managed to raise a thumbs up, red hair messy, with a helmet half hung off her chest showing she was at least not seriously injured and walked in, with help. Had chaos not happened. That might have been one of the images of the race in the media. As it happened , chaos was alive. …. [b][h2][centre][color=fff200]Jordan[/color][/centre][/h2] [/b] [b][h3][centre][color=fff200] Delta Hyper 19-11-2094[/color][/centre][/h3] [/b] Several people fussed over Bellatrix as she headed out, sure she had a limp but that was thankfully the worst of it, she would need a new race suit and helmet but that was fine, she was alive and walking out of a 150 mph wreck. Her ex was right, they were not the same people with the same idea of danger and when to quit. Bellatrix was happy to climb back in Istanbul, they would have had her off for 2 months and with a therapist. Some people were built for it. Some people were not. Not that she blamed them. Pilots were a different kind of people. You had to adapt. It was that attitude that had her walking over to the Delta hyper area in loose and comfortable dress, on advice of Ren and her bodyguard it was longer, more loose in a light green with some chunky jewellery and stylish scarf from a local store she had borrowed off one of the team. All in all, thanks to others she was stylish, comfortable and looked the part for Jordan. That style was less as she had Ren with an arm helping her, her body guard followed and one of the crew had come, he said the team was worried so insisted and joined the small group. Bellatrix sat politely waiting, legs crossed and relaxed, she was still aching from the crash and clearly was not entirely as she was normally but she was alive, healthy and in front of them even after a bad engine fire. Having seen the images, she saw how hot and how much damage the ship took. They would have to salvage it and see what was left and what went wrong. The engine was utterly scrap metal for sure. [color=ec008c]“Thanks Aurora, it was pretty scary but Nordic systems and training really worked, I got out safe and while Floki is eccentric, he got that right.”[/color] She said making her team have a big up even if they lost! She was alive, unhurt permently and just limping with a headache etc now. [color=ec008c]“Im just glad to be ok right now to be honest, i lost, but im not hurt badly, thats a win. I still have to call my parents, so I might be a long one.”[/color] She joked and kept it light. Bellatrix had left the medical centre and have to have a few check ups but that seemed to be minor price to pay. Turning back to the race. Yeah, she was looking to get 10th, but that did not happen. [color=ec008c]“I was looking for points, we where on track and we had a good plan to hold at least 9th or 10th.”[/color] She said honestly, could they get a higher place? Maybe even just getting a few points would be helpful in the construction championships. [color=ec008c]“Il see you all in Istanbul, I have a ship and il be back.” [/color]She directed the pilots and the cameras, she would not quit. … Then someone was here to meet her, but not Nordic. He was a rather talkative man from the racing body. He answered no questions, just told them all to go to a certain place for checks. Bellatrix said her doctor said she needed to take it easy and headed back for a nap but was overruled and soon being shuffled off to the medical area, well again in her case. [color=ec008c]“Rude… bloody drone.”[/color] Bellatrix cursed in Welsh as they parted. … [b][h2][centre][color=fff200]Jordan[/color][/centre][/h2] [/b] [b][h3][centre][color=fff200] Post Race. Post neural tests. 19-11-2094[/color][/centre][/h3] [/b] Hours later Bellatrix's mood was far less charitable as she departed the checks, did they realise her spine, neck and body down her left side was heavily augmented? Her whole body from the tests they had made her do, after a crash no less, her body, mind and soul felt exhausted after the bullshit she had to endure. She was new! Whatever those fucking idiots did at the other teams she just joined the season, not even done 3 or so races? Wtf? [color=ec008c]“Whoever grabs me again, I will break your hand into pulp. Get me my team and my fucking lawyer, team boss and my security here now.”[/color] Bellatrix said with a rather pronounced accent, the gentle Princess was long gone and she left with her security, team security and a French woman who was currently talking so rapidly into a phone that most of the words had blurred into sound. “Ma Bell, stay quiet, we will tear them down later… but we need a plan. Get the doctor here, now.” Ren said as they provided an escort back to her quarters and also gave a clear order to a team member who decided despite not being their team, the French woman, an injured pilot, was serious enough to do so. [color=ec008c]“Fine, but I want heads.”[/color] Bellatrix said as one of the staff with them decided that their team Princess had plenty of steel and fire, not just pink and fluffy as she sometimes played up. … [b][h2][centre][color=fff200]Jordan[/color][/centre][/h2] [/b] [b][h3][centre][color=fff200] Nordic Huddle. 19-11-2094[/color][/centre][/h3] [/b] “This is … what the hell are they up to over there.” The Nordic Team principal was downright confused, frustrated and equally concerned for his two pilots, one who climbed out a burning wreck. They had never, ever messed with that kind of thing, Nordic took pilot safety as a matter of culture. Sure they might bend an in ship technical rule but the pilots minds and bodies? They would close down first. “Find out what's going on. Now. Floki, get the hull salvaged, see what you can do. Bjorn, get our security to meet the pilots, I do not care for their people. They can do one. Ours. Media, stay quiet for now, just say we are concerned etc and take pilot safety as our guiding principle.” The meeting was short but decisive. Orders were given and the team was equally parts disturbed and protective of their two pilots; they had watched on the screens seeing one of their ships send dark smoke over the desert that day. “Pilots?” Someone asked unsure how to handle that issue and noting down rapidly. “Let them rest, we will have a full talk when we get back what happened, why and any deals we have with Silver Apex, agreements. Anything. It is now over.” He knew the brand would be utterly toxic so now was the time to let the plague ship loose. They would not be tied to people who thought this was even a thing you could test. ... [b][h2][centre][color=fff200]Jordan[/color][/centre][/h2] [/b] [b][h3][centre][color=fff200] Home...ish. 19-11-2094[/color][/centre][/h3] [/b] Urgh. Bellatrix was seen by the team doctor whose language got a little fruity but said she was ok, rested and to take it easy. No sims and racing for several days. She had already been rapidly disconnected from one ship and forced into a second round of tests. [color=ec008c]“Thanks doc, I'll behave.”[/color] Bellatrix said tiredly, she was about to hit the pillow when saw a voice mail after phoning her parents to say she was safe. Oh…? A former…champion. Talk? This was curious… worst case. Bellatrix takes Ren and so with her… [color=ec008c][b]Florence. Reply. Message. “Istanbul, yeah, Thursday night good? I got some time then to talk. Sorry, I'm beat to hell mentally and physically right now, goodnight.” Trixie. X[/b][/color] [b][h2][centre][color=fff200]Jordan[/color][/centre][/h2] [/b] [b][h3][centre][color=fff200] Media. 19-11-2094[/color][/centre][/h3] [/b] … [b]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ​NORDIC CALL RACING ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING THE JORDAN RACE AND RECENT FORMULA AG ALLEGATIONS[/b] ​Following the events of the Jordan race, Nordic Call Racing has issued an official statement on behalf of the entire team and its pilots regarding the recent allegations shaking Formula AG. ​On the Allegations Against Silver Apex ​We at Nordic Call Racing are utterly horrified by the recent accusations of neural link tampering, mental manipulation, and illicit activities within Formula AG regarding Silver Apex. ​Nordic Call Racing fully supports any and all sanctions applied against Silver Apex in this case. Their alleged actions violate every core value, ethical standard, and principle that our team stands for. ​Our Commitment to Pilot Safety ​At Nordic Call, safety is not just a protocol—it is our absolute priority. We have always endeavoured to ensure that our pilots come first. We have never, and will never, endanger the individuals who make up our team and our family. This remains our unwavering promise to our athletes, our fans, and the motorsport community. ​[b]Pilot Status Update[/b] ​In light of recent events, both of our pilots have undergone comprehensive medical and regulatory checks. We can confirm that all results are entirely within official regulations. [b]​Bellatrix Olympus:[/b] Following her recent crash, Bellatrix has emerged largely unscathed, escaping with only minor injuries. While she will require a brief period of rest to fully recover, we are incredibly pleased to confirm that she will be back in the cockpit and ready to race for the upcoming round in Istanbul. ​[b]Media Contact Notice:[/b] Any further official updates regarding the team, our pilots, or ongoing developments will be broadcast exclusively through official Nordic Call Racing team channels and authorized media outlets. ​[b]### ENDS ###[/b] [b]Bonjour, chers amis! 💫 ​A little update from the desk of Florence Dubois (“Ren”) regarding our dear Bellatrix Olympus.[/b] ​✨ The Latest News ​I am so incredibly happy—and deeply relieved—to report that following the crash in Jordan today, our lovely Bellatrix has escaped with only minor injuries. Quel soulagement! ​Naturally, there will be a slight delay to her upcoming streams and activities while she rests and recovers, but things will resume just as soon as she is back to full strength. ​💌 A Heartfelt Merci ​Your beautiful messages, warm wishes, and endless support mean the absolute world to us right now. Seriously, your kindness is completely priceless—merci beaucoup from the bottom of our hearts. ​We will keep you closely updated as she mends. Until then, sending you all so much love! ​Gros bisous, Ren … [hr] [b][center][h3][code]Sun 19/10/94 Formula AG Pilot Group Chat[/code][/h3][/center][/b] [color=fff200][b]Cassie Neves[/b][/color] Are we not going to talk about the giant fucking elephant in the room? Like, is this chat just going to sit here silent? After we all got a load more scrutineering? [color=fff200][b]Harrison[/b][/color] Yeah that allegation is worrying. Cannot believe it. Can't believe we got held around for another six hours. [color=fff200][b]Astrid[/b][/color] Told you that Amy was a bot. Glad we kicked her and Jen out of the group. Is she coming back? Anyone know what the extent of it is? [color=fff200][b]Wedge[/b][/color] You are fucking cold Astrid lol no idea, but I heard it was suspension until they get to the bottom of it and no idea [color=fff200][b]Dorian[/b][/color] Well someone wins a championship if she doesn't.....doesn't sit well with me. Nora deserves that but even then, feels like the worst scandal I've seen. I booted Jenny out, I feel sorry for her, she's brand new. @Wedge Standard protocol. We did it with Jamie and Layla [color=fff200][b]Ava Villarosa[/b][/color] @Cassie Neves agreed. This is terrifying. [color=fff200][b]Astrid[/b][/color] bet you know something Ava [color=fff200][b]Cassie Neves[/b][/color] @Astrid No, fuck off. Ava and Nora nearly died and if in any way this is connected, this is gonna make me snap. I'm willing to get as much chrome as anyone, we all are. Neural link interfacing past safeguards? No way. At that point, Amy is basically more ship than person. Are you out of your mind? In fact, is that what happened to Layla? @Kais? [color=fff200][b]Wedge[/b][/color] Woah Cass chill [color=fff200][b]Florence[/b][/color] Listen, they didn't know. Don't blame them, they're suspended until further investigation. We can't comment, otherwise the rest of us are going to get screwed. Last thing I want is ending up getting a lot more restrictions that just make it shit to compete. Intrusive testing is messy. It hurts a lot. That's what I'm scared of. [color=fff200][b]Cassie Neves[/b][/color] Says the person from fucking Silver Apex! Florence I knew you were a fucking snitch, you surely had to know? Unless you're a bot too? [color=fff200][b]Kofi[/b][/color] Florence isn't, even if she races like one, but seriously- agree with you Cassie, we need to be united on that. We can't get divided here. Florence- what did you mean? [color=fff200][b]Dorian[/b][/color] Guys chill out Florence definitely isn't she has a kid, cmon [color=fff200][b]Hamid[/b][/color] eyyy Cassie that is unfair, don't go after Kais like that. Layla has nothing to do with this. Far as I know, she retired of her own volition- she's really private outside of racing. Saw it as a way to get into post-humanism. [color=fff200][b]Cassie Neves[/b][/color] No, she wasn't. I didn't agree with Layla at all but she wasn't ever like that, ever, and you're talking out of your arse because you're paid that way. Is everyone here going mental because all of this is bullshit? [color=fff200][b]Astrid[/b][/color] ngl we all are but you're the only one throwing shit at everyone we have no way of knowing anything until the results come back in and far as they said, Silver Apex tampered with them in a way that's nearly impossible Also, you literally are at Zygon when did you grow a spine, or switch personalities? do they offer that now? [color=fff200][b]Harrison[/b][/color] Cassie has a point, didn't know her well but Layla wouldn't have quit, Jordan felt pretty empty without her, not gonna lie, not my place but she'd have loved it (sorry Hamid). Not seeing her at all is weird. Miss that weird Jordanian. [color=fff200][b]Kofi[/b][/color] everyone calm [color=fff200][b]Florence[/b][/color] @Kofi On that earlier comment- intrusive neural testing is awful. It basically starts to poke around at where the neural link bonds to synapses past motor functions in the temporal lobe (memory) and is very painful. Did it when Silver Apex was rolling in a new interface platform (the one that usually does all of your body's biomonitoring / diagnostics, and hurt the worst when you had it installed). Many of you wouldn't have had it because it doesn't normally happen now in modern systems as it latches to the back of your brain and wires up neurons to it, rather than deep in. Really not looking forward to it. Don't agree with anyone tampering at all, but FIAR are going to open a can of worms. Especially if you have artificial limbs, it's artificed through your temporal lobe too, then it's even worse. Like the worst migraine you've ever had with pins and needles. Feels like you're being pulled out of your own body. [color=fff200][b]Ava Villarosa[/b][/color] Shit. @Bea, can we catch up? I'm worried about Amy tapping into other pilots. @Cassie Neves and @Harrison are right... There is no way it's just Amy. Too much noise around. Some corporate is going to adore this tech. It's way too dangerous. [color=fff200][b]Cassie Neves[/b][/color] @Ava Villarosa you were asking around half the grid with @Kais and now you're wondering if it's anyone else? shit I wonder how Carrera got so good, especially when Bea is friends with Amy, you couldn't even see it inside @Bea you really need to come clean. Tell us what is going on, because you're the only person it seems like who knows her. Beginning to think I made the right call. actually now I think about it that makes a lot of sense, guess you weren't drinking the juice @Ava Villarosa [color=fff200][b]Ava Villarosa[/b][/color] oh fuck you, you saw the facility, puta de hijo, don't DARE say that about us. Bea can answer for herself. You're full of shit, they'll do worse to you in Seoul. You wanted to leave, you think they reward disloyalty? Or are you projecting? [color=fff200][b]Ben Hale[/b][/color] Wait Cassie nearly went to Carrera? [color=fff200][b]Astrid[/b][/color] this is a mess [color=fff200][b]Dorian[/b][/color] Everyone- they'll get to the bottom of it. We're all paranoid right now. We don't know what FIAR will do. Whatever it is, it's for the safety of pilots, and they'll know all of this. If we fight among ourselves, it'll fall apart if any of us speak up to media, for much worse. You all know that the ships don't work without them, and it goes both ways. FIAR have to find a way to make this work and they can't replace us. Right now, our neural links are safe, unless anyone in any way has tampered with them in their teams. Tens of millions of people use it and ours are the most scrutinised, so this is an anomaly. Me and Kofi have got a Pilots Rep meeting with them later. Recommend we don't talk about this and wait this out. Nobody do anything stupid. Any panic and Florence is right, they could get worse. Glad I'm leaving though. This is insane. [color=fff200][b]Wedge[/b][/color] Hopefully this gets dealt with! [color=fff200][b]Cassie Neves[/b][/color] @Wedge admire your optimism @Ava Villarosa sorry if trust is in short supply but I don't buy anything I hear anymore @Dorian did you know something about this? [color=fff200][b]Astrid[/b][/color] amy not winning the title because she's a bot was not on my bingo card [color=fff200][b]Florence[/b][/color] @Cassie chill the fuck out, don't throw anything at Dorian. [color=fff200][b]Dorian[/b][/color] nothing my end [color=fff200][b]Paul[/b][/color] I can confirm the testing sucks! It is painful and invasive. I didn’t like it at all. However, if I have to go through this to prove I am not cheating or being taken advantage of unknowingly, I can’t help but think it is in our best interests. That is all I will say for now. [color=fff79a][b]Bellatrix.[/b] [/color] They fucked us all over. All of us. Do you realise how that feels when it's your spine? After an emergency shut down the same day? Silver Apex have crossed the line where they were no longer human. We may push the rules, we may bend them. Those are lines that should never be crossed. Their neural tech people should be charged and put on trial. For the record. Yes. I do have extensive augments, that include my spine, left side, AI management, self maintenance etc. This is to keep me alive since I was young. I'm not one of those people… Goodnight. [color=fff200][b]Astrid.[/b][/color] She is my team mate. Anyone got a problem, I am your problem. Bellatrix is kind. I will not be. Astrid finished the message as she decided to hit send and knocked back a pain killer to try and sleep. The fact her co pilot had climbed out a flaming wreck, did not quit and wanted to carry on? The Princess of AG had steel as well as lace, Astrid would burn bridges for her teammate, so be it. Loyalty once earned was earned.