][/b]

Jordan

Race n Rally. Lucky 8.
17-11-2094

Sweden.

Streaming.
06-11-2094

“So. We are going to be playing villainous, we have our usual group plus I persuaded my brother to join us on stream, I promise not to torment you too much bean stalk”

“Sure Princess tinkerbell, your making me pay for my own drinks too!”

Bellatrix woke up happy but somewhat hungover after that stream, her brother had joined the usual crowd of guests and friends for her more adult game night. It was fun though and Bellatrix rolled over looking out the window sprawled in bed and pulling an oversized hoody on with fluffy slippers to make a coffee, eat some food, have a shower and maybe feel human after.

Someone has started shots and… Bellatrix had been drinking Tequila and enjoying an old Disney based board game with good company.

Definitely feel human after hitting espresso on her coffee maker and letting the bio degradable pod drop out of the machine into a broken mug by it. She almost made a hot chocolate with an espresso pod.

Now if only she remembered where her phone charger was…

…

Estonia.

Girls trip.
08-11-2094

*snap*

Bellatrix posed with Ren as they visited Tallinn for a weekend off, the French media manager and also her friends convinced her to take a few days off after the crazy time in the desert of America and booked a flight to Estonia. She uploaded the image to her social media. “Bella and Ren in Estonia, hashtag Euro trip.”

The two were in a hotel overlooking the entire city with cocktails, lunch and gone exploring the city prior adventuring down the back streets and just getting away from the factory. Ren had a good sense of the other woman's personality by now… Bellatrix had been a little quiet for the chaotic and emotionally loud woman so quickly figured the brush off of Federated states media and aftermath was not as brushed off as it claimed. So one plan later, she had dragged her off for a weekend to break the cold, dark weekend for a slightly less northern climate.

It took a fair bit of pushing but it turned out the whole idea belonged to Astrid who had suggested they get out, Tallinn was a great party city to celebrate and relax.

It was not all drinking, they also had visited a castle and a palace on their trip with a few photos uploaded with some light editing by Ren who had grabbed Bellatrix phone and touched up the sky to look less depressing. It still was Winter in Estonia but winter was nicer than winter in Sweden here, the city was a nicer place than the surroundings of the factory base for Nordic Call.

Granted they did wake up tender headed after going on a night out that finished with cocktails from the roof top bar of the high end hotel Asteid had suggested. Drunken Bellatrix turned out to be rather more open and it turned out Ren wanted to slap her ex had they been in the same nation or had access to her air miles card. Her idea of more cocktails had not been best come morning but it seemed a good idea then.

Ren was just glad her friend was seeming more like her normal self for the break. Plus the constant reminder of Nordics Factory was a few hundred miles away in an entirely different country.

The language in Estonia was plain odd.. not anything like the other languages in Europe. They picked up a few basic courtesy but remained at places where people spoke English.

All in all it was a more centred, confident and calm Bellatrix who returned to Nordic Call that Monday afternoon though she was probably still illegal to drive even then…

…

Sweden.

After action.
12-11-2094

“So. Our pilot is seemingly on the up again?” The team principal asked, having talked though Astrid's concerns and personally approved the Monday afternoon return. The Pilots were professionals and beyond superhuman in some aspects but mentally still human and the team had to manage that aspect of the racing season's pressure too. His Pilots took the odd weekend to relax and kept getting results for Nordic. Well that was entirely something he could get behind. They needed to deliver real results and he had the various investors, share holders and others on his ass about everything from next season's projected costs to branding valuations and more.

“Yes, a little sore headed, but not unfit to race come Jordan. She is doing better boss. Give her a soft ball to get back into her flow.” Sif said as she had been pulled into a quick meeting between other planned work for the team boss.

“Good, il get team security increased regardless for Jordan. Hire some locals if need be. We got a few reporters who did us a favour.” They said adding another note to a pile of notes of things to do, people to talk to and more besides.

“They are likely less feral, but better safe than losing a Pilot because press are assholes. Bellatrix is shaping up well and I'm pretty sure that last race made the dumb rumours about her and Paul more popular.” Sif said, discussing the silly events going on around the team.

“Media, if we don't need em.. I'll keep Gossip and a few others off our media lists for now. Let Bellatrix know we got her back on this. I have a AGFIA call coming up about the new season.” They sighed and turned to their Holo as the door closed with a click. It was gonna be hours of pointless arguments. Maybe he should have taken a weekend away like his pilot did!

…

Jordan.

Walk about.
17-11-2094

Jordan was cool for a desert but it was winter, nights dropped lower and even the day time heat was far far more bearable than the salt flats.

The team had arrived at a landscape that looked timeless and home to many classic movies, media and stories that had found their inspiration here. Their base area was blended into the landscape clad in local stone and intended to respect rather than command the landscape that surrounded them. The trucks had quickly begun the organised and highly prepared chaos of unloading the entire team's gear, ships and more in a matter of hours. From empty space to full of people, tools, noise and activity in a time less than a work day.

The first few hours of chaos left Bellatrix alone so she and her local security had wandered down to the main area with a stern-faced woman who had served in the Israeli Police and did MMA tournaments for fun. She did however let the kids and so engage with her. It was a little different than last time, usually she had security but less direct, not needed now it seemed she did and at least they chose someone who was not the typical 6 foot plus muscle bound truck of a man. A woman smaller, yes, she had already placed a very firm grip on a Gossip reporter's arm and sent them away with a withering glare..maybe it had advantages.

She took some time before they pulled her off to the next media event.

---

Paul I am not surprised. There are tons more fanfictions out there about me. I have made it a policy not to care and chase them down. I don’t really care about them. I only really step in when I feel someone else might be wronged over the press’ shenanigans. If I protest or comment it only makes it worse. I am just grateful that if my mother has seen them, she has never asked me about them. Talk about awkward! 😂

Bea Ah, the luxury of people who don’t run art channels with fan submissions and therefore can avoid this (seriously, even AI-powered filters can’t deal with all the porn I get sent…)

Paul @Bellatrix I am not going to ask why you think the next chapter would be super kinky. That is information I don’t need Princess Brat! 😀

Bea Princess Brat! 😂

Bea Also, have you seen the fight you two had on track? Bet you a fiver the next chapter features handcuffs and a whip. 😛

Bea Hmm. Do I dare?

Bea Do I dare ask what everyone’s wildest piece of fan content is? 😀

Bellatrix. @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…

Cause and Effect

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.

---

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.

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."

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.

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?"

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.

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.”

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.

---

DELTΔ HYPER

Episode Eighteen: Ticking Hourglass

---

As Crows Fly

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.

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?”

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.

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.”

Kais simply nodded and moved to join the rest of the pilots. Paul followed in his wake with his racing helmet under his arm.

He looked around as Rosie was being filmed and introducing this segment instead of Aurora.

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."

Paul watched as the camera drones focused and followed Rosie as she slipped down the side of a dune.

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."

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.

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!"

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.

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.”

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.

Kais: “Turn at the dark rock. We need to get out of this canyon.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Paul: “Some warning would be nice bro.”

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.”

Paul: “I am not sure how much faster I can make this hoopty go.”

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.”

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.

---

Bea Also, have you seen the fight you two had on track? Bet you a fiver the next chapter features handcuffs and a whip. 😛

Paul Nope I am not going there.

Bea Hmm. Do I dare?

Bea Do I dare ask what everyone’s wildest piece of fan content is? 😀

PaulSee my previous answer. Nope.

Bellatrix. @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…

Paul TMI Princess

I am thinking more about Lawrence of Arabia.

Bellatrix @Bea. 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…

Bea So I’m confirmed the asylum warden when it comes to unhinged community. Great… 😀

Max You can’t open that can of worms and then leave us hanging!

Bea After my on track and on radio scrap with Jen at Portugal 2091, I got a submission that was an inkpen drawing featuring me, Jenny, ropes and candlewax.

Jenny THE WHAT?!

Bea I swear most of my fans are normal! 😀

Jenny Burn it.

Bellatrix Ps. Anyone else feeling like Anakin..and sand…

Paul I am thinking more about Lawrence of Arabia.

Bea Don't get eaten by a big worm when driving over the sand.

---

---

Bea had been sitting in the shade of the car, feet propped up on her helmet.

”Good show, you two.” Bea hollered as Paul and Kais arrived, springing to her feet as the Delta Hyper cameras started rolling and offering a handshake to Paul and Kais before turning to Caroline who had rolled in after them, scribbling something on a blank page of her notes. ”Here, take this. You earned it.” She ripped the page out and handed it to the Monagesque princess with a perfectly pleasant smile - a page with nothing but a giant letter ‘L’ on it - before pulling Bellatrix into a one-armed hug. ”Great driving, Trix! You should come to Pikes Peak next summer, a great track like that demands equally good competition.”

---

As Crows Fly- Fin

The roar of trophy trucks through desert had been one easily followed by the drone swarms that filmed for Formula AG, catching all extents of both trucks, and the chasing WRC truck, spewing red and yellow sand from tyres and at the same time, the gravity of the landscape. It was a close run thing, but the choice of a thin gap through a canyon got Bea and Trix ahead, and it was a close finish as they would pull ahead, and the Princess of Monaco was still a bit behind.

As they chatted and joked at the conclusion of the race the camera panning out from the isolated rock where the three trucks sat, towards the sun, beaming back down into....

---

Challenger

Wadi Rum was a spectacular circuit for vistas. Wide open, but with rocky climbs. The start straight powered down the big dune, following the yellow-navy Southern Cross ship, hurtling through the first left-right kink that set up something the teams hadn't seen in a while- a dead vertical climb. It wasn't quite as long as the straight at the Salt Flats, but it was getting close- and was a pure power test, right out of the gate. The qualifying took place towards sunset, not quite into dusk or the sun sitting on the horizon, but it was low towards the west.

Sector One's MAG tracking on the hot desert sand, even in November, was wide and grippy enough to make anti-gravity ships simply slide over but was not just a simple straightaway, but something that felt like it followed contour, therefore rewarding ships high speed adhesion to keep it absolutely pinned. The long, long straight followed the side of the mesa, with a few turns to keep pilots momentarily yanking on air brakes to peel the ship before unloading all hell. That was, until a hard right, where the MAG tracking left sand and coiled up in a remarkably short 90 degree bend, a cool hairpin that did a full 270 degree turn to achieve it, a negative camber turn that marked the start of....

Sector 2, where the MAG-tracking climbed up a mesa, vertically, before coiling 90 degrees to the right and then back to level earth again in a 3D plane to follow the side of the rocky outcrop, but remained generally fast through a long left turn that would look back on where the pilots came from, before, finding a neck through the canyon and diving deep, before branching out right into a vein between two massive rock formations and coming back around from a suspended position, into...

Sector 3, sinewing under a large arch, with a final left and right turn, and one last huge straight that headed towards a long, non-MAG tracked hairpin that was extremely wide to let ships sail up a massive dune's side and back down it, finishing the circuit. It was short for what it was, but ultimately was a test of speed and energy deployment, that making the difference on overtakes and being slingshoted out of low-radius corners. The Southern Cross ship roared over the line, as Nora clenched her fist in the cockpit, grinning ear to ear, knowing that was precisely as good as it felt when the time kicked back.

"P1 Nora, P1, what a result. Absolutely perfect, with a delta like that for the race, we're still in it to take P1 in pilots championship.."

"Woo! That's what we're talking about."

The circuit gave thrills, in a way that the Salt Lake quite couldn't. It felt like truly being sunk into a desert landscape, and clambering high, you could see just quite how empty it was.

The others would get to experience that thrill too, and the results would make it clear that Southern Cross had nailed their setup here, even if other teams may have had a slight edge.

---

Delta Hyper Interviews

The interviews after qualifying were back at the "camp" that was based out in the desert, spectators highly limited due to the infrastructure in still being relatively poor, with each team having their own patch of geodesic polymer "domes", with refractive nanites and heat-deadening as well as good old fashioned AC to keep the heat down. In one of those, was Delta Hyper, framing a sunset landscape behind, dunes, mesas, and the circuit's vertical ascent in all its glory. First up, Beatrix Ward.

"Bea, sandwiched between two Southern Cross ships. How are you feeling about the circuit, given your rally roots? Do the visuals feel similar to some of the WRC events you've been at before, and do you think you can use that to your advantage tomorrow?"

"Bellatrix, not quite as great a result as you were hoping for, but it seems like you've turned around impressive results in that Nordic Call ship. How are you finding the rumours about your rapid success in the ship, something we weren't at all expecting from a relatively unknown rookie?"

"Paul, we knew going into Wadi Rum it would be challenging, but do you think tomorrow you'll be able to jump on opportunities ahead of you, with all the stakes of the title race?"

Bellatrix Olympus. Nordic.

Jordan. Desert Dunes.
17 -11 - 2094.

Jordan

Race n Rally. Lucky 8.
17-11-2094

Bellatrix was feeling rather happy as she was pulled into a one armed hug after the successful race. She was caught half unaware but rapidly smiled for the cameras and waved to the Delta hyper red lights. Bellatrix did not commit the murder suicide and kiss him instead she shook both the others hands and was rather surprised by the level of … rivals between the two drivers, Beatrix and the Countess.

“Thanks, no idea what it is but if fast, yes.., Paris, pre Dubai, if you want to say hi, or join us. Ma Ren got a place near the Louvre, come find us even for only lunch or a evening.” Bellatrix said graciously, the place was a full on grand Parisian Town house but hey… they were hardly normal. A few of them had planned a pre Dubai trip to relax, shop and things needed before the grand finale of the season. Beatrix could join them for a few drinks, or a meal if she wanted, the more the merrier from her and Ren, friends and family of both. Shopping. Whatever. They already had a fancy cocktail place picked out, classy, cozy and an rather old spot.

Whatever that race was, if it happened it definitely could be fun. Bellatrix like all of them were honestly, speed freaks and proud.

Bellatrix did her press bit before she caught one of the side by side and got driven back to the team area by her stern but ever attentive local security lady. The team area was a hive as ever with checks on the new ships engines and so after they had been rolled out their travel pods and engineers acted like a nest of worker ants busy and constantly moving.

The weather here, the desert, the time of year was weird to be honest, she was both hot, cold and unlike Australia could not find the desire to sunbathe and rest. Instead Bellatrix was editing a post for social media with the back lit rocky valleys and canyons then chose to mute her phone and find a book relaxing before the race. Not too many fans, and no real party going on at Wadi run.

It was a good time as any to do a little pirates, Yoga, or whatever else took her fancy.

…

Jordan

Qualification.
18-11-2094

“Watch the ship!” Bellatrix radio said as she nearly clipped a rock during a section of her practice lap, the dust of another pilot was dead ahead and she swept past another ship that was slower on a return or warm up lap.

“Try, choose less weird races.” She said and glided into a tight 90, the ship was not really the one for a track like this, but Bellatrix tried her best to keep it from being an embarrassing day for Nordic Call.

“The fans love it, so just keep us from having to re-build it again.” Radio joked back as she pulled into a section that she quickly realised had mis counted the rocks and had to slam the brakes down and pick up speed again rapidly after a quick evasion. Damn, this track was a challenge and throwing a few curve balls her way. This track was far from her best and Bellatrix was fighting the ship, the track and her own doubts after a few wobbles.

“It's gonna be a slow one.” Bellatrix said over the comms. She saw the projected time and groaned as the clock went up again.

…

“P13…” She repeated over the conference room table as they sipped from cold recovery drinks and looked over the tracks and data on the screen. “P15, it's gonna be a tough Sunday.“ Astrid agreed as they both studied the runs, sector times and so. Sector 1 was ok, , 2 was better and 3 just had not worked out for both pilots.

“Right Ladies, let's talk strategy.” The group gathered as the race engineers, various team members helping to work out a strategy that could salvage something from the race.

“How far can we push in this, it's cooler, Less risk of engines over heating. Bellatrix is only about two places off her lover. We can aim for at least one point.” Someone joked that as well as making solid points, Nordic had a chance, whichever pilot could gain ground might be able to get at least a small point win. 13, 15.. it was not great. But it could be worse. 13 and 15, they could push the engines, Astrid might get some clearer air, and Bellatrix was ao far proving to have no problem dog fighting in the fraction of seconds close up.

“Right. Where can our chariots gain time” Floki said in his odd accent, nature and weird cadence. The man was a genius…just a little eccentric. However he also knew the ships like his own hands and their abilities.

The meeting was long and the two Pilots had to head off early as an assistant ran over waving a pad. “You're gonna be late, we need to get you ready for DH.” The assistant was firm and directed to a scene where two drivers where waiting outside with side by side already.

Jordan

Media Dome.
18-11-2094

…

Bellatrix changed out her race gear, she had swapped into the lighter team coloured zipped jacket for the cooler night, a fun tank top with a sleepy dragon wrapped round a princess tower on it and some dark leggings as well her regular AG racing cap. It was more casual, comfortable and waited for her security to meet her at the team area before she arrived at the interview.

Waiting for her turn she gave the camera the required smile, wave etc. “Hello again Aurora.” She said politely to the host.

“Id like better, but we cannot beat the odds every single time. Sometimes dice give us a bad roll.” Bellatrix took the 13th place with grace and tried to show a good face forward.

“Well, I'd like to claim all the credit, but I have a great team, co pilot, and engineers helping me. They deserve the fans support too.” Bellatrix said giving them their due, they did alot and never got the fame. “I was running for a Junior AG top 3 this year, I know there's some great pilots in the Junior championship and I hope to see at least one next season.” She said diplomaticly, sure Bellatrix had come out hot straight from race 1, but she had to show, Junior teams were still racing teams, they did not have such fancy tech, but they were no joke. They could race too, and plenty of the Junior champions could give their senior pilots a good go in Bellatrix's view.

Astrid was disappointed but proud of Bellatrix, she had come in and scored points from day one, worked hard and was annoyingly loud, far more expressive but also had never said a bad word on TV about her or the team. She was a good pick and Nordic would be utterly stupid in her view to not sign her for the next season. Give her a ship that was designed for her and not a half modified Frankenstein project. Her success in her former team mates' spare was clearly not just dumb luck.

Plus on a rather selfish side… having someone like her meant the media work was less on her shoulders and Astrid had more time for racing and her Gin company. Life just worked out some times.. “We will race, that's it, P15 is just where I am, so we will race there.” She was pretty blunt about her response but firm, Nordic would race wherever Nordic ended up. Infact that was a long quote for the Finn, wasting words seemed pointless.

Much as Astrid did not like to admit but could not deny, the Crazy small woman whose too loud emotions clashed with her own, quieter nature had brought a new energy to Nordic. It was infectious and seemed to be doing good things for the team. The next year would be interesting if this kept up.

Bellatrix @Bea. 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…

Bea So I’m confirmed the asylum warden when it comes to unhinged community. Great… 😀

Max You can’t open that can of worms and then leave us hanging!

Bea After my on track and on radio scrap with Jen at Portugal 2091, I got a submission that was an inkpen drawing featuring me, Jenny, ropes and candlewax.

Jenny THE WHAT?!

Bea I swear most of my fans are normal! 😀

Jenny Burn it.

Bellatrix Ps. Anyone else feeling like Anakin..and sand…

Paul I am thinking more about Lawrence of Arabia.

Bea Don't get eaten by a big worm when driving over the sand.

Bellatrix. This is Worm. I eat weird fire hair two leg. Hi speedy snacks. Not nom. Two leg is crunchy…

DELTΔ HYPER

Episode Eighteen: Ticking Hourglass

---

Paul had a big smile on his face as he began walking towards the Delta Hyper set. He shook his head laughing as he saw Bea sitting next to their car as he walked up. Obviously the girls had beat them. It had taken Paul a bit to get used to the vehicle's special suspension. Kais was not very helpful with his cryptic comments. Go faster!, didn’t tell him how to accomplish that in this terrain with that vehicle. There were obviously some special skills to navigating and driving in sand. Paul was grateful that he managed not to get stuck in the soft sand. It had come close a few times. He took his loss with grace as he walked towards Bea. She had been sitting in the shade of their car with her feet propped up on her helmet.

”Good show, you two.” Bea hollered as Paul and Kais arrived, springing to her feet as the Delta Hyper cameras started rolling and offering a handshake to Paul and Kais before turning to Caroline who had rolled in after them, scribbling something on a blank page of her notes. ”Here, take this. You earned it.” She ripped the page out and handed it to the Monagesque princess with a perfectly pleasant smile - a page with nothing but a giant letter ‘L’ on it - before pulling Bellatrix into a one-armed hug. ”Great driving, Trix! You should come to Pikes Peak next summer, a great track like that demands equally good competition.”

Paul gave the ladies a respectful bow. “I accept my defeat gracefully. I am not sure Kais is going to forgive me for losing though. I am pretty sure he feels we would have won if he drove.” He tucked his racing helmet under his arm once more. He smiled at Bellatrix. “Nice driving Princess.” Paul couldn’t help but hear the invitation given to join Bea at Pikes Peak next summer. Paul was obviously not included in that invitation but he simply smiled. This was the first time he had attempted this kind of off-road racing. It was eye opening. It was another skill set to understand how the vehicle moved over different types of terrain. It was a whole different set of rules to learn about how to get the most speed out of the vehicle and what the vehicle's limits were. He wouldn’t mind trying it again for fun. He shrugged and admitted to himself that he loved the speed of the wheels on the hardtop. He wanted to try formula one racing. He craved that combination of speed and friction that came from wheels meeting pavement that was missing from formula AG. The racing was more of an experience. You felt the vibration and shifts in weight as the vehicle cornered and went faster. It fed his inner adrenaline junkie in ways that racing Formula AG didn’t. Paul didn’t miss the byplay between Bea and the Countess. He felt better and got that twinkle of mischief in his eye as he turned to Kais.

Paul: “Well we were beat by Bea and Bellatrix but we did beat the Countess and she was in a modern WRC car and is this is preferred racing style. I think that gives some bragging rights. Right Bea?” He turned and asked Bea with a shit eating grin on his face. He knew rubbing the Countess’ loss in her face this way would anger the woman but he was betting that Bea would enjoy it.

---

Qualifying at Wadi Run

Paul had a good start on his qualifying run. He kept a good racing line but he felt the drop in performance on the long straights in the circuit. He made up as much time as he could in the corners and chicanes but this circuit favored speed based builds. Paul used ELS when he could to slow down his competitors but it simply wasn't enough to catch up with the speed of the top competitors. He was very disappointed when he finished in P11. He had at least hoped to stay in points contention. He was frustrated that his ship was letting him down. He hoped he could eke out a little more speed during the actual race. Praying for his competitors to faulter was not a strategy. He would double down on going over the circuit looking for any place where his stability might help him pick up more speed. That strategy had been working for him so far. He would have to stick to the strengths of his ship which was stability and handling. He would also have them start his ELS with a full charge and maybe have them over clock. It was the only advantage he could find in this race.

---

Delta Hyper Interviews

The Delta Hyper interviews after qualifying were taking place in the geodesic domes that had been set up to act as the paddock and hospitality suites for the teams. The set for the interviews was a couch with a clear geodesic wall behind it which captured the setting sun over the dunes behind it. It was a great shot that gave viewers a taste of what the landscape was like that the pilots would be racing over. A piece of vertical mag track over the mesa behind them was centered behind them.

Paul smiled into the camera as he greeted Rosie. “Hello Rosie, Thank you for having me.” It never hurts to be polite to the people at Delta Hyper. They were an important relationship to develop. They could make or break his career as the inside reporters for the racing league. The press in general was important but Delta Hyper was the one with the contracts with FIAR. They were a critical one to develop and support if you wanted to race Formula AG and land lucrative endorsement deals.

Paul was still in his racing suit. He had pulled his helmet off and his hair was damp with sweat and he had loosen the fastenings at the top of his racing suit to let some air in. He was working on downing his third Zap sports drink since exiting his ship after qualifying. He was still sweating as he cooled down after the race.

Rosie: "Paul, we knew going into Wadi Rum it would be challenging, but do you think tomorrow you'll be able to jump on opportunities ahead of you, with all the stakes of the title race?"

Paul had a pleasantly neutral look on his face as he considered the question. He knew this was coming. “Team Valkyrie knew that we would struggle on the tracks were speed is so important. They have done their best to give me as much speed as we can eke out of the ship. I will do my best to take advantage of any situations I find myself in on the track tomorrow. All I can do is my best. I am hopeful that I will be able to at least gain some points tomorrow. You just never know what is going to happen on the track. All I can do is my best. I will be running a stronger ELS set up to help off set the speed advantage. Hopefully that works out for me.”

---

Bellatrix @Bea. 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…

Bea So I’m confirmed the asylum warden when it comes to unhinged community. Great… 😀

Max You can’t open that can of worms and then leave us hanging!

Paul What!? No MAX NO! Do not encourage them!

Bea After my on track and on radio scrap with Jen at Portugal 2091, I got a submission that was an inkpen drawing featuring me, Jenny, ropes and candlewax.

Jenny THE WHAT?!

Bea I swear most of my fans are normal! 😀

Jenny Burn it.

Bellatrix Ps. Anyone else feeling like Anakin..and sand…

Paul I am thinking more about Lawrence of Arabia.

Bea Don't get eaten by a big worm when driving over the sand.

Paul: Now all I can picture is that big worm from the movie DUNE.

Bellatrix. This is Worm. I eat weird fire hair two leg. Hi speedy snacks. Not nom. Two leg is crunchy…

Paul: Ummm… yeah… like that’s normal! Remind me to stay away from the crazy Princess!

---

Alexander was a nervous wreck. He had reported everything that he had found out to Royston Pearce and Johanna Lipusv. He had not heard from Johanna at all after he had sent Wulfric to deliver the information and packet of evidence to her. Her reaction left him terrified. The fact he had not heard back from her yet had his stress levels through the roof. He was pretty sure he was on track to develop an ulcer any day now. He also had not heard anything about the situation from FIAR or in the press. He was worried that he had made a mistake leaving it in FIAR’s hands. He was at Jordan but was deliberately keeping a low profile. He was distracted and a wreck. All he was really good for at this race so far was moral support to his team. He couldn’t focus on anything else till he knew how this was going to affect his team when the news broke.

As the shoot ended, Bea shot an inquisitive look toward Kais, the supersoldier in possession of the drive with Amy’s mental print and instructions from the email - “You need to find a way to sever my neural link to my brain, and before it can reglue itself, and put me back inside. Link whatever data device you have my memory into the port, and whatever you have of me, will find a way home. This'll cost Silver Apex everything, because once it happens, the cat is out of the bag.” - wondering what he would end up choosing. The situation was now literally out of Bea’s hands, feeling like betrayal and the only reasonable course of action she could see at the same time.

---

Fri 19/11 21:29 Trix [Batt: 32%]

> THIS is Pikes Peak Hill Climb: [link] (Yes, the lack of guardrails is part of the charm. Yes, the spectators really do stand that close.)
> I’ll see about the Louvre visit, thanks for the invitation. Will keep you updated.

---

The qualifying run had been good. The battle for 5th was still ongoing mathematically, but the mood in the garage was positive despite the heat nearly melting shoe rubber. Bea was going through sports drinks like a cocaine addict through tissues, at the same time thankful and regretting she was sweating less than a full meat Human because of the prosthetics. The heat was so bad she switched to wearing her polymer racing set full time because the metal of her usual set got too hot when she was outside.
”That’s P2, Bea. Good show.”
”I think I made her mad in Utah.” Bea laughed, toweling the rest of the breathing liquid off of her hair. ”Bloody Hell, what a time.”
”Ships are matched. It’ll be down to talent and reliability tomorrow. We’ll need to watch the temps.”
”Looking at what the end of sector one looks like from the outside, someone should check the top of her canopy for tooth marks.” She snickered.
”Speaking of getting thrown, have you been banned from Monaco yet?”
”Sadly, no, I have to deal with it next year.”
”Don’t even joke about that, Pablo was here two minutes ago!”
Laughter wasn’t the reaction he was expecting.
”One day I will know what she did to you.”
”Breathed my air.” Bea shrugged without pause.
”Wow.”
”Sore loser, too smug.”
”You literally ‘handed her an L’ like it was 2024.”
”I live by live and let live. If she doesn’t let live, she won’t be let live. Simple. I said ‘live’ so many times it lost meaning, it’s just noise now…”

DELTΔ HYPER

Episode 18: Ticking Hourglass

---

”Bea, sandwiched between two Southern Cross ships. How are you feeling about the circuit, given your rally roots? Do the visuals feel similar to some of the WRC events you've been at before, and do you think you can use that to your advantage tomorrow?”

”Visually, it’s very similar to Kenya, which I do not have the best memories of.” Bea nodded, referring to the unfortunate heat stroke incident. ”Nothing applicable here, though. Completely different handling.
As for which pilots we’re stuck between… Ava and I will both have our hands full. Best case scenario, Harrison and Amy spend the whole race doing their thing and leave me and Nora alone to have our fun.”

---

Backstop

Simon Calder looked across as he settled into the interview room, hands on knees, the veteran Silver Apex engineer aware the question coming was not an easy one. Not even with prep. But a valuable part of the story to be told, and well, not one that he could exactly keep running from.

"Was it hard to deal with what happened in Jordan?"

The look of the designer was one of disappointment, regrets, but more than anything, just an inability even now to explain any of it.

Because he couldn't say just what some suspicions were internally. So it was political for now.

"It was a technical setback. But I suppose FIAR and us disagree on the rulebook."

---

Against the Grain

Soundtrack: Noisia, The Upbeats- Halcyon

The ships sat on the grid, the sound of anti-gravity generators giving a dull, general whine, pilots linked in, data fed, engineers at the pit wall looking through streams and streams of everything, from pilot diagnostics, limbs, ship temperatures, and models of the right ELS strategies, all on a whim, yet decided executively by the pilot. Formula AG could have been set to AI, but it was the human factor that made it matter. Pushing the human body. Superhumans, like gladiators, fighting over things more important than life or death. Victory or defeat. And in the shifting sands, the golden sunshine above in the gentle heat of the Wadi Rum desert, the drones cleared, and the ships were readied.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

And everything launched, dust blasted away from the sandy metal MAG-like surface on the start-finish, as the ships screamed into speed.

"Kelly and Ward have had great starts, Villarosa is falling down the standings and....wow, what a run there from Mulder! He has found his way through that crowd of Zygon, all going on!" Rory opened up in a flurry, cameras all eyes on the two women at the front, Rosie pitching in...

"Certainly, and well, we knew the Carrera and Southern Cross ships would be.....oh wow, what a move there from Ward!"

The race would hotten up, as Carrera's other ship fell down the standings through a mistake into the canyon following a very aggressive move by Amy, shuffling the order, and opening up more opportunities for Paul and Dorian in particular. At the back of a ERS train, they were able to make moves in chaos, embracing their strength over the weaknesses over other ships- even where the track should have blown them away. Quietly, Dorian Paul would be able to carve past Jenny, Ava, and then get into a thrilling fight with Han, whose ship was faster, but Paul could outplay in ELS and strategy. Dorian had carved ahead to make that happen- having an all-timer of a race with a risky setup that he'd opted for, and well, that was now paying a dividend.

"Unreal stuff there from both the Valkyrie pilots, nobody could see that coming! Mulder when we go on board with him has so little in his ship, but he seems to be fighting with Han so tight, just finding those tenths out of corners and on energy deployment that Zygon ship can't deliver, what a race he is having, but give it up to Dorian Hornfleur, 39 this month and barely showing his age!" Rosie would excitedly comment, this certainly being a hell of a race for Paul- once again, at a circuit he absolutely should have had no chance on. This was clearly coming through from a lot of luck, helped by the mistake from Ava bunching the pack up, but once he had the ability to get in the mix, ELS leeching and playing off the chaos behind him would give him the chance to hold onto a points-scoring position.

However, the luck wasn't so great for one other pilot, further back, as the race had a VSC, right as it hit an apex, the camera panning to an aurora-coloured Nordic Call ship being overtaken, her charge up to 10th in the chaos marred.

"Ah, that is devastating to see! Bellatrix Olympus, so far the new star of Nordic Call, seems to have an engine fault! That is quite a big engine fire, what a massive shame!" Rosie commented, noting that thanks to all the safety and marshalls, she would be able to escape the burning fireball of her now-shut down ship, and get away before it would eat almost half the chassis away. Without self-repairing nanites in the grid this year, at least on the structural level, ships and fire did not mix, and certainly would take more work to fix.

But things were not quite over. Amy would get a position up on Harrison, her elite piloting skills making it count in the twisties, the white-silver Silver Apex ship screaming with ELS on full lock as he would be fooled by her pincering in, finding each and every corner, maximising the ship yet not finding a way to get back up to the front two.

But the front two had continued to fight, both putting up elite performances, but once again, Beatrix Ward being the absolute cream of the crop. It wasn't a victory by small margins, it was dominance, the kind that would silence the critics of the last race being a fluke, and her inconsistency prior. It seemed like each of the rookies had their strengths, their weaknesses, where they came alive the most. Where it looked like if Paul Mulder thrived on consistency and a deeply cerebral approach to racing, Kais in absolute aggression and a warrior-like approach to ship-on-ship combat, Nora Kelly in taming a fire-breathingly aggressive, fragile ship to zip through corners, even Bellatrix in just whispering a poor ship into results, then Beatrix was beginning to bring all of those individual elements together.

Coming across the line, that narrative would be the photo in itself of the Carrera ship winning, followed by Southern Cross's new star.

"What a result! Beatrix Ward there, with an exceptional race, followed by Nora Kelly!"

"Wow, it really seems like she has hit a vein of form. Something about that ship, something about her, we all would have put our money on Nora to hold her first place, but Ward is just tantalising to watch. Carrera must be feeling good about keeping her now, what a pilot!"

"Well, it seems like all that bravery is paying off, and Beatrix Ward will be grinning ear to ear, as we go to her live comms now...."

And no doubt, she would fill that silence with plenty of noises, as Rory would chuckle, cutting back to the other ships.

"Amy Stirling and Makara pick up third and fourth, and then, a solid result from Zenix, who may be feeling hard done by, and....wow, Hornfleur has stayed ahead of Atlassi into the last run, and....clinches sixth! What a race from him, followed by Atlassi, Mulder, who has really delivered, and Han and Villarosa who make up the rest. What a race, and what have we seen!"

"Certainly Rory, that was quite a decisive race. I imagine that wasn't quite enough for Nora Kelly, who must be gutted with losing out to Ward. That must be a title for Amy Stirling surely?"

"Well, mathematically, anything is still possible, but it seems all but over. What a race, even at the end of the season, and we'll soon hear from the pilots."

The Carrera team would no doubt be screaming, disappointed that Ava had not picked up pace, but no doubt, thrilled with Bea's result. Valkyrie would likely feel the same, limiting the damage that Zygon absolutely seemed poised to give, and the lack of points at MMR kept Nordic Call from thinking about any shocks. But as races went, it delivered a wider showcase, and a good test of absolute speed on the last open-air circuit, before the city-based races followed.

---

Jordan- Cooldown Room

Sitting in the cooldown room, Bea and Nora would get to watch back their battle, through the massive straights and up the giant mesa-like mountain, and winding out into the canyon, constantly at odds, pushing each other harder and harder, one always leeching the other back.

Nora looked across, a smile on her face at just how Bea was making moves, gutted yet still impressed that finally, someone was putting it on the line as much as her. She sighing as she sipped down water, looking past Bea at the empty chair, trying to put out of mind the fact that it wasn't a win for her. That would have been it. A chance to bring the points back in against Amy, but that was all but lost now.

But she wasn't here. Not to enjoy Bea's resurgence, not to take her victory lap.

"Why's Amy not here?" The Australian asked, the punk-esque pilot looking over to Bea, knowing cameras were on them. She didn't want to say much more, as an official came on by, ushering the group towards the tunnel, as per usual.

But there were only two, not three of them. It was strange, as Amy's name wasn't mentioned. But the feeling would start to build something was up. Something was going on, because she hadn't left scrutineering for quite some time.

The podium ceremony went on as planned, but the third step was mysteriously empty.

---

Delta Hyper Interviews

Aurora would be out with her microphone at the booth, once again, grabbing pilots, after all was said and done. Amy and Jenny were under investigation, some sort of technical reasons, but nothing had come up. All other pilots had been through scrutineering, all of them having to go even after the podium ceremony, which seemed extremely odd. But still, media needed to be talked to, and in the chaos of it, Delta Hyper was still doing their job.

"Bea, excellent performance today, you must be so happy with that win! Looks like Nora has almost pushed you to find a new level in the last two races, is this a sign of things to come next year?"

"Paul, an excellent performance from you, carving past a Silver Apex ship and both Zygon ships. Were both yourself and Dorian perhaps got a little lucky there, or do you think you made your own luck, despite a disadvantage on the straights?"

"Bellatrix, what a shame about that mechanical failure, it looked like quite a scary engine fire! How are you feeling? It looks like you were onto nearly getting into points?"

As Delta Hyper went to start interviewing other pilots, Rosie was ushered away by a member of security, and strangely, the other pilots would not be attending.

There were much bigger fish to fry, and it seemed like someone else had decided to take ownership of the situation. It was chaos. And the pilots would likely return to their respective team areas, confused as anyone as to what on earth was going on.

---

Hammer Down

1700 Arabic Time

The photography bulbed, as the FIAR officials sat inside the hastily assembled press room, not quite having to anticipate the results of a scandal like this landing.

The data provided to Royston had been investigated, and when matched to the post-race scrutineering of ships and pilots, matched all of the worst case scenarios that FIAR had been mapping out. And well, shy of more punitive measures, something in the interim had to be put in place now. Something that would unfurl one of the greatest scandals in modern Formula AG, breaking perhaps one of the most fundamental of rules. Not in engine fuel flow, aerodynamics, even illegal prosthetics, but in the part almost held sacred. The bit that nobody wanted to really talk about.

"Following investigation, the discovery of systemic neural link modifications has led us to take drastic action. The interface between pilot and ship has breached acceptable levels under our testing. Neural link abuse has no place in the sport, and this requires the harshest sanctions." The official commented, the French-accented man speaking into the microphone in front of his desk.

"Silverstone Apex Racing Team is set to be suspended from this season's constructor championship, with immediate effect. Recognising the pilots of the team were not aware, we have permitted the pilots' standings to retain their points, subject to further review of the whole season. However, we recognise that at Jordan in particular, the neural tests were in breach and not compliant with FIAR regulations, and FIAR's Ethical Guidelines. The points of Amy Stirling, and Jennifer Lowry for Round 18 have been therefore been rescinded, with no right of appeal, and are subject to retesting prior to any future involvement." The official added, as photography intensified, the tablet back in hand as he could hear the clamour of journalists yelling over each other, each with a million and one questions.

"All Formula AG pilots will be subject to further tests around any race sessions. We will not be taking any further questions at this time."

More photography, more angst, more questions anyway.

There was no doubt an anger would be felt that the pilots were allowed to still race. A livid, tacit feeling, but as one of the largest sports in the world, the equivalent of a major doping scandal had to be quashed here and now, before it killed interest and appetite for the sport.

Let alone for competitors, who no doubt, felt their own anxiety over the news. Ripping out the neural link simply wasn't an option to pilots. It was intrinsic, and fundamentally connected to all of their biomodifications, implants and augments, let alone the fact it was required to fly a ship like this at speed. Walking away may have been tempting, but FIAR had made the results clear after other pilots had been taken through scrutineering- they didn't think the problem had been widespread at any other team.

For now, this seemed an anomaly, one FIAR sought to crush, but everyone would have a little worry about.

---

Out of Body

Soundtrack: Moby- Everloving (Reprise Version)

Cameras flooded upon Amy as she left the scrutineering area, as she pushed a reporter aside, pushing her way through the crowd, trying to make it back inside the trailer in Silver Apex's area, flanked by security that kept any prying eyes off her. They would leave her at the entry to her motorhome, as what was left of Amy Stirling couldn't lash out, but could only make her way back to the bathtub and pile in the ice. Go back. Pull away.

She was unsure of what exactly to do. A machine without direction, without purpose. Blocked by walls, unable to see beyond what had happened, unable to just tap into something, someone else. This version of her loop, wanting to leave. Wanting to replan. Reprogramme.

Inside the trailer, she walked into the office of Peter Thatcher, a scowl on her face, wanting to play this out with all the fury in the world Amy Stirling would have if she had to deal with this.

Peter was not there. Someone else was.

The Egyptian turned, and Amy froze, pinned on the spot as the tazer-like electrical device in his hand killswitched her legs and arms, making it easy to clear the distance, and pin the shard into her neck.

"Layla sends her regards."

---

The phone would buzz in Bellatrix's room, as the pilot would likely come back from the extra scrutineering, the buzz of a phone with a message recorded from a veteran, ex-champion pilot.

"Hey, Bellatrix, it's Florence Mason. Look, I know lots is going on at the moment. Are you free to talk when we get to Istanbul? It's about the whole situation at the moment."

---

Another message would buzz up on Alexander's desk, no doubt in response to everything. Johanna. Again, overidding the CEO at Valkyrie, taking matters into her own hands. This stopped being a matter for a racing team, this was now a matter for powers far, far beyond.

"Saw the news. Scrutiny will pick up around us, and around your daughter, watch yourself. Could have told me first, Alexander, before this all went out. Both Paul and Dorian aren't going to like the checks- look after them."

---

Sun 19/10/94 Formula AG Pilot Group Chat

Cassie Neves

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?

Harrison

Yeah that allegation is worrying. Cannot believe it. Can't believe we got held around for another six hours.

Astrid

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?

Wedge

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

Dorian

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

Ava Villarosa

@Cassie Neves agreed. This is terrifying.

Astrid

bet you know something Ava

Cassie Neves

@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?

Wedge

Woah Cass chill

Florence

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.

Cassie Neves

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?

Kofi

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?

Dorian

Guys chill out

Florence definitely isn't she has a kid, cmon

Hamid

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.

Cassie Neves

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?

Astrid

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?

Harrison

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.

Kofi

everyone calm

Florence

@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.

Ava Villarosa

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.

Cassie Neves

@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

Ava Villarosa

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?

Ben Hale

Wait Cassie nearly went to Carrera?

Astrid

this is a mess

Dorian

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.

Wedge

Hopefully this gets dealt with!

Cassie Neves

@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?

Astrid

amy not winning the title because she's a bot was not on my bingo card

Florence

@Cassie chill the fuck out, don't throw anything at Dorian.

Dorian

nothing my end

---

@Starlance

20/11 21:21 Amy [Batt: 3%]

"Bea, I'm really, really confused. I just woke up and I'm in the middle of the desert. Last thing I remember is talking to you with a version of my consciousness I ported over. Where the fuck am I?"

"Why is it November and why are we in Jordan? Did something happen? oh god it did didn't it"

"None of my neural stuff is working....limbs are ok but everything feels hazy. I have to type on my phone for some reason....."

"please help? could you pick me up at least or get the team to get me? Actually, could it be you? please don't tell me worst case happened.....if it did I just sent you a ping to where I am. There's a big stone arch near me."

"where's Jamie? Did he get replaced? is he even alive? shit, battery is low gonna shut up, we need to talk"

"why am I out of the group chat?"

DELTΔ HYPER

Against the Grain

Soundtrack: Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen

Paul knew that he simply didn’t have enough speed to compete on the straights with some of the other teams. The team had come up with what they felt was the best strategy for him. He knew Dorian’s ship was trying out a custom build just for this track. Paul was going to lean into what had been working for him. He was going to overclock his ELS and go into the race with a full capacitor and battery. Due to the heat at the race, Konrad had him doing the IV drip with electrolytes before the race. It would help his body cope with the heat. His suit was designed with environmental controls to help his body handle the extreme temperatures between the heat from the ship and the heat in the desert. He knew he would feel like a wrung out dishrag by the end of the race. The heat could really tank your body and the way your body regulated heat. His nanites could help support that by increasing the right hormones and enzymes but it would take a toll on his body later. There was always a cost to messing with his body like that.

Paul had not done as well in qualifying as he would like to. He had spent his time in his geodesic tent room going over video and photos of the race track. He went over the data from his qualifying run. He tried to identify places where he could pick up some time. Find a smoother racing line. He was determined to do the best he could. His goal was to at least finish in the points. He needed at least one spot to make that happen. Even with the IV electrolytes, Paul downed a few of the Zap sports drinks before the race. He had a light lunch heavy on lean proteins and some fruit for energy. He had wished Dorian luck before the race. He was very impressed at how well Dorian was doing here in Jordan. Before Paul knew it, it was time for the race to start.

He was in his ship at the starting line waiting for the start.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Paul hit the throttle and had a great start. There was a huge dust cloud thrown up by all the ships starting at once. The ships blew the dust that had been blown onto the track away revealing the mag tracking underneath as the ships screamed away from the starting line. Paul was starting behind Cassie Neves with Dorian behind him. Paul saw an opening as Cassie misjudged the first turn after the straight and had to hit her brakes to make the turn. Paul kept his racing line smooth and graceful and slung through the inside hugging the edge of the track as he blew past Cassie in the corner. Paul smiled as he passed Hyeon-Ae who had a similar issue as her partner. Han had recovered faster but Paul managed to slip past. He deployed his ELS and leeched off Han’s ship as she came after him trying to retake the lead. Paul dumped his overclocked capacitor and pulled away from her. He released the ELS lock as he managed to pull away from her. He set his sights on Jenny Lowry as he found himself approaching the tail end of the leaders.

Paul found himself in a chaotic section of the race. Leaders were losing spaces and making mistakes. He found himself in an ELS train. He deployed his ELS and defended aggressively and made swift adjustments to take advantage of the quickly reshuffling order as the leaders changed position back and forth between the straights and corners.

Paul found himself passing Ava Villarosa. Then Dorian found his way past Paul and sling-shotted past Jenny Lowry. The duo tag teaming Lowry’s ship to leach her energy and slow her down. The boost helped Dorian who was then battling Atlassi for the next position leaving Paul to battling back and forth with Jenny Lowry Paul eventually pulled ahead of Jenny Lowry. Paul’s ELS strategy and aggressive defensive driving allowed him to hold on for the P8 finish behind Hamid Atlassi.

Paul slowed his ship down and pulled it into the paddock. He thrust his fist into the air in triumph. He beat his goal for this race. He performed better than he had any right too. Paul knew the biggest part of that was luck; the other factor was having the skill to capitalize on the other pilots’ mistakes and equipment failures. He was helped out of the ship by a smiling Konrad. He climbed out and Konrad immediately handed him a Zap drink and began taking his vital signs. He draped a wet cloth over his head to help cool him down some. Once Konrad was satisfied he would be okay after cooling down.

Paul turned to the team that was celebrating a good outcome at a circuit they expected to do poorly at.

Paul: “Thanks everyone! I couldn’t have done it without you. Let’s hear it for my teammate, Dorian! Who ruled on the track today! You proved your skill today my friend.”

Dorian beamed at him, still celebrating his unexpected P6 placement. There was pandemonium in the Valkyrie paddock as the team celebrated the unexpected good results. Alexander was smiling but still had an underlying feeling of anxiety flowing off of him. That was highly unusual for the usually unflappable crew chief.

---

Jordan- Podium Ceremony

Paul watched the podium ceremony and cheered for both of his competitors and fellow rookies. He looked puzzled when Amy Stirling was not on the podium. Paul wondered if she had needed medical attention after the race. He had not heard anything else about the investigation and the stuff Alexander had asked him about. Paul didn’t connect those two events.

Paul yelled out not sure if they would hear him or not.

Paul: “Great race ladies! Way to battle it out till the end!”

---

Delta Hyper Interviews

Paul dutifully made his way over to the Delta Hyper Interview area. He was contractually obligated to give his interview. He continued to down fluids after the race. He was still in his race suit sans helmet. He had left his helmet with the crew. His hair was damp from the wet towel he had used to help cool down. The towel was already drying in the heat even as it remained draped around his neck. It was made from a high tech cloth that held water and temperature longer than regular cotton.

Paul took his seat on the Delta Hyper couch. He relaxed back into the comfortable couch. He was grateful that there was at least a fan blowing the hot air around.

Aurora: "Paul, an excellent performance from you, carving past a Silver Apex ship and both Zygon ships. Were both yourself and Dorian perhaps got a little lucky there, or do you think you made your own luck, despite a disadvantage on the straights?"

Paul smiled at Aurora: “Always a pleasure Aurora. I did much better than I thought I would. My goal was to simply finish in points. I am pleased with how things worked out for me. The team went into this race knowing we would have to work to our strengths and it worked out better than we thought it would. The team prioritized ELS for this race. Dorian and I worked together, tag teaming some ships to give us both the advantage. I would say we certainly used our skill to take advantage of the opportunities that came up for us during the race. I have to give it up for Dorian, his race today was epic! He has proven once again why he is still a serious competitor. I have learned a lot from him.”

---

Hammer Down

1700 Arabic Time

Alexander was standing at the back of the press conference when FIAR made the announcement about their findings and their decision about what they were going to do about it. Alexander knew there would be repercussions and that some of them would undoubtedly affect his team. He could live with some discomfort and pilot grumbling to keep them safe on the track and away from this kind of immoral and unsafe gain on the race track. It was a step too far. To lose your humanity to win a race? He shuddered to think about the consequences for the racers involved. Alexander slipped out the back while the press were focused on the FIAR officials. He didn’t want to be hounded for an interview. He wanted to break this news to his pilots himself.

---

Alexander had called Paul and Dorian into a private room inside the Valkyrie Paddock. The two pilots were asked to comply with the FIAR investigation. They all sat facing one another in a small seating area.

Alexander: “You will both have to undergo additional scrutineering as pilots regarding your neural interface. Remember when I called you in and asked you about the neural interface. Well I was sent some evidence that Silver Apex in particular had modified their pilot’s neural interface. They had overridden the safety protocols allowing the onboard AI to override the pilot’s decisions during races. There was proof that the process was damaging to the pilot. Ethically I had to report it. Even if she had consented to this. The safety implications of what this could cause was huge. FIAR has ruled that Silver Apex has been disqualified from the Constructor’s Standing. Amy and Jenny were disqualified from this race. I am sorry. I know the scrutiny process is invasive, unpleasant, and painful. I would rather see you both endure some unpleasantness than experience something worse on the race track.”

Paul and Dorian both looked pole axed. Dorian had seen racing scandals before, but he had never heard of anything on this scale before. He took in stride as a professional though. He was retiring soon and wouldn’t have to put up with it for long. Paul looked horrified and uncertain. Paul had a hard time understanding how a pilot would willingly go that far to win. Alexander had tried to tell him about some of the unethical things he might find in this industry. He had not wanted to believe him.

Alexander looked uncomfortable for a moment. There was a knock on the door. A FIAR official stepped into the room. “Come with me, gentleman.”

Alexander nodded and indicated that they should follow the race official. “Go. I will be available if you want to talk afterward. Keep what we discussed to yourself for now.”

---

Paul and Dorian were taken into a FIAR controlled medical area. Paul was separated from Dorian. He was in his own medical cubicle surrounded by a few doctors and technicians being overseen by a FIAR official.

He was hooked up to a machine that was reviewing his neural interface. Paul winced as they put his neural interface through heavy load testing and probed for any secret compartments of coding. It was painful and he felt violated and exposed at the data they were able to review using his neural interface. The organic nature and deeper link between the interface and the nanite neural interface made the procedure very painful. He felt as if his nerves were on fire and he was screaming before they were done. Paul was finally cleared and allowed to go. He prayed he wouldn’t have to endure this before every race. He left on his own power but barely. He was shaking like a leaf and felt very weak by the time they were done. He didn’t say a word as he made his way back to his room. All he wanted to do was take some pain killers and escape into some sleep.

---

Alexander was back in the office on Monday. He was preparing for how the team was going to handle this new issue. The press were already hounding the team for a statement. Alexander was leaving that in Katherine’s hands. He honestly didn’t know what to say. Alexander was a little worried. Paul had still not spoken to him since he had been put through FIAR’s testing. Dorian had just given him a look and left him alone. Alexander was worried about his pilots. Alexander was usually quite decisive but he was concerned. He knew this would impact the team. He was worried that his pilots no longer trusted him. He tried to focus and decide on what to prioritize. He had given Paul and Dorian the day off to recover from FIAR testing. They needed some downtime to come to terms with that before they hooked up their neural interfaces again.

Alexander received a message from Johnna,

Johanna: "Saw the news. Scrutiny will pick up around us, and around your daughter, watch yourself. Could have told me first, Alexander, before this all went out. Both Paul and Dorian aren't going to like the checks- look after them."

The message pissed Alexander off. He replied.

Alexander: “Johanna, I had Wulfric report the findings to you in person as I was on my way to report it to FIAR. Don’t give me that bullshit that you didn’t see this coming! They have both been cleared by FIAR after the Jordan race but the testing was hard on them. They are recovering today. I am doing my best for them.”

---

Sun 19/10/94 Formula AG Pilot Group Chat

Cassie Neves

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?

Harrison

Yeah that allegation is worrying. Cannot believe it. Can't believe we got held around for another six hours.

Astrid

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?

Wedge

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

Dorian

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

Ava Villarosa

@Cassie Neves agreed. This is terrifying.

Astrid

bet you know something Ava

Cassie Neves

@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?

Wedge

Woah Cass chill

Florence

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.

Cassie Neves

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?

Kofi

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?

Dorian

Guys chill out

Florence definitely isn't she has a kid, cmon

Hamid

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.

Cassie Neves

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?

Astrid

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?

Harrison

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.

Kofi

everyone calm

Florence

@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.

Ava Villarosa

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.

Cassie Neves

@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

Ava Villarosa

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?

Ben Hale

Wait Cassie nearly went to Carrera?

Astrid

this is a mess

Dorian

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.

Wedge

Hopefully this gets dealt with!

Cassie Neves

@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?

Astrid

amy not winning the title because she's a bot was not on my bingo card

Florence

@Cassie chill the fuck out, don't throw anything at Dorian.

Dorian

nothing my end

Paul

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.

Bellatrix Olympus. Nordic.

Jordan. Desert Dunes.
19 -11 - 2094.

Jordan

Race Rituals. Pre race.
19-11-2094

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. “Sure. Be over in 5..maybe 10.” 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.

“I know the drill.” 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.

“Got it, watch the temps, save the extra coolant, until I need it. Why is it always sandy or hot Sif?” 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.

Jordan

Racing.
19-11-2094

…

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.

“What the….” 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.

….

Jordan

Delta Hyper
19-11-2094

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.

“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.” 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.

“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.” 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. “I was looking for points, we where on track and we had a good plan to hold at least 9th or 10th.” She said honestly, could they get a higher place? Maybe even just getting a few points would be helpful in the construction championships. “Il see you all in Istanbul, I have a ship and il be back.” 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. “Rude… bloody drone.” Bellatrix cursed in Welsh as they parted.

…

Jordan

Post Race. Post neural tests.
19-11-2094

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? “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.” 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.

“Fine, but I want heads.” 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.

…

Jordan

Nordic Huddle.
19-11-2094

“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.

...

Jordan

Home...ish.
19-11-2094

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.

“Thanks doc, I'll behave.” 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…

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

Jordan

Media.
19-11-2094

…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
​NORDIC CALL RACING ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING THE JORDAN RACE AND RECENT FORMULA AG ALLEGATIONS

​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.

​Pilot Status Update
​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.

​Bellatrix Olympus: 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.

​Media Contact Notice:
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.


​### ENDS ###

Bonjour, chers amis! 💫
​A little update from the desk of Florence Dubois (“Ren”) regarding our dear Bellatrix Olympus.

​✨ 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

…

---

Sun 19/10/94 Formula AG Pilot Group Chat

Cassie Neves

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?

Harrison

Yeah that allegation is worrying. Cannot believe it. Can't believe we got held around for another six hours.

Astrid

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?

Wedge

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

Dorian

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

Ava Villarosa

@Cassie Neves agreed. This is terrifying.

Astrid

bet you know something Ava

Cassie Neves

@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?

Wedge

Woah Cass chill

Florence

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.

Cassie Neves

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?

Kofi

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?

Dorian

Guys chill out

Florence definitely isn't she has a kid, cmon

Hamid

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.

Cassie Neves

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?

Astrid

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?

Harrison

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.

Kofi

everyone calm

Florence

@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.

Ava Villarosa

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.

Cassie Neves

@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

Ava Villarosa

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?

Ben Hale

Wait Cassie nearly went to Carrera?

Astrid

this is a mess

Dorian

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.

Wedge

Hopefully this gets dealt with!

Cassie Neves

@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?

Astrid

amy not winning the title because she's a bot was not on my bingo card

Florence

@Cassie chill the fuck out, don't throw anything at Dorian.

Dorian

nothing my end

Paul

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.

Bellatrix.
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.

Astrid. 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.

Tuesday after the Jordan Race

Alexander had spent the previous day answering questions and providing information to the Board of Directors and their sponsors. He spent the day putting out political fires. He had called his daughter and warned her that she may face heightened press interest. He also told her to contact him if any government regulatory bodies approached her about her body modifications and neural interface that were the result of her accident. Alexander was not particularly worried. While her neural interface and enhancements had been experimental, they had been sanctioned for testing on human subjects and had met all government and regulatory body compliance and control checks. He was more worried about the press and the public reaction. There was always that one guy who saw conspiracies in the shadows.

Alexander was angry with Johanna. Her insinuation that he had not warned her before this leaked made him feel that she was setting him up as some kind of fall guy for this situation. He had sent Wulfric to give her the sensitive information and warning in person while he was on his way to report it to FIAR. Alexander understood that he had made a choice at the moment in time. Johanna worked for a government regulatory body that had more checks and more laws governing her work than FIAR did. His choice to go to FIAR was an attempt to keep this issue within the sport and contained so it didn’t spill over into the public and affect body augmentations that people needed to live an independent life like his daughter. Logically Alexander understood that the government could have kept it quieter but in his eyes FIAR needed to know what was happening. Formula AG was why this hacking occurred in the first place. The government would still have access to the records and what happened.

Sadly Silver Apex had exploited the scariest part of having a neural interface. It was a part that everyone had forgotten about since it was something so basic and had become standard practice for so long. People didn’t really talk about it anymore. The safety of neural interfaces and body augmentations that were hard wired into the brain had been hotly debated in the beginning. As government regulations and policies made them safer and harder to hack and mess with, people accepted them as safe. The debate faded outside of academic and medical circles. It was still a subject talked about within ethical arenas of course. But they had become so commonplace that the general public had long accepted them as safe and unhackable. This scandal would remind the public of the scary parts of body augmentation.

Leopold was the one who had been blind sided by the ruling and what happened. Alexander had a long talk with him. Leopold had been justifiably angry to be kept in the dark. Once Alexander explained everything from his position and experience within the team, Leopold accepted his decision. He also recognized that if there were to be consequences for the team for reporting the information, it would give the Board of Directors plausible deniability. That didn’t mean that Leopold was happy about it though. The Board of Directors had only been told what FIAR had found and their decision. Alexander had ended up telling Leopold the whole tale because he trusted the man. If something came about from this now, he felt someone else in power at the Team needed to know what really happened.

Paul and Dorian were both unhappy about the extra scrutiny. They seemed to understand that it was not Alexander’s fault but they were not ready to talk about it yet. Alexander could already see that the extra testing and scrutiny had been hard on them both. He could see that it had impacted Paul more than Dorian. Paul had gone home instead of coming back to his apartment at headquarters. He had requested a few days off. Alexander had granted them without questions.

Alexander had spent some time with the Engineering and Medical team. He wanted to get a better idea of how to handle this new scrutiny to make it easier on the pilots and still keep them ready to race. The testing had been particularly hard on Paul. If they implemented this kind of scrutiny before every race, it would be difficult for him. It would depend on how much recovery time FIAR would allow pilots before the race. He was waiting on more guidance from FIAR on how they planned to do these checks. Alexander believed the scrutiny after the Jordan race was to discover if any of the other pilots had suffered from this type of tampering. He hoped they would scale it back to after races if they suspected cheating from a pilot. FIAR didn’t say how often they would have to undergo the additional scrutiny or if it would become commonplace before or after every race. Alexander wasn’t sure if FIAR had worked out the details of this new regulation yet. He could only wait for more information.

The Medical Team was worried about the psychological impact of such testing and the potential for damage to their pilot’s neurological systems from such invasive testing. While the testing wouldn’t damage the technological components there was ongoing debate about the impact to neurological organic tissue that the technology was paired with. The Engineering Team wanted to work on making their work with the pilots more transparent to reassure them they would never do something like that to them. They worked as a team to build some new transparent guidelines and procedures to reassure their pilots of their safety. There would now be a member of the medical team that would double check all work that interfaced with the pilot. They added additional technology checks to look for hacking and attempts to install backdoors into their equipment. They had just overhauled and tightened their security and computer system. Now they tightened up their procedures and policies so that more than one set of eyes was on every step. This would make it harder for anyone to try anything like that here at the team. Alexander was proud of the hard work of the support team. He was hoping this would reassure his pilots of their safety.

---

Team Valkyrie AGR Sport
Official Press Release

Alexander had tasked Katherine with drafting a press release with their legal team. Katherine had the draft and then told Alexander that he needed to be the one to give it. Alexander sighed but accepted the responsibility. He found himself on the receiving end of a make up team. His hair had been pulled back and braided away from his face. He sighed and accepted the inevitable. He found himself in one of the charcoal gray suits from Enigma Lux. He was plopped down in the media center desk with the Team Valkyrie logo front and center. Everyone cleared out of the camera range. Alexander watched the teleprompter for his cue.

With a solemn face, Alexander began the statement prepared by Katherine and her team.

“My name is Alexander Knight and I am the Crew Chief and Team Principal for Team Valkyrie AGR Sport. The team has been bombarded with requests for an official statement regarding the new regulations from FIAR and their findings regarding the Silver Apex Racing Team.”
Alexander paused and took a deep breath. He looked serious and sad as he continued.

“Our pilots put their trust in us to keep them as safe as we can in a very deadly sport. Accidents can and do happen. We do our best to ensure they can walk away from them. To violate that trust in such a heinous way for pride, ego, and money is an evil act. I have made my stance on pilot safety clear from day one. Safety comes first always!” He paused for emphasis before repeating it with intensity. “ALWAYS”

Alexander visibly collected himself before continuing. “Team Valkyrie AGR Sport will comply with any regulations or inquiries made by FIAR. We will cooperate with their investigation and comply with any new regulations that come out of this scandal. We agree that pilots that had been unknowingly impacted by their team’s decisions should not be penalized. The teams who made these unethical decisions to cheat in such a vile way deserve the sanctions against them. This form of cheating is the most vile and impacts the integrity of the sport itself. I stand behind the sanctions and decisions of FIAR on this matter. I understand the need for additional scrutiny. I would point out to FIAR that this level of testing and scrutiny is hard on the pilots. Team Valkyrie has nothing to hide but I think when to implement scrutiny should be given more consideration. The impact to pilots is significant. This kind of testing requires some downtime to recover from. As a Team that has been rocked by our own scandals this year, Team Valkyrie has moved to make all our dealings within the team more transparent with the public and our sponsors. Our goal is honesty and transparency backed by integrity while managing to keep any technological breakthroughs a secret from our competitors.”

Alexander tilted his head and gave a cocky grin. “When we take the championship next year, we want our win to be free from scandal and rumors. We want to win but we want to do it honorably. When we win, we want to know we did it based on our skills and technology, not by breaking the rules to stack the deck in our favor. We would hope all our competitors feel the same way. You can only be the best if you test yourself by the best.”

Alexander smiled into the camera and resumed a serious expression once more. “At Team Valkyrie AGR Sport team safety comes first. We strive to win with integrity. Any requests from the media should be directed to the Team’s Media department. Dorian and Paul are currently recovering from the testing. The Team will be in Istanbul and we will be ready. We ask that any requests for interviews of the pilots be sent to the Team’s Media Department for now. The requests will be passed on but we are trying to help them have some peaceful time for recovery. They will respond as they deem fit.”

---

Outside Belgium at his Family’s Estate

Paul had chosen to go home instead of back to his apartment at headquarters. His nerves still felt tingled and he had occasional waves of burning pain. He had taken a private flight from Jordan directly to Belgium. He needed the space and serenity of his home. His mother had been happy to see him. He had spent some time with her before retiring to his suite. He had taken some painkillers and fallen into a blissful sleep.

The next morning he had woken up feeling refreshed. He was not ready for the jarring fast pace of headquarters still. He put on some shorts, a tanktop, and running shoes. He took off for a relaxing run around the estate. He just absorbed the peace and quiet of nature and greenery all around him. He pushed the real world beyond the walls from his mind and focused on staying in the moment. He moved to a shaded patch of thick grass and stretched and did some yoga as he cooled down from his run.

He took a seat and crossed his legs and closed his eyes. He began to meditate. He needed to recenter himself after everything that happened yesterday. Paul didn’t worry about time and just allowed himself to be. After some time, he opened his eyes and headed back to his room for a shower. He dressed in comfort clothes and grabbed his cell phone. He avoided the pilot’s chat. It was full of angst and emotional baggage he wanted to avoid for now. He wanted to reach out to Trixie. He was concerned after what he had heard about her accident and what Astrid had to say about the testing.

---

Direct Message.
Sun 19/10/2094

Direct message.
To Bellatrix Olympus
From Paul Mulder
<Encrypted. Point to point. Handshake.>
<Confirmed.> <Cyberdine secure Messaging. V.3.755A>
<Your messages are Secure.>
<Chat with Bellatrix Olympus - Romus - Draken.>

Paul:
Hello Princess, I heard about the engine fire and that you had minor injuries. How are you doing?