FourtyTwo

DELTΔ HYPER (Anti-Gravity Racing, Cyberpunk/Solarpunk RP)

Saturday August 5th
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1800 EST

Mindset

Jen Lowry

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

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

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

"Jen, can you stay behind?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

Saturday August 5th
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
2000 EST

Boarding Call

Max "Wedge" Wedgewood

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

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

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

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

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

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

"So, how did the boss take it?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Too late to bring me along to Valkyrie?"

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

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

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

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

---

Sunday August 6th
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1500 EST

Out Lap

Nora Kelly

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

"Comms."

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

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

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

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

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

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

Soundtrack: Turbowolf- A Rose for the Crows

And away they went.

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

Race Results at Nürburgring

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qF6cn…

---

Delta Hyper Interviews

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

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

---

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

Raven Squad: Second Storm (Military/Spy-Fi RP) (COMPLETED)

Ark Angel, Lower Earth Orbit

Always Has Been

Skye Rosalind Lyons

@Starlance

"Good shout, Ebrima. Let's just hope she hasn't got the same brand. You should have a IFF identifier in the HUD if you really have to, but....I expect Rose to know that." Skye replied, nodding, knowing the Cameroonian might have been a strange pick for this whole job, but she had trust in him.

@LadyAmber

"Thanks, Chaos. Appreciate it. It links to my other jump jet systems, so that should tie together nicely." Athena commented back, watching as the hyper American pushed away, moving in front, Athena still in her own awe.

The team were readied, and with tape on, as per Ebrima's advice, moving off from the rail.

To call it moving was definitely strange. Moving? Just traversing through space was weird. The term Skye used to describe movement was a mix of flying, floating and just gliding thanks to the MMU, given there was no parallax to fix on, and it felt like fighting in three-dimensions- the only real reference point being the solar panels and space station up ahead, the strewn out arms and larger core containing Rose and all manner of world-ending mess.

The abyss was infinite, and Skye had to think to herself on everything. Kazakhstan felt like a totally different issue, but that was the satelite superweapon fucking them over. Then Singapore, where the CEO spilled the beans, and gave up the sites in Chile and Colombia, leading to the near collapse of Artemis. A collapse that the team were used in making to give Rose what she wanted. And Artemis got their reply in Marrakesh, Nagoya, Greenland, Newfoundland and La Palma, and now, Reunion, and here. They'd hunt them to the end to stop Sol Hestia. Wherever they went, they had got it set. But Rose had been elusive.

Now Skye knew there was nowhere to run.

Though the small patrol up ahead was trying to make that harder, the suits pale white in the obsidian black sky. They weren't friendlies. Nobody up here was.

"Contacts, up ahead. Weapons free." Skye's voice remained almost toned in, Skye dodging out of the way as she spotted one of them was a heavy. Athena was already on that, fifty cal rounds quickly disabling them with better accuracy than the clumsy heavy could bring to bear, but still, making Skye dive behind solar panels

Moving through, Skye sent a handful of rounds, aware that it would just take one bullet to find target, and she found hers, going up over the panel through a slit and scattering her first bullets in AG. Sealing up with the expanding foam they had to hand had been on her mind, if a round did land, but also, that thought was that she'd be dead near instantly if she couldn't.

So when one of the Artemis mercs got a couple of rounds to the side to the side, and immediately the effects were visible, the merc recoiling away and in absolute silence, disappearing, it was a reminder of how quick that would end someone in a fight. The only feeling was the weapon's recoil transmitting through her shoulder, clattering feedback that reminded her that every dickhead action was getting a 7.62mm sized reaction.

"More coming in!" Skye kept as calm as she could, using her MMU to pivot around a panel's spine, finding cover from the angle she could see a few more coming through, keeping in shadow and boosting around, sending rounds down range, before, darting between panels, evading a few rounds that splatted panels and allowed her to peer and get a headshot on one, sending the poor bastard backwards in a messy spray.

The voice in the team's ear, however, interrupted any flow they had, now moving closer to the main platform of the station.

"Raven Squad! And....Skye, so nice to see you join me. Fought through your fair share of hell. But you made it at last, to join me at the end." Rose's voice cackled across the comms, an unauthorised link in their HUD feed, as Skye didn't stay professional at all. It was, quite literally, personal.

"No idea how you're on comms, but I'm gonna fucking tear you apart when I find you! Come out here and fight me, you coward!" Skye gritted her teeth, the voice on the other end chuckling.

"Well, I have my share of mercs between you and me. Motivated just as much as you. By the by, I'm so happy I kept all these bodies up here that I'm busy sequencing....you know, it was how I got the drop on you in Tokyo. And now it turns out to be better than even my original plan because you get to watch." Rose's voice continued, absolutely rubbing the salt into wound.

"Isn't it ironic the blood in you is about to put humanity back into the stone age? Well, Sam's last little remainders of family, Freya's other half, Ebrima's.....whatever that fucking orphan you feel sorry for deserves, that petty bitch you brought along at the last minute....and your ex-partner, Skye? Just because of your blood. How are you finding a new body?" Rose cackled, as Skye scowled, the redhead knowing what she was trying to do. She delivered her reply through gritted teeth.

"I'm going to enjoy fucking making you breathe in a vacuum. Give it up, Rose, we have you outgunned and your plan isn't going to work. This is over, how can you not fucking see that!"

"Oh, you came this far, did so much, but I don't think it matters. First batch will be ready to go soon. I think I'll drop it on Scotland to begin with. Kill anyone we grew up with to begin with. You got here Skye, but I have plenty more to give." The voice on the other end cut out, as Skye scowled, in a rage moving through the solar panel field and getting a jump on from another merc, who levelled the rifle at her. With a swift boost, Skye bought boot into face and magdumped, yelling, throwing mag away and hurling a new one in.

"Team, keep fucking moving, and ice anyone, and.....save her for me. Chaos, isolate Rose's comms line and keep it if we need her back." Skye's last comms came with venom, as she flickned a new mag in, and kept on moving, approaching one of the "arms" of the space station, using a side of it for cover as she had to face away from another group coming in. Athena kept up the rear, pinning a couple more mercs with .50 cal fire, unlike the heavy that needed at least 50 rounds worth to smack open their helmet, instead just exploding them once hit. More goons were en-route, but they were closing in, and there was nothing that Skye had in mind that would stop them.

Fighting in space was certainly weird, but as Skye darted from cover to cover, firing her grapple into a distant point of the space station and reeling in, she could use it to rapidly jump out of one set of cover into another, flicking a new mag in whilst doing so, before laying down some fire on another group of hostiles flanking the group. Boaro and Chaos were in the midst of it, while Frigga and Valkyrie were ploughing into the main group, allowing them to take on what felt like at least two dozen worth of mercs.

DELTΔ HYPER (Anti-Gravity Racing, Cyberpunk/Solarpunk RP)

Thursday August 3rd
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1500 EST

Fear Factor Part Two

Soundtrack: The Prodigy- Timebomb Zone



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Habibi, this was fun! Thank you!"

---

Saturday August 5th
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1500 EST

Out Lap

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

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

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

Qualifying Results for Nürburgring:

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qF6cn…

---

Review with Rory Andrews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

Post Qualifying Interview

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

An opportunity to bear a heart, or cover that.

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

DELTΔ HYPER (Anti-Gravity Racing, Cyberpunk/Solarpunk RP)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

Closing on Belgium

Aurora was back in the studio to close up.

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

Soundtrack: The Upbeats- All Over You

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

---

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

---

Astrid Thorsdottir

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

Jen Lowry

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

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

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

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

---

GREEN//HELL//HEAVY

Soundtrack: Muse - Unravelling

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

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

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

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

"A circuit that claims all."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They were aiming for definitely some sort of horror here.

---

DELTΔ HYPER

Episode Eleven: The Green Hell

Thursday August 3rd
Nürburgring, Nürburg, Germany
1500 EST

The Fear Factor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soundtrack: Pendulum x Joe Valence & Brae - Napalm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reacting to that terror was all the pilots, and well, an unfiltered look in what happened when control was taken away from them on one of the most undulating, long laps of the year, taken at what felt like warp speed.

Raven Squad: Second Storm (Military/Spy-Fi RP) (COMPLETED)

Vulpine Space Command Centre, Île de la Tempête, Reunion

Last Goodbye

0800 Hours

@Rhona W
Purna embraced Eloise, smiling back, the Nepali cracking for once, knowing that for Eloise, she'd taken a lot to say that. And he too, had found that in her, usually preferring to work alone yet grateful for her backup.
"We do work well together, Eloise. You lived up to every tale I heard. And you saved my life, after all. I think I owe you more than friendship, Eloise." Purna nodded, holding her shoulders in his hands.

"I'm sure we will get the opportunity to know each other more. Raven doesn't miss. Now go finish the job, Archer." Purna smiled, a little bit of grit, knowing that in spite of Eloise's quiet, almost anti-social nature, behind those eyes was someone who just needed a little more of a pep talk. Someone more extraordinary than she probably realised, and even in himself, he'd done the thing he said he never would. Open up, let himself out a little more. There was more to life than taking lives, he realised. More than just immediate family as a distant thing. There was companionship, and that was something.

@Starlance

With it, the Nepali looked to Ebrima, knowing he should probably give a goodbye. In spite of everything, or rather, perhaps due to what they had already done, the smaller Nepali looking up to the taller Cameroonian.

"You are many things, Ebrima. You're too much of an asshole to die. That is why you will be back. Don't go losing the Kukri. Make sure you take her tongue off with it. Then maybe you will have earned it, no?" Purna casually dropped that line to the Cameroonian, cracking a rare teethy smile, chuckling, patting him on the shoulder, knowing that even if sometimes, they had a love-hate relationship, he had a respect for the Cameroonian.

"Good luck, Boaro. Go get them." Through everything that had gone down, and at the end of the world, he could see through those eyes that had long since decided.

That was before Purna hugged him, no doubt shattering any idea. Who the fuck was the Nepali to be kinder and where had they taken his original version? A joke that of late, felt in much poorer taste given Skye's situation. And with it, he was gone as soon as he'd arrived. Off to join the rest of the team in setting up kit, and preparing the team for launch.

---

Inside the truck, once getting moving, Skye was unsurprised to hear Ebrima clap back. Oh, at the end of the world, all things could happen...

Smirking, Skye looked across at Ebrima, hearing the tail end of her conversation with Athena, the Cameroonian making a head nod to Skye as Athena looked across, anticipating an answer.
"Eh, whatever job you can give him to keep him out of trouble, Athena. Perhaps you've earned retirement after this, given all of what went down, though....I doubt you'll chill out for long. But then again....well, who am I kidding. I think you're both as fucking mad as each other." Skye noted, looking at them both, chuckling.

"Maybe you would kill each other. But Ebrima was going to kill Purna a few weeks ago, and I saw him get hugged. So, hey. We're in a new world now." Skye added, getting Ebrima there, before moving onto Athena. If they weren't going to calm down normally, Skye knew she'd have the last say.

"Oh, and watching Athena flirt with my operative. Honestly. You take her on one operation, tell her the world's ending....and she goes all soft." Skye grinned knowing if she couldn't beat them, she could certainly join them. With the truck rumbling along, as she looked to Eloise, who was no doubt entertained by this. And Eloise likely turn a shade of beetroot red with Athena nearby, the blonde doing exactly that, and all of that was being discussed.

"Hey, Skye, that's between.....oh, fuck you." Athena turned red, and in that moment, Skye knew she'd won, looking to Ebrima, as if to say 'Happy Now?' in a sarcastic, tongue firmly in cheek, as she sighed, thinking about this journey, looking to her side, over to the smaller infiltrator.

"I think you might be fitting in, Eloise. Makes you plenty real. I suppose it's all pretty ridiculous, but, someone had to go and do it." Skye added, smiling back, looking at the truck came to a stop, and with that, the team were getting ready to get out. Athena casually lept down and started receiving Sam, Ebrima and Skye, before they made the short walk to the lift, and with it, to the top of the rocket.

---

Launch Pad, inside an Arianne 7, Île de la Tempête, Reunion

Launch

0830 Hours

@LadyAmber

Keller's voice came through the comms on the rocket was getting prepared, Sam's request getting a response from Mission Control.
"You are clear, Chaos. Permission is granted, sequence is commenced."

And with it, Skye looked across to Sam, giving a nod, a confirm in her ability, even if most of this was automated, she trusted Sam on this one to get them there, and hopefully, back home too. The lift pulled back, and the only thing keeping them pointed upwards at the moment still being the support strut.

The countdown began, as Skye could hear Eloise quietly, then gently louder singing to herself. And chuckled, a white grin forming as she couldn't believe any of it. She quietly mouthed the words, joining in, the team leader for half a second letting herself entertain the fantasy.

And suddenly, the countdown came into thirty seconds to launch.

Then twenty, then ten, then five.....

The launch pad itself felt tentative, as suddenly, an explosion of power, like being hurled by a giant took the rocket from slowly rising off the pad with the fuel line peeling away to faster, and faster, and faster, leaving behind everything. It was mind-melting, and over too quickly as the first stages dropped, any idea of being able to compare this to any other experience quickly faded for almost the entire team.

The rocket soon cleared the upper stratosphere, and with it, the constant acceleration and pull felt like it was contacting something else other than air. It felt like it was just an unstoppable push, as the outside of the ship went from a strange hazy blue, to an obsidian black.

"Okay, sequencing. And.....separation." Keller's voice stayed calm as everything shook, rattling audibly, from rifles to cockpit as the force of millions of horsepower sent them off-planet. The rocket's final stage released, and suddenly, the last bit of acceleration hit everyone, the final module accelerating, before the engine cut out, and the long road to orbit would continue with every micro-adjustment that came with it.

---

Part Eight: The Final Countdown

Somewhere......in Low Earth Orbit

1100 Local Time (Reunion)

Soundtrack: M83 - Atlas Imperial



Unstrapping the harness on Keller's confirm of orbit achieved, Skye sorted herself first despite the bulky hands of her spacesuit, but eventually, got there and was able to peel away, no longer pressed into chair, but actually able to float. Skye watched as the SIG floated in front of her off her strap once released, grabbing it back into hand, feeling the cold supply of rebreathed oxygen steadily hold, as she grabbed a hold of her own seat, leaning in and unbuckling Eloise's harness, the nearest passenger to her.

Moving to the window after turning, finding the whole action strange that she could pirouette almost with zero consequence, adjusting her comms band to pick up the team locally on her HUD inside her visor.
"Valkyrie, Frigga, you two alive?"

"Holy shit! My eyeballs feel like they bounced off the back of my skull on launch, but yeah, sure, good! Woooo!" Athena excitedly called, watching through Skye's feed as she went to the window on the side of the pod, for a moment, silent.

There it was. Everything they were trying to save. All of it, the tiny, teeny insignificant island nothing against India and Africa below, and beyond that, further north, Europe. And Scotland, barely visible given as usual, it was covered in cloud.

Overview effect had a hell of an impact on people. How on earth Rose was comfortable ending all of this seeing it all, how insignificant, small, and tiny they were in the infinite darkness, Skye couldn't even tell. But seeing it now reinforced everything. All good, all bad, and everything between was there, and they had to do something to let it see another day, as it stood.

"Good to hear." Skye uttered almost without tone given what she was seeing and her mind elsewhere, even the team lead not as animated as before, taking this in. Despite everything, all the stakes, she couldn't help but look.

"Well, it's pretty awesome out there! Wow!" Athena's excitement bounded, ruining just about everyone's immersion, as her voice may as well have echoed, given she could only look at this through her HUD's interconnection to Skye now from her position in the cargo area the heavy now not quite as much, and in this environment, seemed without much training, to be able to thrive given she now didn't have to worry about weight.

She was in as much shock, her experience a bit different given the Warhawk's seals were doing what they had to, keeping her from dying in the cold vacuum of space. And though Frigga wouldn't see it, she gave her sister a smile, knowing that Freya must have been adoring all of this. She loved physics so much her sister, so much she talked about going to space someday, and now here they were, together at potentially the end of the world, doing it. Athena was many things, overexcited, overstimulated, perhaps hyperreal, but there was a certain warmth even in spite of all of it, that it just came from being larger than life. And in a strange way, she now was seeing something beyond even what she could, and simply grateful for everything it was.

Looking on, that view of earth put everything in perspective as Skye got a hold of herself, not replying to Athena, but instead, back to the matter at hand feeling the micro-movements of the module, Keller adjusting it both through the pre-programmed approach and through micro-movements given the adjusting position of the two objects in the sky full of stars.

"Keller, what's our ETA?" Skye asked, still staring at the view, genuinely awe-struck, the comms spluttering a little as the receiver unit adjusted.

"You are ten minutes, and closing. Chaos, standby, I need a few inputs from you to adjust trajectory and placement. Can you confirm?" Keller's voice was in a world of absolute crazy, a bit of calm.

Awaiting that affirm, Keller moved onto the next topic of converation, with Skye.

"Are you familiar with Ark Angel, Miss Ly.....Queen?"

"Enough to know it's about the size of the ISS, there's two ways in, and a ridiculously big set of solar panels anchored to it. There's pods across it for evac, if we can't make it back to the Arianne." Skye replied, moving off, checking on the team, who were unbuckling themselves, bit by bit, and no doubt seeing this for themselves for the first time.

"Affirmative, Queen, we're tracking Ark Angel now, feed it sent to you. We have activity, with a docked cargo unit suggesting signs of movement. Standby, we will be in position to open cargo doors." Keller replied, that fact a moot point, given the pressure was already going, and the suits felt like a bubble now, a silent, protective layer in which the Scot could hear her own breathing. She took a moment to address the team, knowing they no doubt were feeling this.

"Right. Everyone want to take a moment to get used to this? As per what I mentioned. Move slowly at first. Hold onto something. Nice gentle breathing." Looking to the team, their collective mum-of-the-group continuing.

"You've got a grapple on your left arm if you need to hook yourself to something, and an MMU pack, that will allow you to move forwards and back, up and down, right and left, with control by your left waist, should be on a tether to your arm. Once we're clambered out, test it and check you're happy with it while hanging onto the rail. We're fighting in many more dimensions now, so don't think about the rules like normal. But that does mean hostiles will come from any direction too." Skye added, keeping herself calm in comms, looking up, her face lit up by the internal lighting on the visor, the protective element not yet peeled down.

"Rose'll have some mercs with her, likely her inner circle, whatever loyalists she's chosen for this. They'll fight hard as hell and will do anything to stop us. But we'll do better. We've all got samples that will kill Sol Hestia dead if injected into the containment, so that's priority, we cannot let her send any of it down. And if you see Rose, shoot first, ask questions later. The bitch dies, no matter what happens." Skye exhaled, looking on at one last time to the group. "This ends here."

Moving to the back, Skye turned the door to enter the cargo hold, the module not pressurised at all which made it a bit easier, as Athena helped peel it open, and gave Skye a hand, before helping the others through, the old phases of the rocket all gone and been, now all that was left, was the teeny husk on the back of the passenger module, and behind that, the cargo compartment where a satellite may have been manually unwound. Zero gravity was truly weird, but in Skye fashion, she simply adapted where she could, not making any note of which way was now up, rather, what she could work towards, and tested out her MMU arrangement, the small micro-jets allowing her to propel herself up, and across the tight space with relative ease. She peeled down the visor, the almost golden-like reflection obscuring her face.

On finishing her test, the cargo doors opened, and the view went from a portal window, to standing on the edge of the greatest abyss, and in view, every single other human being that was alive right now, bar a few that they'd be tacking off the list. And the spindly space station, with all of its solar arrays, sitting in the distance now on their 2 o'clock, about on horizontal level. It couldn't have been more than half a kilometre, though any semblance of understanding distance went completely to shit with a view like that in the background. Sitting there, sprawled out, over the Horn of Africa.

"Right." Skye simply understated in classic British tone, taking the lead, peeling herself up, and casually floating along the rail, making room, feeling the module shift beneath her before coming to a resting stop, although in relative terms, that wasn't exactly noticeable beyond the slight drift that still continued.

"Okay, Queen, this is as close as we can safely put you for now. You are cleared to move. Good luck." Keller's voice actually seemed to creak, even the Dutch controller cracking at that last one. A feeling of hope, even in spite of everything, she'd done all she could to get them there. Now they had to deliver.

Mag peeled out of the velcro, Skye slid it into the MCX and with a satisfying clunk she could feel transmitted from the cold metal in her hands, the Scot readied up, casually floating off, engaging the MMU unit in her left hand, rifle pointed forward in right.

Into the darkness, she couldn't believe they were about to end this all. Everything up to now, led them to this point here. A fireteam in the literal dark of space, headed on a mission that felt impossible.
"Okay, Raven. On me then. Let's go sort this mess out, yeah?" Skye understated once more, checking her team were following, and knew whatever came next, this was going to end here.

DELTΔ HYPER (Anti-Gravity Racing, Cyberpunk/Solarpunk RP)

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

The Battle of Stavelot

Amy Stirling

Soundtrack: Hans Zimmer- Three Laps Is A Lifetime

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

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

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

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

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

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

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

But what then happened, was nothing short of majestic.

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

Soundtrack: Hans Zimmer- Into the Red

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

Soundtrack: M83- Oceans Niagara

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Race Results at Spa

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qF6cn…

---

Belgium: Cooldown

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

Delta Hyper: Pilot Interviews

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

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

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

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

DELTΔ HYPER (Anti-Gravity Racing, Cyberpunk/Solarpunk RP)

Formula AG Pilot Group Chat

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

Bea I’m there.

Ava Likewise.

----

AStirling
I'm keen!

Hamid Atlassi was added
Flo Mason was added
Benji Hale was added

Hamid Atlassi changed his name to Hamid
Benji Hale changed his name to Ben Hale

AStirling
Welcome to the chat!

Hamid
Yallahhhh

*drops a GIF of a guy in a Keffeh with his hands aloft*

Flo Mason
Thanks Amy!

Ben Hale
Heyo! Yeah @Paul I'm keen but need to be on site that evening

Cassie Neves
@Paul how much money did that cost you? Holy shit that's fucking mental, very kind offer but we can't come!

Astrid
Said like someone who hasn't ever hired a yacht for a Monaco boat party

Cassie Neves
I haven't

Astrid
Paul has discovered the benefit of being a paid anti-gravity pilot with few hobbies

Harrison
Don't worry he'll change soon! @AStirling never does anything like this

AStirling
Yeah because I always pay for the Christmas meal, and you guys decided last time to spend too much money on 2025 vintages back when we were in Dubai, and my accountant is still angry with you all

Dorian
Worth it though, but yes this is a treat, I'm there and Paul did get a good deal with the hotel, it's stunning in there too- quaint little establishment

Kofi
Cash moves everything around me, CREAM get the money....

Dorian
Holy fuck that is a throwback, you from 1994?

Kofi
I know my vintages :)
And you're as old as me lol

Harrison
That is an eyewatering amount of money, mate, me and Nora are coming and we will pay something to that, you really didn't have to!

Also go check out Hilltop Hoods, stuck on repeat for me

Jen Lowry
Turns out you're all old-school hip hop heads, holy shit

Wedge
@Paul I'm in! And paying for my end, holy shit that is a lot. Can't stay though.

Ava Villarosa
The garage has ROSALIA blaring and we are enjoying ourselves :)

Flo Mason
@Paul count me in too, why not!

Cassie Neves
@Kais how's Layla getting on? Really shocked to hear she quit the group and the sport. Tried to send her a text but got her AI twin instead, honestly missing her a fair chunk.

Dorian
Yeah, really gutting but I know she had a lot of other priorities beyond AG, crazy she's dropped off.

Astrid
Now we just need to give Amy shit about when she's gonna quit to upload her mind or some shit and let the rest of us fight over a title ;)

AStiring
Hey I wouldn't give you the satisfaction, also Astrid, be less shit ;)

Harrison
Fucking hell that's diabolical

Hamid
@Cassie Neves Us too, its a sensitive one but she didn't want to be disturbed at all

Astrid
You guys are flinging so much shit at me, look, it's just not our year

Jen Lowry
When's it gonna be?

Astrid
Soon TM

Flo Mason
Like five years ago it was lol

Kofi
How is the family Florence?

Flo Mason
Better than it was before. The old chat was like dealing with kids anyway, so it set me up ;) Thanks Kofi, sending lots of love to your family, we need to get some play dates arranged now I'm back in :)

Jen Lowry
Aww, Bella was super cute when you came to Silverstone! She must be loving her new NOVA merch :)

Flo Mason
*picture of a very confused looking toddler in a olive green and yellow NOVA bib sitting in a pram*
*Many, many, many hearts in chat*

Cassie Neves
Aww she is so cute! Does she like racing too?

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

Ava Villarosa
One of us, one of us, one of us....

AStirling
Like mother like daughter! So cute Flo, even if you left us I'm hoping I still get to see my favourite goddaughter :)

Flo Mason
Anytime!

Dorian
This children chat is getting scary given you're all asking when me and Marcel are talking surrogacy

Kofi
Holy shit actually? The serial magnet on the grid is finally going to settle down?

Dorian
I am thinking about it :)

Harrison
Actual scenes, never thought I'd see the day, but then again, 20 years+ of this is also mad too

Astrid
I want to be like you when I grow up @Dorian

Cassie Neves
Astrid womanising is terrifying, but with enough of her gin, anything is possible

Jen Lowry
Holy fuck Cassie

Astrid
....

Harrison
How many pints deep are you?

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

Okay sorry yeah that was a bit much lol

Astrid
Doesn't filter out as nicely though, and hey, I don't need any gin :)

Hamid
This chat is everything and more I hoped it would be

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

Wedge
Yeah this is normal around here, welcome to the sandbox

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

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

AStirling
Hell to the yes. I loved watching it but they stopped it before I joined AG

Dorian
It is an awesome circuit, no fans but a real classic, the flow of the circuit is addictive, it's like a rollercoaster meets Jurassic Park. @Harrison you are going to adore this

Harrison
Yeah my socials went crazy for it!

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

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

Wedge
@Ben Hale there we go, now you're getting this chat's vibe

Ava Villarosa
Puta I spat out my entire electrolyte to that

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

Jen Lowry
True but she has actual roots from there via her mum, so you know, for pure vibes she's bringing the Moana

Ava Villarosa
You're too angry to be able to make this much gin

AStirling
@Jen Lowry absolute tease ;) I can see her turning pink

Dorian
Gonna be good racing. Spa is fun as well. I forgot to say- go see the motorsport museum in Stavelot, it is very good, bring a sponsor if you want free content :)

Hamid
Thanks for the shout Dorian!

Harrison
Such an old man @Dorian

Dorian
Ey I'm not the one listening to a century's old hip hop

Wedge
I heard French grime coming out of your trailer once and did not ask questions

Cassie Neves
Yeah he do be like that

Dorian
got me

AStirling
You ever tried just working on analytics in peace?

Hamid
This chat is making this difficult

Cassie Neves
@Hamid yeah that happens

Ava Villarosa
What happened to Henry by the way @Jen? Don't mean to intrude but just seemed like he left really quick when the whole thing got sold

Jen Lowry
Do you want the version they'll broadcast on Delta Hyper's Season Review, or the version that actually happened?

Cassie Neves
"Massive arguments, talking about speed, him crashing into me back in Singapore last year with lots of swearing, then him looking sad when it gets announced he sucked"

Astrid
hey hey hey I liked him

Harrison
you were chatting a lot of shit about him literally four weeks ago, and Cassie isn't wrong, they did me and Amy so dirty last year

AStirling
me calling you a pain in the ass was in context but repeated a lot, agreed

Dorian
I think we all supported Henry, but when I reached out he was quite private about it

Flo Mason
His stuff's still here, he had some seriously designer stuff, guy was stacked but wanted to keep none of it- it's gonna go to reuse because he hasn't come back for it and it sold with the centre

Jen Lowry
Basically- his dad tried to make it work, Henry genuinely loved it but I think his dad's got some sort of degenerative disease and looks like he wants to spend a lot more time with him. It messed up a lot of his judgement especially because Maxwell couldn't ever let go of it and ended up obsessed with running every bit of his businesses- literally cannot delegate any of the financials to anyone else. Didn't work and Henry just couldn't step up to run the team, not when he was in the pilot's seat and had to try and manage him from lashing out on the team despite pulling funding year by year. Maxwell tried to fund it anyway and do it all but they didn't need the advertising given that was all the team was- plus with Henry's performances they weren't helping the brand and he was the boss's son, so nobody could speak out. Genuinely insane, but the staff and everyone in tech was amazing, so at NOVA they'll love it but it will take time to heal

Ben Hale
Shiiiiit

Ava Villarosa
Damn, that is wild! Shit, no wonder he didn't look wired straight in interviews, or on circuit.

Jen Lowry
Yeah pretty wild. I'd have stayed but the offer of Apex was just once in a lifetime! You guys have an amazing team, can't think of a better pair to come in and Sally is absolutely amazing. She truly is, I do not know how she dealt with Maxwell because while he had his good moments, he's definitely got a lot worse on, Henry's going to struggle to take on the Fitzroy businesses when he passes. Whatever he has, it's way worse than any thing any neurologist in AG could fix, like I'd say without half the time the team's neurologist spent on him alone they say he'd be dead five years ago, let alone functioning. Real tragedy, Henry wasn't going to admit that to anyone for obvious reasons, and he couldn't focus on Business Admin and piloting a ship at this level at the same time

Wedge
You sound like a documentary voiceover in my head in ten years time ngl

Flo Mason
Holy crap! Did not know that at all- knew Maxwell wasn't well but didn't realise Henry was caught in it and how bad. Yeah, Sally is lovely- we talked a bit about it and when invested but this is not in. The facility needs a lot of love, cannot believe you worked in these conditions

Ben Hale
Yeah it's a bit different to Apex's!

Ava Villarosa
Our factory has Asado every Wednesday lunchtime, I would say ours is better than Apex's

Jen Lowry
@Ben Hale yeah it was a bit run down but it was home

Cassie Neves
holy shit this is an Anglo-Argentine conflict

Kofi
*Falklands intensifies*

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

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

Hamid
You should see Kais with the cattery we have here, he's chill (sorta). Jamie is a thing of the past to him, and yes, dumb crash, FIAR issued a fair few penalty points to him for it and internals dealt with it given it looks like Jamie overdrove deliberately

Astrid
I swear a bit, after a really nasty crash in snow, and get a ten place penalty, come on, what is this, 2030s FIA?

Kofi
Guys not now, this has been dealt with already

AStirling
@Wedge he was okay, taking half the year out to chill out. Just not for us, he needed a break and the step was a bit much. @Jen Lowry is already settling in here well- she is pushing me in the sim already! This next half of the season is gonna be interesting, I think we're in for a treat :)

Harrison
Bring it on, Amy, big gap in the constructors to clear :)

Ben Hale
@Jen Lowry btw looking around the factory there's a massive dick someone's drawn under Henry's desk

AStirling
Fucking hell you absolute rascal!

Flo Mason
None under mine!

Cassie Neves
Was there one under Jamie's? @Jen Lowry

Ava Villarosa
Cassie. Stop consuming beer, pls

Kofi
media.tenor.com/KG8VslP9asgAAAAM/meme…

Flo Mason
Some things never change in this group chat :)

DELTΔ HYPER (Anti-Gravity Racing, Cyberpunk/Solarpunk RP)

Sunday 23rd July
Naxos, Greece
2100 GMT

A Greek Holiday

Dorian Pascal Hornfleur

Sitting inside the quiet taberna in the hill overlooking the town, Dorian looked across to his partner, drinking the gin-infused scallop before peeling out the edible bit inside, Marcel framed by the dying of the light and the distant ships on the sea beyond.

"So, have you paid any thought to what happens after you leave?" Marcel asked, his hair short and a piercing in his right ear. Marcel had a taste for metal, just not the same as anyone on the grid, Dorian noted.

"No, not really."

"I thought you'd be somewhat interested? Given how long you've been at Valkyrie, right?"

"Well, sure, but...Sami's been hired as the new head of junior development. That's his job, not mine. I have a lot of time for Sami, so I don't see why I should interfere. They had a lot of time to pick and asked me plenty, and they're still deciding. And Alexander got played a bad hand, so what can I say? I mean, there's plenty of options and all of them are good."

"That's blunt of you. What's gotten into you lately?" Marcel asked, as Dorian put down his fork, sighing.

"I'm getting too old for this shit. The politics, the drama, the bullshit. I just....you know, want to enjoy what is left of this season. I love racing, but...."

"And yet you mentored Paul, right? He found you to be helpful?" Marcel asked, as Dorian nodded, finishing up some of the rice that came with the platter, shrugging.

"Sure, I spent a lot of time with him, but he knows most of it. I mean, it's hard to teach someone who knows the tricks you never learned. He's so fast, Marcel. So so capable. With a better ship, he's as good as Auldrick. Could be as good as Amy. If we had the bullshit that she has." Dorian remarked, as Marcel put his wine glass down.

"That's good. Just, you shouldn't beat yourself up, or compare yourself to her. You've got a lot of time in the game. Have you thought about what you do next if that's not happening?" Marcel asked, as Dorian smiled.

"I got a few offers. Media work, but Aurora mentioned that Delta Hyper might be spinning off next year for the Junior series.....and yours truly might have gotten an offer." Dorian smiled pointing to his chest, his partner grinning in response.

Marcel put his hand out, into Dorian's and nearly spilled a glass of wine in the process.
"That is awesome. Here's to that, hey? And us." Marcel smiled, Dorian beaming back.

It had been rare he'd found someone like Marcel, busy on weekends racing, always in one affair or another, never tied down. But in the smaller Frenchman, he'd found someone who in this part of life, mattered everything to him. And he wanted to be with him in that phase.

---

Sunday 23rd July
Los Angeles, Bio Bio, Chile
1900 CLT

Playback

Ava Villarosa

Looking out at the still ash-like burnt hillside, the phone rang. A hard day's graft, helping out at a local conservation centre before going to a local school and talking to kids about the importance of physics in being a fighter and AG pilot, as well as studying hard to do that. It had been an end to a holiday that felt far too short, because she was going straight back into the deep end. While Bea had gotten operated on, Ava had at least had the chance to read what was going to happen to her next, and sans the liquid breathing, which just wasn't set up for her already aerospace-grade respiratory system, was soon to happen to her.

Ava answered, connecting through.

"Hey, I finished compiling. Nothing is in there." Nicol's voice was reassuring, the Neural Link Specialist part of Ivan's team, and responsible for Ava's complex.

"Nothing at all?"

"It had to remove itself. Or we're both paranoid. This is risky, Ava. Why are you putting your head on the line? This whole thing with Kais, I don't fully grasp..."

"You know why."

"Well, okay, it's weird, because it isn't there. Any trace of anything we got in the ECU upgrade clearly self-managed itself, because after sweeping you, everything in our internal archives, and the ships, shows nothing of Apex's work beyond limited firmware. But look, between us, I think Bea knows. Lucio has spent a lot more time in the office than usual, because he started doing something he couldn't talk about. And I'm not talking his fan-fiction. He seems twitchy. Something's got him weird."

"Oh, shit. Okay. Well, she doesn't know what happened. Specifics at least. And between us, best it stays that way. I don't want her getting tangled up in any of it."

"Why not?"

"Because....well, it isn't fair on her. This isn't her fight. She deserves to be....you know, care-free, focussed on racing, not caught up in the past." Ava strained those words, her usual stoic self finding a reason, no matter how tangible, to get that out of her system on this one.

"Right. If you say so, then I'll stop poking about her. Then again, neither should you, given you've gone through a fair mess lately. Why are we keeping all this to ourselves? It won't end well. I regret even..."

"Because you can't look a gift horse in the mouth. And something just tells me we got used as a messenger when we took this ECU from Apex. Giving Kais, and Layla what Amy wanted without directly laying a finger because they knew what we found. What we did. Fuck, it was so stupid.....or whoever is behind Amy's fucking wizard bullshit. And someone.....someone, they know I wanted answers for when those mercs ripped through the mines at the end of the war in Peru....you don't need a predictive algorithm to get that, now I look back on all of this. The crash on Luna, Layla pulling back, Kais getting more paranoid. Something is up. If I fucked this up, then I may as well try and figure out how bad."

"Did you think Kais was involved?"

"His friends were back then. They turned it upside down. So there's a truth I'm owed and he's the only person with the capability to get it. I gave him what he needed, now, I think he might need to pull us out of this."

"Shit."

"Yeah, I didn't want to make it too clear. I mean, look, Kais is a good guy. But....yeah, I had a feeling him being here might point to something else. Something messier."

"Well, whatever it is, we're both tied. I have my interest too because this whole source code scares the shit out of me. Let's just focus on the season ahead. You heard anything from Alonso yet?" Nicol's voice was not the most reassuring in that moment, Ava dryly laughing.

"Nothing yet. Seems to want to see how we do when we return in Belgium. He's good at keeping his options close to his chest."

"Yeah, that he does. Fired Ronaldo when he had the evidence, and a German telling him his department is full of shit, all these facilities, and yet he couldn't make an engine work, let alone a ship that didn't stick around corners. He doesn't make rash decisions."

"Thanks, makes me feel really good about all of this."

"No worries. You'll be fine, Ava, if Bea trusts you, and the ship's good, you have a good chance. Speak to you later."

---

Monday 24th July
Somewhere off the coast of Cascais, Portugal
1000 GMT

Tapped Up

Cassie Neves

The phone buzzed, as Cassie tapped it in, the non-Zygon branded phone coming to answer on the encrypted network.
"Heyo." The Lusitanian-toned Scot replied, this coming in from Joao Vitor, a long-term friend, agent and face to a name.

"You in a clean room?" Cassie looked around, that never being a good start. It was her last morning of chilling out, before a late night flight to Seoul to get a check-over, and then start the.

"I'm off the coast. Sunbathing. Chilling out. Enjoying my holiday, Jo..."

"Ah, shit, sorry Cass, no I'll call later..."

"No, it's good, Joao. What's up?"

"Right, so you've seen the recent pilot market. It's all gone crazy."

"And what are you trying to say? Upgrades are due soon. Much as I may not enjoy it, time to see if Zygon keep their end of the bargain, no?"

"Understandable, but from our chat before, I have gotten something more than that. And Apex obviously didn't fancy the risk, not without Zygon kicking up shit mid season. So I might have another team making enquiries." Cassie's eyebrows raised, as she looked to the horizon.

"Oh, interesting. I assume anything will come with a knock in pay. But go on." She noted, sighing as she put her feet over the edge of the chair, waving to the Captain, who headed back to the wheelhouse.

"How would you feel with Carrera?" Joao asked, as Cassie shrugged, looking into the horizon.

"Ava is a good pilot. I know I'd replace her, Bea is far too good unless someone's done something mental like offering her and Pridwen a contract they couldn't refuse. But she's in a slump in form, on a good day, I'm shocked they want to let her go. They really thinking of bringing more ex-Valkyrie into that team? What is this, the Europeans all going on a holiday to Argentina?"

"They're thinking about it. And by putting feelers out, because right now, it represents the best option I see. Would be rude not to check in with my favourite cl...."

"You also manage half the Junior AG grid, Joao, but I appreciate the attempt. What are you thinking?"

"Well, they seem to be the same opinion as you are, they want to see what they'll do before committing to contract talks. Let's keep an eye on this." Joao's voice was reassuring, as Cassie chuckled, sitting up, adjusting her tint on her eyes.

"Hah, how the world turns. Okay, I'll have a think."

---

The phone went to voicemail, the ID of Pablo Asturia flickering on Bea's phone.

"Hello Beatrix, Pablo here. Sorry to call you while you're away, but, listen, I wanted to talk a little bit of business through with you. Normally I would have gone to Frederick, or Leon first, but I thought to go to you directly. I believe in our chances this season, and I think you are the key to that. I'll be at Spa. See you there."

---

TEMPLE//ARDENNES//RAIN

Rain. It comes down, dribs and drabs.

And the flashbacks to racing here. In 1960s F1 cars around a circuit that was basically roads. The massive crash in the rain in 1997 with half the grid wiping out. Endless amounts of it, yet delivering the best racing of Formula One, thanks to a circuit that tested everything, speed, handling, bravery, skill, strategy, and sheer will.

The races at Spa, even in the late July heat always seem to be punctuated by drizzle, rain and poor weather.

And in it, a montage of change. The pits changing from nothing to the high-tech garages that lined it. Valkyrie's most local race, was dominated by local fans, and Paul had no end of them entering the circuit.

And back to archive footage. This time, of 2072. The AG racing taking place in the pouring rain, a near monsoon.

"There are circuits that test a ship. There are circuits that test a pilot. And then... there is Spa." Auldrick Mulder is quoted in his post-qualifying interview, in 2072, wiping his sweat off his brow as he looks to the camera.

Cutting to now.

Low mist curls through pine forests like smoke from a tired engine, clinging to the elevation changes of a circuit that feels less like a racetrack and more like a living thing—etched into the land long before AG propulsion was ever dreamed of.

This year, Spa is different. The 2094 grid arrives amid a volatile championship fight, with teams chasing marginal gains in one of the most technical updates of the season. Rain threatens. Winds swirl unpredictably in the high sectors. And behind the scenes, murmurs of late-season upgrades and team tensions make the paddock crackle with anticipation.

Spa rewards the brave, punishes the overconfident, and elevates the sublime. The footage shows that on display, finding order in the absolute rollercoaster of chaos the circuit inhabits.

And ending by cutting to Paul Mulder by his ship, the Belgian's gaze is an echo of Auldrick, the Valkyrie ship behind him, the Belgian the home hero in the country of his birth. The introduction's ending left to him.

@LadyAmber

---

DELTΔ HYPER

Episode Ten: Changing Conditions

---

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

Memory

Dorian Pascal Hornfleur

Soundtrack: Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson - Colours

Dorian put down the bouquet of flowers at Radillon, exhaling hard, the pile already massive from Belgian fans who had been before. It was horrid to remember, but every year, he was back here. Back at this spot. And thinking about his rival, in the pouring rain.

He remembered that at the time, they were locked in that fight. Talking less. Involved less in each others affairs. The racing heating up in a series that bloomed.

And then it happened. One moment, he was walking, talking, there, next, he was dead, in a fireball.

It was a reality check. A moment that he stopped being a mere boy and started being a man. Even with the death of his own father from a rare cancer, Dorian hadn't been the same since Auldrick. That one stung, it stayed around and burned. Watching the ship in pieces, there wasn't even a part that could believe he was alive. Not after what he saw. It was a moment that was blacker than night, and keeping going afterwards, well, it had been knowing that he'd want him to keep racing. Even some of the big crashes, that kept him going.

Looking to Paul and Alex, he let the Belgian put down his flowers, and before any words were traded, hugged Paul, and sobbed. Even the rain didn't hide his feeling.

It felt sobering, as he looked back, without words, and reflected on it all. This was the last time he'd be here as a pilot. And he hoped Auldrick would trust that he'd looked after his son good this season. Safety may have changed, especially with the gigantic super-structure of field generators and protection that now sat at Radillon, catching ships at the most dangerous corner of one of the most dangerous circuits of the year, but the risks were always there.

---

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

Delta Hyper Interviews

Inside the Delta Hyper trailer, the pilots were under interview again- the busy as hell schedule never relenting. After technical debriefings, it was time to catch up with them after their summer holidays.

Except, unlike before, three pilots in particular were picked out. Kais, Bea, and Paul all shared the same couch, after others had been interviewed.

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

---

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

Changing of the Guard

Ava Villarosa

Practice had shown that some teams had changed, drizzle making no difference to the stark changes that had now come about.

NOVA's new look caught the eye, and while not much had changed, and they were still the second worst team, clearly had thrown a lot at fixing what was broken and getting the ship back to where it needed to go. Polishing a turd of a ship was not exactly easy, but with an enhanced powerplant, and a significant aerodynamic overhaul, the ship actually could do something decent on corners now, without being skittish. That was some improvement, at least.

Zygon, despite cheating, had somehow pulled out of the bag an enormous upgrade all around the ship. Gone was the sluggish, messy additions, in came a brand new engine, ELS and aero module that was FIAR-compliant and the work of months in the making.

Yet of all of them, Carrera Condor was the one that had the most dramatic change. The pilot mods, the engine upgrade, and the small fix to stability had taken this ship from a skittish backmarker to a dark horse. In a rainbow livery now adorned with PolarVault's Nordic-style text on the side, as well as a Tomorrowland sponsorship on the tail, this was now a ship built under Felix's oversight and made perhaps fittingly, for Spa.

And sitting inside of their garage, Ava looked through the telemetry, looking through the data at the holographic panels.

"This real, Rey? I mean, it feels good, but are we.....actually doing this?" She asked, Rey nodding.

"Told you. Upgrades like this are not insignificant. Felix brought in what he knew about setups for Spa, so that's why it works especially well." Looking across the other side of the garage, where Bea's team were hard at work, she smiled, her husky voice still drilling through her glee.

"Holy fuck. It's like an SR-71 out there, but if it had the agility of a wolf on crack. So, are we fighting for podiums then?"

"If you're good enough, Ava. Right?" Rey smirked, as Ava grinned back, running across the other side of the garage, unusually excited.
"Bea, no funny business into Turn One, yeah? We have a hell of a ship on our hands..." Ava beamed, unusual for her, running over and hugging her team mate. She was unusually animated, but then again, they had reason to be.

The ship looked like it might have the golden combo of setup, and performance traits for Spa. For the first time in the season, Carrera might have a shot of a podium, a feat so rare for the Argentinean team that it had to be seized. Normally, the ship's sub-par stability would be a detriment, but having handling that rivalled that of Valkyrie and Silver Apex, as well as the new engine had done bits to the ship. It might have been skittish, like Southern Cross's ships typically were, but this was why the team believed in getting 5th.

Even though it was clear that Zygon's upgrades were going toe to toe with them, Spa was their chance to make that gap. And at the back of the garage, the older-looking, grey haired Spaniard, flanked by two security guards looked on in sunglasses, Pablo enjoying the look of this. No more excuses. This was an opportunity not to waste. He knew, from what he'd gleaned from the Operations Board, that this was the one opportunity they had at this point to get what he'd demanded of them, and he looked at two pilots capable of putting Carrera somewhere it had never been before.

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

Full Send

Ben Hale

Soundtrack: Paul Thomas & Jerome Isma - Ae - Tomorrow (Luke Chable Remix)



The lap at Spa-Francorchamps was an incredible one in an AG ship. Speed and handling in harmony, requiring a ship that could bolt down straights requiring a ton of ELS management, and then corners that threw. Eau Rouge at 450kph was not taken flat, but was rivalling Italy and South Africa for sheer "holy fuck" levels of speed that required a pilot to be brave, and willing not. The track mostly lacked MAG strips, and instead, was raced on the historic tarmac- a trait that many loved because it rewarded those more accustomed to old-school handling rather than the snap-like MAG tracking. Well, at least in most of sector one and two....

Onboard with Ben, he was saying those swear words for the first time peeling out of Radillon, slower than he'd like but not wanting to bin it in the wall. The rain had stopped, but the circuit was still covered in mist and water. La Source, Eau Rouge and Radillon were monstrous in an AG ship- and were critical in setting up a lap and the overtakes that came with it.

And then into the Kemmel Straight that went on not as long as anticipated, the chicane-like turn at Les Combes, fast hairpin followed by a sweeping left at Bruxelles, and Pouhon, taken near flat, or at least, as brave as you humanly could hold down.

At the old Turn 13, the circuit corked, in front of a Tomorrowland-inspired festival like stage and platform, an enormous construct of MAG tracking sending the ships around in what looked like a massive banking, corking right into Turn 14, before a massive construct extended the circuit out to a turn into the dense woods past Stavelot at Turn 15, a full-blown 90-degree bank that was effectively flat, before spitting into a fiendishly difficult chicane complex called Neuville (named after a nearby village)- an incredibly tight left hand chicane high above the trees that spat into a completely corked 270 degree hairpin going underneath the MAG-tracked, raised circuit and back towards the circuit at the old Turn 16, into a wall of fans on each side.

Blanchimont from there was taken flat and with zero MAG tracking, again testing just how brave pilots were to hold their nerve. Rather than stability being looked after, as many would associate such a high speed circuit, handling was particularly critical as the historically high speed corners in an formula car were considered to be more low to medium speed in an AG ship, compared to some of the more undulating corners at the Nürburgring or Muller Cay.

The Bus Stop Chicane, a tight right left that slowed the ship to a relative crawl spat the thing back out onto the main straight, and the lap was complete. Ben exhaled, just letting this sink in. This was insane. Just beyond whatever even the simulations had shown, because in the heat of a moment, this ship had so much more to give than the Junior one.

It wasn't a great lap. But Ben had survived it, and he broke a sigh of relief, tapping the cockpit as he led it into the exit road, off the lap, and taking a breather.

The rest of the session played out, and mouths were agape. This really felt like a moving doors moment. And Practice had gotten proven right. The fight between Zygon and Carrera would be getting spicy, and all eyes were on a circuit that should have been Carrera's best of the year on current metrics.

"Well, whatever Carrera Condor have done over the off season, they seem to have nailed it!" Rosie called out, as Rory nodded, in full agreement, looking out at the now sunny Spa pit wall and environs.

"Wow, what a result for both of them, I think Beatrix Ward is going to explode with energy after that. Simply outstanding, and to put herself behind Amy Stirling's heroic lap, even with her mistake at the final chicane, I mean, talk about arrival. We thought it was all eyes NOVA, but Carrera have arrived."

"Absolutely. And well, Jenny Lowry seems to be a fit for Silver Apex, immediately settling into 3rd?"

"Certainly, I imagine Southern Cross must be kicking themselves now that they couldn't get more points, because Silver Apex looks like they have a wingman back for Amy Stirling. It seems like a circuit they love just not clicking for either pilot, but it seems Nora Kelly has got the measure of Harrison here. But with such tightly matched ships, who knows what can happen. Spa can produce anything, and with Sunday anticipated to be dry, with a storm expected at the end of the race, anything can happen."

"NOVA seem to be improving on Fitzroy's position too, after a hotly anticipated debut from the Sheffield team. And Florence Mason seems to be right on the pace, even if Ben Hale looked like he struggled in his first outing in Formula AG. Are we seeing a revival for them?"

"Absolutely, I think we're seeing a team that seems to have its energy back, and those changes will come into play. But let's see tomorrow, because wow, I think we are in for an exciting second half of the season. Aurora, over to you!"

Qualifying Results for Spa:

docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qF6cn…

---

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

Delta Hyper Interviews

Another set of interviews followed, back at the booth with raincoats on for most of the teams.

"Beatrix, the upgrades look incredibly impressive. Take us through what you're feeling, with a podium position today in qualifying? Do you think you have what it takes to win? What would you say to your past self about the journey you've been on?"

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

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

---

Amy was next up on the couch, the format a bit different to what had happened before.

"Incredible qualy lap. I mean, me and the ship are just in such harmony right now, it's effortless, especially in Neuville, what an amazing addition that has been. Super keen to keep it on Pole, and massive shout out to Bea Ward, wow, what an incredible achievement. I'm sure she'll be trying to gun after me in turn one, make the most of the slipstream but there's plenty of tricks she might not have seen yet!"

"Yeah, not the best Qualy but we'll make it back. There's a lot of Southern Cross fans in Belgium, not quite sure why but we'll make ya proud!" Harrison smiled his way through his pain of not even podiuming, let alone being ahead of Nora, again.

"It's strange being so new to Delta Hyper, so once again, thank you! Yes, tough session, but the ship takes a lot to learn. It is a huge honour and I have been dreaming of this, so I will make this up in the race. Lot of fans here in Belgium for me too, which was a shock!" Hamid's naive, yet youthful feeling was totally, if not completely the opposite to Kais, and even Layla in some regard. The Moroccan's hair was shaven, and with only arms and legs augmented, seemed significantly less modified than his predecessor, of whom Al-Saqr almost seemed to never talk of.

"Good lap, and yeah, we just don't have the straight line speed, but the handling is immense. I love Spa a lot, and this is a Valkyrie home track, so yeah, crazy fan turnout in spite of all the rain. We'll make the most of it!" Dorian replied, keeping it candid, and touching that yes, every other grandstand had a Valkyrie flag or tifo up. One that had plenty wanting to marry Paul, weirdly...

Cassie was up next, and kept her new navy-red threads on, a new design launched by Zygon she was advertising.
"Sure, pretty good and the upgrades on the ship are amazing, after FIAR decided that....well, what we had we couldn't have but it is what it is. Now these ones are all good, and we are super happy with the balance. Carrera have us here, but we knew they'd be good after Practice, but we've got a ship that sticks on rails and I think we'll be able to bring it back in Germany, as well as give it a college try here." Cassie remarked, followed by Astrid, who took a moment to think her question over.

"Bwoah, I mean, it's a circuit requiring speed, we don't really have much so......what can we do?" Astrid remarked, chuckling, not able to really give any better an answer for why they were again, off pace. Florence followed, in the brand new green, black and rose gold coloured garb of NOVA.

"Yeah, I guess welcome back to Formula AG! The ship has a lot to do, and I appreciate expectations aren't high, but it's amazing to be in Spa and really gunning for it. I think it reminds me of the start of my career, but with any luck, we'll clamber up as the season goes by and next year!" Florence replied, optimistic, yet still keeping it grounded, as per her near decade of media training had ensured.

Raven Squad: Second Storm (Military/Spy-Fi RP) (COMPLETED)

Vulpine Space Command Centre, Île de la Tempête, Reunion

Suited and Booted

0800 Hours

Skye watched as the team got ready, Purna coming back in. Sam was right, these were bulky, modernised sure, but EVA suits were always going to have the weight that came with life support systems. Vulpine had clearly gone for bulk over cheaper, thinner models as a form of longevity, that compromise came with more modular spacesuits that alone must have cost hundreds of thousands of Euros. That thought went, as Skye smiled at the smaller Nepali.

"Thanks, by the way. Both you and Eloise did good." Skye added, as Purna nodded, a smile back. He was quiet, and understated.
"My pleasure. It was tough with Bakker, but....we did what we do best. Heard what happened and....well, fuck. As if you weren't there enough to this mess. Go get it done, Queen. Still seems to be you in there."
"Thanks. Look after yourself. When we're back, go have yourself some time off. Enjoy those things you talked about. Life's more than slitting throats." Skye added, knowing his history, Purna nodding in return.
"It is. We need that world to exist first. Good luck." Purna added, as Skye smiled, letting him move on as he had another group to attend to, moving across.

She next saw Adam come back in, exo still on, rifle in hand, mind on the mission still.
"You guys ready?"
"Almost."
"Good, just wanted to say, with what happened...."
"I know, not ideal."
"No, not really. But you're still in there. And don't let it distract." Adam added, as Skye reached out, and hugged him, sighing.
"Look, sorry. I probably should have forgiven you."
"You don't have to say anything. You have this. We'll sort out the mess down here. There is a lot of mess, Skye. Go get this done and we'll talk in a bar, in Scotland, when this is finished." Adam replied, Skye giving a silent nod, as him moving away revealed one last person that wanted to say goodbye.

Tahlia, who reached up and hugged Skye, sighing hard.
"How the fuck did we get here? I mean, you managed to coax my arse into fighting, sniping people...we were in a hairy one earlier, but got out of it. Bloody hell, Skye." The Kiwi uttered, almost disapointed with Skye, but the Scot knew that Tahlia was happy to be along.

"Saving the world business, Tarly. We do it well. You do it well. Nice work out there. And you got Shimura out alive too. Thought he was a goner. Look after them while I'm away, yeah?" Skye asked, as Tahlia nodded, resting an arm on her boss's shoulder.

"Sure. What's a rocket launch to us? So yeah....see ya later." Skye with it, felt the embrace of the sniper, the mobile bush nodding as she gave a salute, and moved away. On that note, Skye moved up to the truck, and where people were getting moved into it, via the portable lift that was Athena.

Athena was keeping her eye on something in the meantime, where she pretended to do something else, loading a crate up into the truck. Seeing Eloise walk over, Athena casually picked her up when close enough and put her on the back seat, leaning in, her head level still at Eloise's chest in spite of the rise on the truck.

"There you go, Eloise. Uhh.....well, given we're both alive, I thought I'd mention....I saw that origami on the suit this morning. Do you know how many people send fan mail? Drunk guys try it on? You have any idea how many comments I've had about my arse?" Athena looked around, as if she forgot she was the tallest person in the room outside of Freya. It sounded scary at first. But Athena meant well.

"That's the cutest thing I've seen anyone do. And I know that took a lot of thought on your side. So if we come home, just say the word if you want to go out sometime. Because....nobody's ever done that. Not when I can see how you feel, you see through that. I might be a giant but I can see through people, even quiet infiltrators, you know. You don't have to say anything....just know, I appreciate it and beyond all this, there's someone in there that's got time for a romantic." The blonde smiled, knowing she let on a little more than perhaps anyone was typically used to, especially given her poster-girl image to the other mercs. There was a little bit of a socialite in there, perhaps, someone who knew how to talk.

Athena turned around hearing other footsteps coming, seeing Skye struggle to clamber onto the truck, Athena straight up picking her up and pushing her in, before offering a hand to Ebrima, turning and casually just picking him up like a weight anyway, heaping him onto the bench.
"Heard you talking shit about me." Athena glared into his eyes with a deadpan look, before a smile cracking, her visor and helmet opened still.
"Wouldn't be the first one either. But....if you want a job after this is all done, I know a Managing Director who might be hiring for miserable looking mercs chasing a paycheck. Or is that less your thing these days? I mean, I heard you were done with this...." Athena giggled, knowing she was being annoying, as she turned and punted Sam up, before clambering in.

"You playing fair, Valkyrie? I thought we said you'd stop talking bollocks?" Skye asked, as Athena shook her head.
"Hey, he star..." Athena started, as Skye looked at her, then at Ebrima.
"I swear, the Service would just have me whoop out a can of kick ass on both of you, but I'm out of body and out of my fucking mind with this whole mess. Go fuck or fight it out already. But we have a version of me to wipe clean first before you do." Skye held her authoritive, sharp tone with more than a little tongue in cheek knowing she could pull that joke on them, as she slid along, looking to Eloise, the small framed light perhaps not the first pick for something like this, but something Skye recognised as required for this particular job.

"Anyway. Don't mind those two. Looks like you're holding up well, despite....well, what went down. Glad you got it done, and trust me, Purna appreciates you a lot more than he'll let slip. You know how it is." Skye added, exhaling, checking the SIG MCX in right hand, laser attached to it, adopted mag carrier on front of suit, and stock folded in.

"We've got this, Archer. I know it seems like a lot of weight up here, but up there, you'll know how to move like a cat better than anyone. I saw it in your preliminaries in our testing. So when it comes to it, you'll make it work." Skye reassured her, knowing with each member of the team, she had to take on a different approach, as she looked over to Sam, giving a nod back, knowing she was going through in her mind all the steps involved in what was next. No doubt it would be a lot, but Skye trusted her with technical bits, knowing the lengths Sam went to in order to get it right.

With it all done, Adam stepped into the driver's seat and turned the key, and off to the launch pad they went.

On the way, Athena turned to Freya, smiling, wrapping an arm around her. Athena had gone for a M2 Browning she'd looted off a dead heavy on their way in, with a top up of her movement jets and her missile systems for good measure via a supply drop.
"Sis, this is fucking insane, I mean...this must be something you were dreaming of, right? Always dreamed of being an astronaut when you were little, and I guess you got it?" Athena chuckled, asking her, the golden retriever not entirely leaving her, as she looked her up and down, smile still etched on.
"We got this. Battering fucking ram. Save the world. Get home. Then we gotta talk about finding JamJam someone to love too, right?" Athena kept it light, in spite of just how insane the stakes were, beyond the two mechs on fire still in the launch pad opposite their rocket, and the absolute carnage that looked like an army had run through here, instead of just a dozen highly trained black-ops, special forces degenerates.

---

Launch Pad, inside an Arianne 7, Île de la Tempête, Reunion

T-Minus.....Raven One

0830 Hours

Walking out as the lift opened doors, the feeling was just ridiculous. Like something in the movies, Skye, Ebrima, Eloise, Sam walked across the gantry, and with it, past the door, and into the upward facing seats, through the mesh-lined metal and into a straight up rocketship. Helmets in hand, they'd go on as soon as they were sat, and with the bulky backpacks, they'd be ready for EVA activities the moment they got out, once in orbit.

Athena and Freya were inside the cargo hold of the hybrid crewed capsule and satellite carrier, a novel design that would be like sitting inside a sardine tin for the two giants. A little like the Space Shuttle's doors, the system was designed for an orbiting crew to release a small satellite manually, particularly those with complicated folding and instrumentation. That was now two giantesses in armour.

Clambering in, Skye harnessed herself up, exhaling hard, looking to Sam, helmet on. A rudimentary HUD was on her visor, that bit significantly updated over older spacesuits.
"Alright then. All you, Sam. Give Keller signal we're ready, and she'll sends us to the stars.....and hopefully on Rose's X." Skye added, exhaling hard, and looking forwards to the displays and panels, the AR and LCD panels around dislaying readouts, and most of all, the condition of this.

They were nearly ready. And as Keller stayed on the comms with Sam, she'd no doubt give the go signal. And that countdown.
"Anyone else feeling like they're a child again?" Skye joked, knowing that perhaps in more ways than one, that had a meta, literal and rather figurative meaning.

DELTΔ HYPER (Anti-Gravity Racing, Cyberpunk/Solarpunk RP)

Sunday July 2nd, 2094
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal, Canada (Federated American States)
1532 EST

Friendship

Jen hugged back, screaming with joy, happy to see her old friend come by. Bea was always a ball of energy, and the day they'd talked about for years had finally happened. Nobody expected Jen to be the first of the two up there, but here she was.

"Amazing! Oh my god, it's the best thing! I mean, wasn't expecting it but yeah, this is surreal!" Jen replied back, giggling with the energy back, letting Bea lead her on, towards where the cameras were, the two captured together.

"Oh, I don't even know where I'll put it.....definitely over the fireplace, me mam and dad would be so proud!" Her honesty bled through, as she grinned, playing back with Bea.

"Soon you'll get one too, eh?" She beamed, grinning, before breaking away, the cameras beckoning her, and in for her interview, going ahead and off in front.

---

Sunday July 2nd, 2094
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montréal, Canada (Federated American States)
1545 EST

Halfway Point

Back in the studio, the three hosts of Delta Hyper sat around the table, the background of the circuit and the fans slowly peeling away, as the trophy lift was made.

"Wow, what amazing scenes we're seeing today. Rosie, how did you find that?"

"Yeah, what a rollercoaster. Zygon's disqualification, a last minute dash from Jen Lowry into what we thought was fifth, Amy's crack under pressure. You just can't predict it, can you?" Rosie replied, as

"No doubt, and well, Paul Mulder getting his first that way, even in spite of it will feel earned. What a result, and he is beaming." Rory added, the other pundit picking this up.

"Certainly, and no doubt, we are likely to see plenty more from him in the future, as Valkyrie begin to stabilise. With the crash of both Silver Apex ships, Owen Keating at Southern Cross must be gleeful too?" Rory asked Rosie, as the chirpy presenter took a moment to think, in pundit terms.

"Of course, but it still could be anyone's season, and halfway, the gap is more than closable. There is a lot to play for, and Silver Apex seeing their success must have decided enough is enough. A rare crash from Amy is one thing, but Jamie was definitely at fault there. It has to be said, his crash was silly, but he was making good moves to go up the grid. What a shame, because somewhere in there is a good AG racer, but is it just that second seat at Silver Apex, Rory?"

"Perhaps, but we shall see what comes of the rumours. Aurora, what did you think about Jen Lowry's progress up the grid?"

"Outstanding! Just wow, and well, with all that talk, I do wonder if the rumours are true...."

"Ah, you know how these things go! I'm signing for Apex next!" Rory quipped, the crew laughing, a rare break in the ice, as Aurora turned to the camera, knowing it was about time to wrap this up.

"Well, sadly for our audience at home, and perhaps thankfully for the pilots, crews, and the engineering staff, Formula AG enjoys a summer break, but don't be gone too long as we'll host a summer special. Thank you for watching, and we'll see you in Belgium for some more high-octane, incredible AG racing!"

Soundtrack: NOISY- Young Dumb

The ending sequence played, and with it, from rainy qualifying to the race, the smash between Amy and the wall, Harrison, Max and Layla, Kais and Jamie, Dorian and Ulrich merging into one, followed by some of the more ballsy overtakes Jen was making, the agony, the ecstasy, the feeling of coming out on top, and the feeling of clambering out of a damaged, broken ship. Canada had it all.

---

The media was abuzz with the news of what was going down.

Because at Silver Apex, Jenny was announced, and within a few days, getting operated on. And what you knew as Jenny Lowry was being changed for something compeletely different. Ready for the top level, not the bottom. In the test tube went, and out of the end came someone who was not going a half measure. She'd want to catch up with Bea at some point, that was what the summer was for after all, but the team had kept her in and away from the media to hype anything up. She'd want to do her talking on the track, and she knew the challenge ahead was monumental.

But with new arms, legs, a reinforced spine, a neural link that blew her old ones out of the water and eyes, even going for a run felt like she just had more spring to her than she'd ever had. All AG pilots were top level specimens, but now, she was beginning to get it. And between the physical work, recovery, training and briefings behind the scenes, the feeling was clear. They had to take back the title from Southern Cross.

At Southern Cross, more media in the Southern Hemisphere winter, Harrison getting to shred down the slopes in The Remarkables outside of Queenstown, New Zealand on what was effectively, the team's winter bash at a privately hired ski resort. Apres-ski courtesy of drinks from End of the World Brewing, and the media was let in to enjoy it all. A breather after what was an explosive season. And while developing the ship was important, thanking the team that had worked their asses off to get them here was seen as a rather valuable thing. It made Southern Cross a good place to work, and the snow-filled mountains outside of Queenstown were blowing any corporate event out of the water. Because beyond that, the team was on schedule, and the next upgrades were still on track to keep them where they wanted to be. The team thrived on that attention, it brought in the sponsor money, and it kept them afloat. At the cost of maybe their original intent? Sure, but winning came with compromise.

Zygon had kept a lot of people in, and it was virtually a polar opposite. The quiet hum of techs working overtime, and the advances that Zygon had committed to earlier in the season leaping forward. A mandatory break felt like a let off, because the air was that they had to have something now that would at least give them an edge, right?

Fitzroy were sadly taking down most of their signage, the internals left as they were, but it was the end of an era. Maxwell even visited the factory, shook hands with Sally Morrigan, Team Principal, and in an almost dead silence, left it behind. Despite the success of Fitzroy Orbital, he wanted distance between this, and his son's hobby was just not going to be affordable. Henry knew that as well as anyone, and there was no love lost between him and the team, because in the end, they now had nothing left. A strange feeling to go on holiday, knowing you'd come back working for someone else, and something else.

As for Carrera, Valkyrie, Al-Saqr? Well, that's best left to their direction.

---

Sunday July 9th, 2094
1900 GMT

DELTΔ HYPER

Summer Break Special Episode

Aurora stood by the AR-enabled backdrop, this episode of Delta Hyper a little different to others. The typically chirpy Irish presenter was alone on this one, as most of the footage was archive, or at least, of current events.

"Hi all, and welcome to our Summer Break Special, and while we wait for some racing, plenty has been on the horizon in the background. Shall we see how we got here?"

And with it, a review of the season so far played out.

Soundtrack: Queens of the Stone Age- No One Knows

The initial race in Auckland, inclusive of Ulrich's crash, tight fighting between rookies and old racers respectively, and the group photo of all the pilots, in one place, at the start of it all.

The massive hit by Bea and Kais, and what ensued in the dramatic race in Cape Town with the rookies fighting it out and going toe to toe on the high-speed, high volume of scenery Lion's Head and Table Mountain.

Kais coming back to take victory in Japan, in the pouring rain with the backdrop of the evening sky of Tokyo beyond, and ships skirting around the tunnels and harbourside vistas of Tokyo.

Nora taking victory in Italy, roaring through the ice, fist pumped.

Cassie's 2nd place finish in Portugal, clashed against the fight between Paul and Amy, and the fiery mess of Ava's Carrera ship.

The crash on Luna, and the picture of Ava by Nora's side in their respective pilot suits, by their two stricken ships, with the Earth in the background.

Dorian getting carried by his Valkyrie team after a decisive victory in Monaco.

The slice through the grid Bea on the final lap at Silverstone and the big hit between Cassie and Paul.

And last but not least, the massive clatter of Amy Stirling into the wall in Canada, smacking an end to the montage with a cut to black, with Paul on the podium and Jenny Lowry enjoying her podium finish too, and Fitzroy Orbital enjoying ending on an absolute high.

If you didn't believe in Formula AG producing absolute cinema, you probably did now. All generated from the rolls of the dice, the dreams of the engineers, pilots and technical staff that made it all possible.

---

Season Review: The Teams

Aurora sat by the sofa again, footage running back over the season. Every highlight, but this time, tailored to each team.

The reels played, running through highlights of each team. A nice time to recap, if ever there was one.

"Southern Cross are in the lead of the championship, and well, what a season they've had. The plucky underdogs from New Zealand are no underdogs anymore, they seem a bona-fide force in Formula AG, and with a refurbished factory, a fan-favourite heritage and a ship that seems to flicker between untameable and unbeatable, we're seeing a team look like they will finish what they started last year. And what about Nora Kelly, the rookie who has come from nowhere, literally from the underground scene of the Outback to become a genuine world-title contender, in her very first season! The team of Kelly and the established Harrison Makara seem to be making that ship work, but with changes elsewhere on the grid, will they keep their reach on top of the championship?. Rumours abound that the partnership between the two is strained under their pressure. Chasing Stirling down for the pilots' title, one has to ask- when will tensions boil over?"

"Silver Apex have undergone lots of change, and with a ship struggling for control, they turn to Jenny Lowry, who with a Fitzroy Orbital ship has put the backmarker in places it never could have gone. Clearly the ship has potential, but with such a thin operating window, many are wondering what it takes to get the most out of it and in the right hands, put the Silverstone-based team back to the top. Many are asking- will Lowry break the curse of the second seat, or is she doomed to repeat the mistakes of her predecessor?"

"Al-Saqr are living up to their reputation as a dark horse this season, and haven't shaken that reputation as willing to cause an upset. The ship looks even more untamed than Southern Cross's, and many are wondering how on earth they are making it controllable, but many are assuming that the Arabian Union's willingness for biotechnology has provided a much needed edge. Either way, Kais Zenix has come out swinging this season despite his rookie position, and while the Egyptian may not be the most media friendly, no pilot underestimates him on the grid, despite his inconsistent results. Will we see him and Layla challenge the top two, and even make a dash for the Constructors title this year?"

"Valkyrie have been mired in scandals, and the appointment of Alexander Knight has revealed just how deep the rot has gone at the famous European superteam. Yet in spite of all the setbacks, Valkyrie have won two races this season, both in Monaco and Canada, and Paul Mulder is showing he has his father's talent. The feel good is back at Valkyrie after an incredibly rough start to the season, not helped by losing their Chief Engineer, and renowned ship designer, Felix Burkhart. Many are asking- what happens when Dorian Hornfleur retires, and what does the future hold for the Aachen-based outfit, who certainly know they will be put under pressure by the rest of the midfield?"

"Zygon hasn't had the best start to their season, after last year's difficulties in ship development, they seem to have failed to find their feet. Illegal parts in Canada took the shine off what was an up to then, high level of performance from the Seoul-base team, and it hasn't been much better behind the scenes. Cassie Neves has clearly shown sparks of talent, but the fit seems to not be there for the Scottish-Portguese pilot. Han-Hyeon Ae seems to flicker with similar consistency, and one has to ask- how long can Zygon accept such results, while avoiding scandals such as the illegal chassis modifications found in Canada? It seems like their pilots are delivering, but when will their ship and team?"

"What a journey it has been for Carrera Condor. The team's rise has been meteoric, and many put that down to Beatrix Ward and Pridwen's sponsorship of the team, capitalising on a ship platform that seems rooted on a turbulent, shaky platform that she seems to relish. Ava Villarosa, who many thought would put the ship in points-paying positions has struggled in recent races, perhaps her conservative approach contrasting against the ship's increasingly volatile feeling. Yet internal expectations are increasing for the Buenos Aires-based outfit as they take on a new lead designer, and the ultra-competitive midfield will be a tough fight against bigger, established teams that are seeking to bounce back. With major upgrades planned, Carrera seek to put it all on the line and cement their place out of the bottom of the grid- but will their pilots be able to keep putting it there, and deliver against the odds?

"Nordic Call have sadly underperformed this season, after what Erin Becker called "a bad development platform" just didn't yield any results this year. A typically high-grip, high ELS-designed ship just hasn't found either mark, and their retention of Bjorn Waldgard seems to be hurting them when they have the performance to deliver. Despite promise with Astrid Thorsdottir's podium in Japan, nearly repeating it again in Monaco before an unfortunate crash, the team's been in a slump, unable to match the upgrades from their competitors, and one has to wonder if they are looking to next year to make a resurgence, and get back on track.

"SuperCat, currently with points only scored by their Kofi Mensah trail the pack, but many are wondering where the team is going given Kofi is retiring this year. Despite being a new team, is there any fresh energy that will come in to give them a boost into the season? Even with a tech-sharing agreement with Al-Saqr, rumours abound that SuperCat's new addition to the grid is already in trouble, and they seek investment to revive what was a promising programme into a force in the midfield."

"Fitzroy Orbital seemed to be dead last. Yet Jen Lowry, who has stunned us after a rather bland first season in AG has come out swinging, in spite of her second pilot position in Fitzroy. However, we'll return to them later this programme, as they have an exciting announcement to make in collaboration with Delta Hyper."

---

FIAR and Season Event Updates

"At the most recent FIAR meeting in Nagoya, Japan a series of regulatory changes have been proposed. To streamline the ladder of anti-gravity racing ships, Formula AG and its affiliates are set to use the same platform that the FIA's WRC and Raid series have taken on, with the use of class systems. Formula AG would be designated as AG1 Class, whilst Junior AG, and the regional series below it would be designated as AG2 and AG3 respectively. Discussions are ongoing for such a designation to launch next year, creating a new category of ship that will replace conventional Formula series, creating a group of budget friendly regional series."

"Other discussions also surround the proposed ship designs for 2096, where rumours abound surrounding a more advanced version of ELS, the reintroduction of nanite self-healing repair systems on the ships, a redesigned chassis permitting dual-hulled and more exotic designs, and enhanced agility through more complex aerodynamic feedbacks. Of note, there are leaks outlining the use of energy-based weaponry, making ELS systems able to disable entire ships forthright. Senior figures within Formula AG have denied this, but many expect FIAR will not be keen to advance any proposals to enhance the competitiveness of pilots, many of whom are ardently against such systems."

"On event news, the recent eruption at Moa Therma in Rwanda has ruled out the possibility of the event taking place next month, with critical infrastructure being wiped out and the facility being evacuated in the light of safety concerns. A proposed replacement at Coalescence Geothermal's circuit at the inactive Moa Tempest facility in Hawaii has been tabled, and FIAR are looking at the technical specification of the track. The use of the circuit used between 2081 and 2087 would be a departure from our usual trip to Africa, and would represent a third visit to Oceania this season.

"The track is a pilot favourite, and rumours suggest the circuit is being reactivated using the same technology as we saw in Italy earlier this year, albeit the location on the densely forested Hualālai Volcano will make it difficult to say how far we'll have the fast, flowing sectors of the Marmolada circuit. An announcement is due on the weekend of the Belgian AGP."

"Similar concerns have been raised over the United States AGP, with rumours swirling that the race will be relocated due to a clash with the Classic Anti-Gravity racing festival, though discussions are uncertain on where, or when a replacement would come in. Discussions have been made around a race in Las Vegas, akin to the tumultuous 2085 Vegas AGP, or the historic Olympic Mountain Racecourse near Seattle, which hosted races between 2079 and 2084 as the second AG race in the United States. No confirmation has been made yet, but watch this space."

"For the 2095 season, more discussions are taking place around where the Formula AG series will head. One of note is the German AGP being dropped, in favour of a new street race in Reykjavik, Iceland, using the old airport and inner city highways. The addition of another event, in Yucatan Rainforest of Mexico has also been proposed by the FAS as an additional nature-focussed race, but doubts exist of where it might fit in the calendar that is already pushing pilots, teams and crews all across the globe and beyond. While rumours abound of a second extra-Sol trip to Mars, FIAR event organisation has hinted that currently, no spot on the calendar exists that could manage the logistical challenge." Aurora's V/O carried over the footage, covering historic races there, and feeling like a blur through the past, as well as the stories in view.

---

The New Team on the Block

"Lastly, we have one particular feature to show you."

And with a cut to black, the pre-recorded VO started.

"James Horton, Sally Morrigan welcome to Delta Hyper. So, now we're finally ready to talk the much-talked about replacement to Fitzroy Orbital AG Racing, and as the former COO on the Fitzroy board and current Team Principal, you both know this so well." Aurora asked, sitting on the couch, with a black quilt behind, covering something up.

"Thank you Aurora. I've come from a background at working at Silver Apex, McLaren, and Valkyrie, so the core of our team is excited for the next step. And I think I speak for everyone that it has been quite a while under wraps." Sally started, nodding to James, who took over from there.

"It's so hard these days when there's so much going on, and we know that at home we've been unable to talk much about it. But we have a ship to introduce. And new team name."

"Shall we get to it? James, Sally, we have the ship behind you. A little different than the start of season introduction, would you like to show us what you've been up to?" The keen Irish presenter asked, as James nodded back.

"With pleasure, Aurora."

And with it, played in the montage. One that felt a little cut and filler, from pilot training, digital renders, racing highlights, and the history of the Fitzroy team, up to now.

But at the end, one name popped up.

NOVA.

=====================

NOVA

Back in the studio, Sally and James looked like proud parents, if ever they had anything to show, it was about now as James stood by the curtain, looking with a beam to camera.

"We're proud to introduce NOVA Racing to you at last. And here is our NVR-94, our love letter to British Racing Green, and our next chapter as Nova Racing."

And with it, James stood up, the lighting in the studio shifting a little, the blackened out patch turning into a bloom of yellow, green and white light.

The ship was a very different canvas to the old Fitzroy white, black and red, this time adorned with a colour pallet of a deep, nanorefractive pearlescent green tinged with a tiny amount of rose-gold in the reflection, with a secondary flair of fluorescent yellow, bordering on green to create a high contrast. A ship with plenty of minimalist-maximalist art in the digital-like barcode and symbolistic-style art and triangles that adorned it outside of sponsor logos, and every part of it screamed attention. This wasn't a just a classy Aston Martin style livery hailing back to British Racing Green, it felt bold, with triangular-like connections in the yellow secondary paint, and a feeling of it being glaring and designed to pop with the yellow. Some might say it almost ripped off the 2022 Aston Martin, but the yellow seemed to be much more prominent, and glaring in the design, with grey used for trim and carbon on the ship.

The sponsors reflected that outlandish approach- the largest being Polynetix, with smaller ones including Sakura, ALPHAR, VIXN and Orchard Capital. From a British neural link firm, a Japanese supercapacitor company, a Dutch land remediation firm, a Spanish techwear clothing firm (with the most outlandish looking logo of them all), and lastly, a large British financial firm (whose logo seemed the most ordinary, even if it was a SoftBank affiliate) in the respective order, this was a ship that bled a different identity to the Fitzroy one that had been an advertising banner in seasons past. Fitzroy Orbtial had a small advertising space, but by every intent, this was a different team, a different mindset, not a complete break, but a new start. Toyota snuck in their logo on the ship's nose, reminding everyone this was right now a team in transition, but no less, a team that was backed by a factory.

Aurora looked over it, the ship a clear reskin of Fitzroy's old ship, but when you had a new brand to launch, all eyes were drawn.
"Wow, quite a different look! A different colour, and yes, very green! So, James, where would you say your plans lie with the team?"

"Hah, well, we want to win, Aurora! This year we're staying put in Sheffield, but next year, we're relocating the majority of operations to Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan. Working with the talented team at Toyota, who have kindly helped us put together a new programme, we're using both our bases to build the best crew possible to compete for titles. We'll be bringing our British heritage forward into a Japanese environment that will bring their passion for motorsport into everything we do and build. We'll disrupt the field this year, but next year, we'll be gunning for the top of midfield."

"And what about your replacement pilot for the recently departed Jen Lowry?" Aurora asked, as if on script, James giving a grin in return.

"Well, we thought you may ask that. Our magnificent ships are only as good as our pilots flying them! Shall we introduce her, Sally?" James asked, as Sally grinned, nodding in return, both looking to Aurora who eyed up the shift of the set behind. The whizz of the motor could be heard of the stage moving, And with a wave, even Aurora was blown away, in shock.

The orchestrally mixed electronic music built, the crescendo hitting, as the smoke broke away, and blasted aside to reveal a pilot in the brand new dark green pilot's suit, helmet in hand.

And more to the point, how in the hell had they got her? Aurora jumped in on that first.

========

Return of the Mack

"Florence Mason, wow, welcome to Formula AG again! Wow, what a comeback for the ages!" James and Sally couldn't stop smiling, as they nodded, looking across, all standing in front of their new ship, in the new green hue of the lights. The brown-haired, lightly Scots pilot was not someone anyone would have put bets on. Max Wedgewood, Kofi Mensah, even Jamie Hart, but this? This was actually bonkers.

"Thank you, Aurora! Well, I keep getting involved, don't I? Well, when I heard about the opportunity, one last dance in Formula AG....well, let's just say never say never! I guess I heard about the project and once they took me through it, I thought wouldn't it be fun to try and rise through the ranks again with a team that's got so much spark?" Florence replied, grinning ear to ear, as Sally nodded, looking across, a beam on her face too.

"Yeah, we're super proud to have Florence on board, she has championship-winning experience, and while many bigger teams than us were looking at her, our project at NOVA is to get to the front of the grid. That starts with a champion mentality, and Florence is with us until the end of next season to get us a ship that will perform over the odds. It will be a challenge, but Florence is super keen on us, and is already a foundation member of our team's board." Sally added, as Aurora looked in awe, simply in shock that NOVA had pulled this off.

This was possibly one of the best concealed rumours on the grid- something to which nobody would have ever seen coming. Some would have said Silver Apex would have gone for their technical advisor back in the seat next to Amy- it felt so obvious, even Valkyrie's second seat would have been obvious as a pick, and Florence had quit AG to raise her child a couple years back. Something had clearly changed. Some discussion to get back a recent legend in the sport, and there was no doubt now as to what NOVA's aims were, and given she had a board position, this was clearly one that had her pegged in to invest into the team's success.

Florence must have received a hell of a lot of money too, but then again, having a massive hedge fund backing your team made writing a cheque that could make a big signing was a way to go. After all, setting up an AG team required a lot of money, and the mid-season pick of pilots was either pinching from other teams, the Junior leagues, or well, something braver. And this was a brave choice.

"Wow, what a statement signing. But that isn't all, is it?" Aurora asked, knowing that the other pilot was missing. Henry wasn't here.

"Well....we do have another pilot to introduce. Shall we, James?" Sally smiled, as James nodded, and the stage directors replied in turn.

And as the wall peeled back again, the smoke revealed another pilot that popped out, hand raised to virtual audience.

===========================

Ben Hale.

If there was ever a time as another team boss, or pilot in AG to be staring at your screen, it might be now. This was the sort of move that transfer legend was made of. How in the actual fuck had they managed to do this? The worst team on the grid, going through a total rebrand, the kind of thing that took a long time to get right, had gone and gotten two of Silver Apex's best supporting talent? This wasn't a lineup that was just good, this was a lineup you could win championships with if the ship could give enough.

"Ben Hale, welcome to Formula AG as a NOVA Racing pilot! After a statement of dominance in the season earlier this season, wow, how are you feeling?"

"Yeah, thanks Aurora, yeah same, it's just mad ennit? It's all happened so fast, but when I heard the movement on the grid, and the plans here, it all just made sense. While I'm gutted I won't be able to go for the championship title in Junior AG, seats on the grid come up so rare, and with Florence always backing me back at Silver Apex, yeah, it made sense to follow my mentor here and join her. I'm super excited for what's to come, and well, looking forward to getting started." Ben's voice was one of confidence, the half-Welsh, half-London accent now the youngest pilot on the grid.

"What a pair of signings! Sally, did it all come together easy?"

"Well, with movement in the season, and our good connections at Silver Apex, a lot of things changed and we weren't sure until yesterday! Ben is here on his merits, and we decided with a change in management, we'd make a change in the team too, so with Florence coming over, Ben was a natural fit to provide a young prodigy and a storied champion with the best environment to settle in. We're brave, and we're not just thinking about the experience in our team, but the new generation of talent. We're here to make that statement." Sally spoke with words that didn't sound affiliated with the worst team on the grid, by far, but given she'd been in AG long enough to know her way around, it seemed like she was speaking in spite of everything Fitzroy had been through.

The terrible facility, the outdated infrastructure, poor morale, results, everything, it seemed like a fairy tale come true that a team like this had a revival.

"And what a statement. What do we expect to see this season, Sally?" Aurora asked, as Sally nodded in turn, the 50-something Team Principal aware she had the pragmatism of racing down a little more than James did, the hype-man who had got all the money in for this.

"Well as we said earlier, we want to be competitive. And we have upgrades already planned, some from our time as Fitzroy, but our new backers, particularly Toyota and Orchard Capital have been massively supportive at getting us up and running, the former's junior AG involvement making a perfect platform to leap into what we do. So many smaller teams have punched above their weight, and with our amazing team, support, personnel, and most of all, our brilliant pilots, we hope we'll find an edge of our own."

Aurora looked to the camera, astonished even herself, finding words.

"Well, what a launch this has been. A new team in Formula AG, with a bona-fide legend of the grid and one of its most promising juniors in years joining, with a striking new livery and a new partnership we can't wait to see what Nova Racing acomplishes. Sally and James, Florence and Ben, thank you for joining me!" The four-piece Nova team smiled, nodding in return.

"Thanks Aurora, and yeah, keep it NOVA, we'll see you in Belgium!"

===================================

With that, the cut finished, going back to the studio where Aurora stood among the displays, playing out the season up until now.

"Wow, what a launch that has been. We hope you've enjoyed our Summer Special, We'll see you at Spa-Francochamps, where I am sure the headlines will run riot as we see NOVA Racing join us, Florence Mason return to the grid and Ben Hale join the grid as the newest rookie. We are in for a treat. See you then!"

And with that, the programme ended, just like that, Formula AG went back to enjoying a break that it wouldn't be getting again until December.

---

In the season break, activities ended in the factories to give the staff and teams a well-earned break, and while NOVA had an exemption for staff reallocation and media activities, the others would be off. This meant for most, this was an actual bit of spare time to spend with family, friends, a chance to catch up on other ventures, and a chance to get recentred before heading to the Ardennes.