Pilatus

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Paige Kennedy

The weekend following the Thirsty Thursday double-header was expectedly slow, even for the 501 Club. There were sparse few at the bar and even fewer at the tables. “Sol-Mates” may have been a distinctly uptown affair, but everyone liked a good excuse to party and the regular clientele had turned up to throw down and then call out the next day. Only the most devoted, alcoholic and utterly disconsolate populated the small club into the early morning hours. No ruckus filled the walls, only faint conversations and the distant sound of televisions repeatedly playing tired sports highlights alongside the unwavering lineup from the war beaten jukebox. The bartender, also the owner, poured another glass from tap for a customer while his only waitress played on her phone. He was on the verge of sending her home when the heavy front door opened.

Being the proprietor of a place like the 501 Club gave a man a certain access that couldn't be described. Whenever he felt like he’d truly seen everything, there was always a surprise around the corner. As insurance for just such an event, underneath the bar, hanging amongst the glasses, liquor bottles and rubber lines for the taps, was a sawed-off shotgun. When he saw the figure that came through his door, his face remained expressionless as he leaned on his elbow against the alcohol-weathered countertop looking her in the eye and, like he always did when he wasn’t quite sure which way things were going to go, felt for the reassuring steel of the barrel to be in its usual place. It was always loaded. He watched as she came through the doorway and turned to glance down the bar as if she knew exactly where to look. Even without her badge, he knew exactly who she was.

It wouldn’t have been quite as curious a situation if the man to whom he was considering selling the club wasn’t also present in a booth near the back wall along with his young bodyguard seated on the corner of the bar. The door closed with its signature heavy clamor that echoed across the whole floor and though it had banged open and shut all night, this time, everyone seemed to notice.

Yolo, who had nearly done a double take over his shoulder, got a wide grin and jumped from his stool, standing to face the woman down the line of tables and chairs. His right hand hovered over his hip where he kept a high-caliber revolver tucked old western style in its holster with the curved grip facing out, just out of reach of his slowly dancing fingers. Nikki Giancana, who had been enjoying a surprisingly decent cheeseburger happened to look up, mid-chew, when he sensed Yolo move from his seat. His mouth slowed on the bite as he looked past Yolo and made eye contact with her, the Marshal, Kennedy.

The door clamored again behind Paige as a few onlookers hastily bolted for the door while others slinked back away from the pair. Her hand rested firmly on the gun on her hip. The bartender motioned for his waitress to get out of sight, seeing her slightly spellbound by the scene in front of her. A blonde woman, not much different in age than herself, had a piercing aura about her like she’d never seen. It was nearly mesmerizing. Not like the wild brawls that typically erupted in the 501, it was measured and natural, like a predator. She could remember watching some nature documentary with her kids about wild cats in Africa or some place she’d never been, the look, it was like that, but human. She stepped back carefully behind the swinging door to the kitchen, still keeping it cracked to the outside so she could watch.

“I have to say, you really are exactly what i thought you’d be.” Yolo said finally. He kept his hand steady, but his eyes looked her up down. Black leather jacket, gray shirt, black jeans and the Converse sneakers she’d become known for wearing as the city’s most infamous law-woman. “When I first really saw you at the record store, I was only left... wanting.”

Paige huffed unimpressed. “How’s that bullet wound treating you?”

Yolo patted his side firmly with his other hand. “Good as new,” He said. “Your boyfriend can’t shoot for shit.” The playful reverence in his voice fell when he mentioned Milo.

“He still found his mark I think,” Paige said cooly. “Now get out of my way, I didn’t come here to talk to you-” She began to advance but stopped as he took a step forward to block her path. Her fingers instinctively settled over the precise grip on her gun, the familiar points where she would draw the fastest and the flow of a shot out of her hand would be near effortless. They looked at each other again for a moment as the song changed again and for a moment the machinations of the jukebox were the only sound in the building.

“This is the best part,” Yolo said. He was grinning wildly, eye settled on her. His hand hovered over the draw.

Paige exhaled almost without moving, her glance narrowed and her tilted forward only slightly. The song continued to play, but the whole floor of the 501 Club felt like it was stone silent. She exhaled slowly through her nose relaxing for the pull, if she was going to blast his bodyguard then the next stray bullet would catch Nikki right in the chest. She could make it look like an accident.

“That’s enough, Yolo.” Nikki interrupted. “As entertaining as this is, let’s see what the Marshal has to say.” He wiped his hands and tossed the napkin aside relaxing back in the booth.

Just like a switch had been pulled, the young man retracted completely as if his whole personality changed in an instant without protest or knowledge of what had even just occurred. “Yessir.” He said pushing his loosely rolled sleeves back up his arms and taking his seat back at the bar as if he were waiting for the next person that might come inside. Paige walked past him and he barely batted an eye as she sat down in the booth across from Nikki.

“Sorry about all that,” Nikki said dismissively. “I think he might be a little sweet on you, he gets that way when that happens.”

Paige ignored the comment completely, instead noticing a set of Cadillac keys on the table. “So where ya headed?”

“Oh? Why you need a lift?” Nikki replied.

“Where’d you think you were headed.” Paige replied. The momentary increase in adrenaline she felt from facing off with Yolo was wearing away quickly and she oddly felt relaxed, like he had actually helped her by being a brief distraction.

“Hmm, that sounds kinda ominous,” He said. “Getting right down to it, huh?” He was completely relaxed and crossed one leg broadly while resting one arm along the top of the booth.

“The sooner we get to it, the sooner we get it over with.” Paige said frankly. “No point in delaying the unpleasantness.”

“Oh are we headed for unpleasantness?”

“I’m going to offer you a deal,” She said. “But I’m not really confident you’re gonna take it.”

“Well, you know negative thinking yields negative results.”

Paige shrugged. “Well, it’s been an interesting last few weeks and months.”

“Well at least give me the chance to surprise you,” Nikki said. He had a certain undignified charm in his tone, that if he weren’t a murdering thug that had tried to kill her twice, he would almost be likeable. “No point starting a relationship just assuming people are going to disappoint you.”

“You’re right,” Paige said with a slight nod. “I want you to turn yourself in, confess to murder, racketeering, extortion and whatever other horrible things you’ve done.”

“Is that all?”

“You stay away from me and Milo for good, and anyone else we associate with.”

Nikki chuckled a little with a snort of amusement. “Or?”

“Or you’re gonna die in this city.” Paige said.

Nikki shifted slightly in his seat and smirked, glancing away briefly as if he were momentarily distracted in feigned consideration, “Well, you had it right not to be optimistic.”

“I’m afraid that’s the best I can do.” She could feel her heartbeat pick up again slightly.

“What kinda piece you carryin?” He asked.

“SiG 239”

“That the same one you used on my guys?” Nikki seemed at least somewhat interested in the answer.

“I killed the first one with my service Glock.” Paige couldn’t hide a tiny smirk at the answer.

“Pretty fancy kit for a Fed.”

“Well I know how to pick a winner.” She said, “What are you carrying?”

“Oh, I don’t carry a gun.” Nikki replied smoothly. He seemed slightly amused with her retort.

“Maybe you should start.”

“Why?” He snapped. “So you can have a reason?”

“Oh, I already have that.” Paige said darkly.

Nikki laughed and shook his head. “Cop threats…” He turned in his seat and rested his elbows on the table to face her directly, like he was speaking to a child. “I take one look at you and I know you’re not the type that’s just gonna execute me, it’s not who you are.” He said. “And don’t give me that bullshit story that got you transferred up here, I don’t have time for it, you roll up in here and that’s all you are, a bunch of stories and threats, knowing that if your bluff gets called you can still hide behind that badge.” He growled. “Well I don’t have a badge, all I got is my word so if I say I’m gonna kill you, your family, your boyfriend or that cunt sister-in-law of mine that you like to hang around, I’m gonna do it.” He tipped his head towards the window. “That’s all these animals out here understand and if I don’t do what I say then they’re gonna think they can come after me.” He pointed to the keys on the table. “You wanna know where I’m goin? I’m goin’ out that door and I’m gonna get on a plane to Florida and I’m gonna take care of Shannon first, but I’ll be back for you, so about the only chance you have at this point is if you take that gun outta your holster and end this, otherwise get the fuck out of my sight.”

“Well now we know each other.” Paige replied calmly.

“Threats…” Nikki again shook his head with disgust in the word.

“Relax, you’re still alive.”

-----------------------

The gravel lot of the 501 Club crunched under her sneakers as she walked away through the quiet dark. Her breath fogged as she exhaled and glanced up watching the landing strobes of an aircraft on approach to Old Sol as it passed high overhead. The lights flickered and the alarm chirped on her little M3 Sedan and she glanced over her shoulder briefly before stepping inside.

“Well what’d he say?” A dark figure in the passenger seat said.

Paige exhaled for a moment glancing over the hood into the night before turning the key to start the car. “He said he’s gonna kill me and Milo and probably my whole family.”

“Well, I pretty much figured that,” The woman said. “What’d he say about me?”

“He said you were a cunt and he’s gonna kill you first.” Paige replied. “But he thinks you’re in Florida.”

Shannon looked briefly at her own reflection in the passenger window, the curved features of her face and loose hair partially illuminated in the interior lights of the gauges as she thought. “That gives us some time then.”

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

SATURDAY NIGHT OWLS
LATE EVENING

FREE SKIP - FULL MOON - CLEAR & COOL

22:00 - 03:00

Time for those that go bump and come alive at night!

Lets Dance!

Late Night has come, the Coffee Pot is closed, Museum is quiet as a tomb and only the Zoo's bats are at play. The sun has gone down and the artificial stars are shining bright. Come forth creatures of the night and embrace your moment.

Closed locations

Coffee shops
Public buildings. City Hall, zoo, Museum etc
The Mall, general shops.

Bars, pubs, clubs and late night takeaways all open.

Please be clear with time and locations to avoid time conflicts with other players. Remember, this skip takes place between 10pm and 3am.

As always. Any questions or help required feel free to contact us in thread, PM or Discord.

---

S T A R M E S S E N G E R

SOL source of News since 1895

Lifestyle and Culture Column with Kristina
City of Culture - Yodeling World Championship to be held in Sol City



In part of the City of Culture initiative, Sol City is proud and welcome to host the 87th Yodeling Championship at City Hall including 3 times champion from Norway, Helga Sirenson of Oslo. Our gallant mayor welcomed Mrs Sirenson at Sol International Airport late yesterday evening to the sound of the Sol City's Corona Brass band.

In a statement to the press from the Mayor having navigated his PA still swearing vengeance on Inky the Celiopod after the theft of her high healed designer shoe. "Sol City is welcome and honoured to host the 87th Yodeling Championships. This is the first of many events in our upcoming City of Culture year. We hope Mrs Sirenson enjoys our famous hospitality."

Mrs Sirenson gave us a short statement at the Star Messenger between media appointments. "I am honored by the welcome from the Mayor and Sol City i have received so far and wish my best to all the competitors. A third championship trophy would balance my mantle-place nicely." Confident on her chances, Mrs Sirenson is a one time European Champion, two times world and five times Norwegian winner of Yodeling Masters.

If you want to attend tickets are on sale from City Hall, major Public Buildings and various websites. Anyone with a sudden interest in Yodeling can join the class being hosted at Corona Park on times listed on the official website.

_{Kristina McKirk nee Fraiser
Lifestyle and Culture Columnist
Star Messenger}

SPORTS
Nicolosi, Rebellion-Porsche tasting Victory in the Vineyard



There was little doubt going into this weekend's annual Vineyard Rally that the factory backed Porsche effort by Rebellion Energy Drinks would be nigh impossible for privateers to overcome and the results thus far have only confirmed that assumption. Joel Nicolosi, piloting a bespoke 997 imported from Germany specifically for the event's unlimited class, leads the Rally overall by a substantial margin at the end of day two. Barring any catastrophic mechanical issues, he should finish Sunday's reverse stages comfortably.

Though clearly not a FIA/WRS sanctioned event. Rebellion, along with Porsche have used the event as technical and marketing showcase debuting a new flavor to their energy drink lineup and paying homage to Porsche's expansive customer racing efforts by entering a late model 997. With Nicolosi driving in his prime and a majority tarmac rally strongly suited to his driving style, the whole event has been a win for all parties involved and not just on the stage, but with fans and customers alike.

Rumors continue to fly and have perhaps landed at Old Sol International with a bid for the Isle of Man production car record later this year under the banner of Nicolosi’s former Sol City GP sponsor, Olympus Heavy Industries. Reliable sources have indicated that an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 arrived earlier this week and was unloaded in the cover of night bearing OHI markings and a special livery. We’ll see what else develops there, but I would say that with a weapon like that, Nicolosi has a legitimate shot at the record.

_{Marshall Pruett
Senior Motorsports Columnist
Star Messenger}

WEATHER

Clear and Cool, seasonal with a bright full-moon for you to enjoy tonight in Sol City. Dress accordingly, spring is right around the corner!

For a more detailed and up to date report on the go, download our app, SOL CITY WEATHER 24/7 on most popular app stores.

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

A Phone Call

I’m surprised you still have this number

I’m surprised you answered it

I knew you’d call eventually

...

Alright, c’mon. I haven’t got all day.

Just shut up and listen. If you knew I was going to call then you know what this is about

No fun at all, go ahead

There’s an easy way we can both settle this and walk away

If you’re talking about that pathetic flower shop, I was just going to send Yolo down there to take care of it, I don’t need your help, besides, I heard you couldn’t convince him to sell

No, but I’ve already got the money in place should something happen

So you got the fool to buy in on nothing. I’ve got money too. That means jack shit to me.

I know it doesn’t, but I also know you’re missing something that you can’t get back by just killing everyone and that’s where we’re going to make an arrangement

Fine, I’m listening

Take care of Reyes and I’ll hand you over the Marshal, but you buy the flower shop from me for what we know that property is going to be worth along with the club property. I’ll cash out and you’ll have all the pieces you need to sell to the Yakuza.

This sounds uncharacteristically unbeneficial to you, so you can understand my skepticism. I could just kill the Marshal myself.

How has that been working for you?

Third time’s a charm

The definition of insanity…

Let’s just cut the shit- what is it you want from this? IF I decide to go along with it.

This city has been a bust for me and I never wanted it, this was all you and Sammy, I have other projects to take care of that pay more with much less effort involved.

Haha, you’re going back to Florida

You get the Marshal and we get rid of Barrett at the same time, it's a clean break for everyone. I’m not interested in what’s in your vault.

You don’t have a fucking clue what you’re talking about.

Your brother told me what was in there.

Bullshit

It doesn’t matter if you do or don’t believe me, but I do know you want it and if you just kill her, you probably will never get it back.

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

HOLDING UNTIL SUNDAY EVENING (US EST)

Short jump to SATURDAY NIGHT OWLS

We had a request to wait through the weekend- Skip postponed until Sunday afternoon

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

24 Hour Time Skip Warning

Short jump to SATURDAY NIGHT OWLS

Consider what your characters have been doing for the last couple of days. Who you have interacted with and the choices you have made will start having more effects throughout the game.

Any questions please let us know.

As always, if you feel that you are not ready to skip. PLEASE speak up!

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Just a small bump and an fyi, we're working on the next skip post, consider this just a casual notice, more to come later this week

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Paige Kennedy, Milo Ventri & Siobhan Murphy

Siobhan nodded and smiled at Alejandro as she got caught up in snapping a few more photos. She saw a beautiful Bird of Paradise and persuaded the clerk to remove the sold sign for a shot. Siobhan looked around and took a couple more photos of some calla lilies and hyacinthia. She backed up and was able to just get the full display.

Milo made the short walk a few blocks back to his truck. The vibrant arrangement of flowers wrapped delicately in fine tissue paper in his hand drew glances from several passersby and he returned their glances with a cordial smile. Cliched as it were, he thought back for a moment to the last time he actually did buy flowers for a woman, past just the mental rebuttal he had against flower shop owner’s sales pitch. Looking down, he turned the bouquet slightly in his hand as he walked towards his truck and his smile faded. The coolness of the evening buffeted against his vest and he glanced around briefly as he dug for the key fob to his truck in his pocket.

“I’d give you a witty line at this point,” He said handing the flowers over. “But I know you’d have some smartass rebuttal.” He chuckled and closed the door behind him.

“Smart man,” Paige said with a coy smile. No matter what, she adored when people gave her gifts and she was a little surprised that he had actually decided to buy her flowers. Naturally, she enjoyed the fragrance for a moment before her tone darkened: “They in there?” She asked, still examining some of the blooms.

“Yep, all three.” Milo said looking out across the movement of the downtown streets. His eyes glanced for a moment to the side mirror that looked back down the path he had walked.

Paige wriggled her lips for a moment. She wasn’t quite sure what to expect. She didn’t think it would be a lie, but she also didn’t think she would get the whole truth either. “Trucks too?”

“Just like she said…” Milo replied. “It’s all being kept in the back, there’s always someone keeping the customers in the front of the store.”

“How about the flower?”

“Under glass.”

Looking up Siobhan didn’t see Milo. She had wanted to ask him if Paige was running late since she was supposed to be here. Siobhan frowned and ran out the door. Thankfully she wore converse today. She saw Milo’s back in the distance. “Damnit.”

Rolling her eyes, she held her camera as she jogged after Milo. Her feet pounded and all that running with Paige paid off since she wasn’t winded at all by the time she got to the truck.

What is going on? Did she want to ditch me? She never misses a meeting. I’ll ask Milo since he’s here and so am I.

Siobhan was a little hurt but covered it with a blank look. Milo would never figure out that she had followed him and she might scare the hell out of him. She went to knock on the window with a smirk on her face.

Paige felt a shadow come up on the outside of Milo’s nearly black tinted windows and she glanced up to find Siobhan’s tall figure craning for a glance inside. She turned and shot Milo a narrow glance, “You saw her coming didn’t you?”

Milo only snickered. He knew there was no way the redhead could see inside.

The dark window retracted slowly revealing wispy blonde bangs and green eyes glancing back at Siobhan. “Well look who it is dahlin’” Paige said slyly in her expert Scarlett O’Hara impersonation. “It’s Siobhan Murphy, maybe we should let her in?” She pressed the door unlock and motioned with her eyes for Sio to jump in the back.

Siobhan jumped and squeaked as Paige scared her. She mock glared at Paige as the camera bounced against her sternum and probably bruised it. Rubbing the spot she bumped and grinning at Paige’s impression of Vivien Leigh as Scarlett.

Paige sent her mind back a few months and Siobhan knew she had grown so much from that little girl. Snapping back to reality Siobhan hopped in the truck as Paige unlocked it. “I thought you got caught up catching a bad guy like we did on my first ride along. What’s going on? How come you didn't come in?”

Siobhan got excited her blue eyes bright with excitement. “Oh wait is this like that time? Do we get to bust some bad guy?”

“Oh, we already have.” Paige said looking back. She held up the bouquet of tropical flowers and took another breath of their sweet aroma. “Your friend, the flower shop owner. He just doesn’t know it yet.”

Milo started the engine and began driving away as they spoke.

Siobhan looked stunned for a moment in time. “Oh? I wouldn’t even really say friend since he was rather distant today. I thought maybe it was something I did. You know Milo picked those out himself. No help what-so-ever.”

Siobhan grinned at Milo teasing him like a little sister. She wondered if she could get him to blush. “He was looking at this really pretty Bird of Paradise. I thought he was gonna buy it but it was already sold.”

“He knows how to make good choices.” Paige replied looking over at Milo. “We already knew that particular one was sold.”

Siobhan raised an eyebrow. “Before he went in? Wait the flowers weren’t a surprise for just being you? I’m actually quite confused now.” She shook her head and looked from Milo to Paige. “What is going on?”

Milo glanced over at Paige as they got the ramp to take the interstate south. Paige saw his eyes look over knowingly and she considered her words. She confided a lot in Siobhan, but never anything that would put her much younger redheaded companion in danger. “Just do us a favor and don’t go in there any more.”

Siobhan saw the seriousness in their eyes. She suddenly wanted nothing to do with the flower shop and was glad that she had what she needed from the place. She nodded and following that nod said. “Never again. I just have to get Karen and go home. If you say do go I won’t. It’s a promise.” She shook her head at the thought of going back in. She gave her word and that was always her bond.

@Pyxis
@Almalthia

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Joel Nicolosi

Joel opened the binder and propped up one foot on a rear tire and started flipping through the pages as he got hear the tired spill of, ‘cars don’t keep you warm at night’ again. Lighthearted advice as it was, he smirked a little as he scribbled a signature and flipped a few pages, looking for the next line. He’d heard similar versions of that old saw for no less than the past decade. Some similarly to Max’ tone while others were more determined in their attempts to shame him for his perpetual singleness. No, a car could not keep a man warm at night, but lots of money could certainly do the job effectively. He could feel Marlin’s eyes on him and he shrugged a bit at her comment regarding the dangers of taking on the challenge agreed upon with her grandfather. Some dark part of him hoped he could punch out of existence in such grand style instead growing old and falling apart slowly. He never felt more alive than when he seeing how close he could come to touching that point.

His eyebrows lifted slightly at the rare seal of approval voiced by Marlin as he signed another line without looking up. He’d done it so many times, it was nearly muscle memory on some of the forms, but a shipment from Europe carried slightly more legalese than one from Asia. He placed his finger on a page to study a block of text more carefully. “Worried I’m gonna get hurt?” He said finally glancing up at Marlin and clicking the pen closed. His tone with neither teasing nor serious and was more a statement than a question. He flipped the binder closed with his other hand and handed it back to Lucile. “I’m racing for the Germans this weekend, we have the Vineyard Rally in the southern mountains,” He said turning back to Max. “Then we’re off to Argentina in another couple weeks.” He looked back at the car briefly. “Everything looks good,” He continued. “And with some help from the mayor, the airport authorities are good with our terms as far as testing here so we should have plenty of time to shake things down before the Fall when I’ll see you in Wales.”

@PrinceAlexus

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Joel Nicolosi

Joel accepted the woman’s flashy European greeting with a light smile and took the leatherbound documents giving them a brief glance before tucking the whole kit under arm. The binder was substantially lighter since there would be no transfer of ownership and what was waiting underneath the cover would never see a public highway. It was Max’ toy and though he was present at delivery, Joel would still technically be the consignee and likewise wanted to make sure everything was in order before he signed his name as accepting the shipment. It was just good business. He gave Marlin a wink as he approached Max and exchanged a firm handshake with the elder Englishman. “Good to see ya again, sir.” He said. Joel’s grip was like an iron vice, but so was Max’ with the sort of aged power that would never fade as long as he could still get around. It’d been a few months since the Grand Prix and Joel was genuinely glad to see he was still on his feet. Unlike the rest of Marlin’s family, Max had a level head and was as down to Earth as anyone he’d ever met. Joel rested his hand on his hip and turned back towards the GTR. “I made a little side bet with our Japanese competitors back before the race, this was what they owed me if we won.” He said slyly.

The coffee was passed out, still easily steaming from the open lids in the cold. Joel accepted the cup even though he had just had one back at the Lighthouse mostly out of courtesy. He stepped around the side of the car looking for the cover tie when he caught wind of a familiar scent coming from the cup in his hand...burnt antifreeze. He visibly winced at the smell and looked over at Marlin. “I think this one’s yours, chicky.” He said exchanging cups with her and keeping an even glance. She was considerably disarmed being without her work entourage and not feeling the need to indulge her extreme competition anxiety. He turned and stooped down to untie the cover. “No Le Mans yet,” He said working the knot in his hands as he spoke. There wasn’t as much need for sentiment as when he’d taken delivery of his car. The project beneath the cover was business and he fully intended to cash in on the “completion bonus”. The thick cord unravelled and the cover began to fall away as the line retracted. “This one is going to be a little bit closer to home for you.”

The cover slid away smoothly from the wide rear spoiler and flowed over the driver’s side as it fell away over the hood. So clean was the paint, there was a light static charge in the air as it moved over the body panels and slid down to the floor. Joel stood back up and crossed his arms, running one finger back and forth across his lips discerningly at the car in front of him.

Battleship gray with blue trim around the grill and the signature Aston Martin neon green along the mirrors, air dams and dive planes, the body was devoid of any markings save for the large lettering on the spoiler and the Olympus Heavy Industries logo embossed across the rear fenders in matching blue, however the customary workman in the midst of the massive sprocket had been replaced by the characteristic triskelion of the Isle of Man making the amalgamation appear as a single giant gear emblazoned on the side of the car. Joel nodded approvingly as he looked it over. It was a clever bit of marketing. He ran his hand along the inside of the fender as he walked and drummed his fingers on the binder while his eyes continued to search for any sign of damage from shipping. Joel was a perfectionist
and his demeanor was completely focused for a moment as if the others were not even in the hangar. Like an artist examining an exquisite painting, he made his way around opening the “passenger” door and glancing inside for a moment. They would have thirty days to protest any mechanical defects with Aston Martin, but he doubted any of that would be necessary as he came back around to the rear wing where Marlin was standing. “You should be able to appreciate this being a pilot,” He said matter-of-factly tapping the pen from the binder on the spoiler endplate. “Your granddad had a clever idea.” He lifted lightly at a seam on the interior of the spoiler’s surface demonstrating that the wing actually separated in two allowing air to pass through unheeded. “This wing has a drag reduction function like an F1 car.” He said glancing back towards Max. “Mr Olympus likes to study the rule book.”

@PrinceAlexus

Sol City Modern Slice of life - Chapter 3 - (all welcome new and old)

Paige Kennedy & Milo Ventri

Milo glanced over momentarily from his musings and considerations of the shop’s floral wares when he heard the sound of his voice seeing Siobhan, Paige’s taller and much younger friend. “Ah, hello Siobhan." He said with some surprise noticing her fairly particular clothing choice. He looked down briefly noticing he was still holding the arrangement of tropical flowers and gave a slight shrug. “You know they’re not exactly her thing,” He said with a slight chuckle. “I think she’ll like these though. Were you here for pictures only?” He said nodding towards her camera. He didn’t know a great deal about photography, but it seemed like a fairly expensive type and she tended to have an eye for detail about such things. “Or were you getting something for your friend as well? Still the race driver?

It was about this time the owner of the shop appeared. He seemed slightly disheveled, but cordial though his comment about not buying flowers often seemed a bit odd. He’d bought flowers plenty of times. Ana had a careful eye for them, as good as anyone he’d ever met. Though he knew it was just an ice-breaker for a sales pitch and he apparently knew Siobhan to some extent. He looked briefly at the tattoos on the man’s forearms before making eye contact. “No, not recently,” He said with a small grin. He noticed another young woman moving quickly across the store with a large bouquet of roses and felt more reaffirmed with his choice. “I think, I’ve found what I came for though.” He said motioning with the arrangement he still had in hand.

@Pyxis@Almalthia