[color=gold][center][h1][i][b]DELTΔ HYPER[/b][/i][/h1][/center][/color][color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Episode One: Finding their Feet[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color][center][h2]Valkyrie AGR Sport Paddock Morning Before the Race[/h2][/center] [hr] [h2][color=00aeef]Alexander Knight[/color][/h2] [hider=Alexander Knight][url=https://ibb.co/znwF0hW][img]https://i.ibb.co/3rHvLy5/Crew-Chief-Alexander-Knight.jpg[/img][/url][/hider] Alexander felt more rested after getting a solid 8 hours of sleep. He was up at 6am and had called his ex-wife to check on his daughter’s progress. He relaxed to hear that things were going fine. She was continuing to heal and her body was accepting the augmentations that would give her a future and better quality of life. His daughter had been in with the therapists so he was unable to talk to her when he called. He would call her after the day was over. He turned his attention to what he needed to get done today. He called room service and had them send up a hearty breakfast. Now that his daughter was out of the woods, his appetite had returned. He would need the energy today. It was going to be a long day. While he was waiting on room service he called the head of the engineering team and the pit crew to check on the ships. He wanted to know what they had done to fix the issues that Paul and Dorian had yesterday at qualifying. They didn’t pick up so he left messages for them. By that time his breakfast was there. While he was eating breakfast, there was a knock at the door. He opened the door to find one of the hotel staff standing there with a box in their hands. [color=f7976a]“Delivery for you Mr. Knight.”[/color] The young man passed the box to him and held out an electronic pad to get his thumb print. [color=f7976a]“If you could verify delivery sir.”[/color] He held the device out to him and he placed his thumb on the reader. The young man smiled at him and clicked a few buttons and turned the machine back around to him. [color=f7976a]“Would you like to tip sir?”[/color] Alexander signed and clicked one of the preset tip boxes and confirmed it with his thumbprint. It would be charged to the room. The young man gave him a big smile and wished him a good day and good luck before leaving and closing the door behind him. He set the box on the desk and opened it. Inside he found a new team uniform with his name embroidered on it and a team hat. He shouldn’t be surprised that Leopold had managed to get it to him. He put it on and headed to the team’s paddock to check in with them. He entered the paddock and it was the typical chaos you see on the morning of a race. The pit crew were making sure everything they needed to do their job was in its place and stocked. The engineers were working with the mechanics team to make sure the two ships were ready to go. Engineering interns were eager gophers trying to learn all they could. It looked like bedlam to any inexperienced outsiders. To Alexander’s eyes, it was a well choreographed ballet. He headed into the crowd of people. Many of them had not yet met him. They knew about the change in Crew Chief but didn’t necessarily recognize him as he entered the paddock. Security had stopped him and verified his identity before letting him proceed. Alexander nodded and smiled. He was grateful to see that security was doing their job properly. Alexander enjoyed the anonymity he had since most had no idea who he was. He was just another team uniform in the large racing team. He listened to the conversations around him as he made his way around the paddock to the different staging areas. He shamelessly eavesdropped on his team to hear what was going on. He was listening to a group of mechanics going over Dorian’s ship. [color=bc8dbf]Mechanic Zane: “I can’t believe we are double checking these adjustments on the steering actuators again. We had already worked on them yesterday after the qualifiers.” [/color] [color=c4df9b]Mechanic Juan: “I hear that Knight can be a tight ass and that the board gave him complete control. Better get used to it. He is the boss. If he says jump, we ask how high?”[/color] [color=bc8dbf]Mechanic Zane replied, sounding grumpy and put out. “Dominic didn’t do this shit. If we told him it was squared away that was the end of it.” [/color] [color=c4df9b]Mechanic Juan: “Well I want to remind you, Dominic is not our boss anymore.”[/color] Alexander walked on, having noted the resentment from the mechanic. He would address the issue back at headquarters. It would be one thing of many he would address and change. They would learn there was a method to his madness. He didn’t have time to stop and hold everyone’s hand today. He needed them to do what he asked. Explanations would come later. Alexander walked over to the engineering team area and listened in. [color=f7941d]Head Engineer Felix : “This solution works. We will switch all the wiring over to this new integrated locking design of yours before the next race. We will implement it at headquarters. This will give us a chance to tear it all down and examine the ships for damage from this race. Good job Kenji!” [/color] [color=7bcdc8]Engineering Intern Kenji gave a half bow to felix looking pleased with himself. “Hai, Arigato.”[/color] Alexander was pleased to hear that the head engineer was already addressing a permanent fix to try and prevent the issue that occurred with Paul’s ship from happening again. He inserted himself into the group since he needed to speak with Felix. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Good Morning Felix. Are both ships ready to go?”[/color] Felix looked a little startled to hear the deep voice of Alexander Knight coming from his right. He turned to see the man approaching his group. He nodded and gulped a little. He knew that Alexander Knight was not only a former pilot but also an engineer. He knew there would be no hiding anything from him. [color=f7941d]Felix: “We have turned the work over to the mechanic teams with the information about the settings and calibrations for Dorian’s ship. Paul’s ship was gone over last night by both the mechanic and engineering team. It is ready to go. Paul’s ship was tested and recharged. Dorian’s ship needed more work to dial in and fix the issue he was having. It should be ready in about a half hour.” [/color] Alexander nodded as he thought about the information. He would have to remember to bring the team in before a race so that they could calibrate the ships for the individual race track. He appreciated Felix’s professionalism. Felix was doing a fine job so far. He gave the man a confident smile and clapped him on the shoulder. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Keep up the good work, Felix. Make sure Dorian’s ship gets tested when the mechanics are done.” [/color] [color=f7941d]Felix looked a little surprised but pleased as he muttered in a heavy German accent, “Thank you, Sir.” [/color] Alexander heard excited whispers and mutters behind him as he walked away. He had gone no more than twenty feet when he ran smack into a woman wearing a sleek black business suit and heels. Her brunette hair was up in a twist and she stepped directly into his path. He moved to step around her when she spoke. [color=ec008c]Katherine, Head of Marketing for Valkyrie: “I have been looking for you, Mr. Knight. My name is Katherine Dubois and I am the head of the marketing team.” Her brown eyes were intense as she met his. “We need to talk.”[/color] Alexander knew he would eventually have to meet with her. He had been hoping he could put it off till after this race. He suspected Leopold had turned her loose on him in regards to his interview the day before. He had not exactly been cooperative with the press regarding his own interviews, meaning he had been dodging the media like they were playing dodgeball. He refused to back up and give her space since she had stepped into his space. He looked down at her. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “What can I do for you Miss Dubois? I am sure you are well aware that I am busy. It’s race day.” He raised an eyebrow hoping he could intimidate the woman to leave him alone.[/color] The woman crossed her arms and looked at him like something she would like to wipe off her shoe. The toe of one high heel tapped against the concrete floor of the paddock. [color=ec008c]Katherine: “Mr. Knight, I understand that Crew Chief’s typically don’t have to deal with the media as much as the pilots who are the international superstars of AG racing. However as a former racer and pilot, you know how important it is to woo the media. We need fans which leads to sponsors. We need to capitalize on their interest in your return. Running away from interviews and not answering their questions will only make them seek and investigate harder thinking Valkyrie is hiding something.” She paused and was looking for his reaction. Her eyes were sharp like a hawk’s. [/color] Alexander had to give her credit for having the balls to track him down and confront him. His lips involuntarily twitched into a half smile. He was going to enjoy verbally sparring with the lovely Miss Dubois. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Miss Dubois, I understand that which is why I sent you the message to set up a team press conference at headquarters after the race. I am too busy doing my job to entertain every reporter asking for interviews right now.”[/color] He raised an eyebrow curious what she had to say to that. Alexander experienced a feeling of dread as Miss Dubois gave him a smile that said she was only too pleased with his response. [color=ec008c]Katherine: “I will use that to announce why you are not taking interviews at this time. However, you will sit and answer the interview questions for the documentary. We are under contract for those. You will wait until Aurora has finished her questions before you leave next time.” She gave him a regal nod before walking away. [/color] Alexander watched her walk away without giving him a chance to respond. [i][color=00aeef]He couldn’t even argue with her because she was right. Damn it! He walked right into that one.[/color][/i] He smiled as he watched her figure disappear into the crowd. He was definitely going to enjoy trading barbs with her. She also exhibited the strength and fortitude to deal with him. He had to admit she was perfect for the job. He laughed as he went to check in with his pilots. [hr] Alexander made his way through the paddock to the area on the other side of the paddock where the team trailers were parked. There was a dedicated trailer that the pilots used as a preparation space and dressing room. Alexander was stopped by team security and had his credentials checked. He was pleased to see them doing their job appropriately once more. The area around the team trailers were cordoned off with temporary barriers with gates manned by security. He knocked on the trailer door as a courtesy before stepping up into the trailer. He shut the door behind him. He took a moment to let his eyes adjust to the dimmer lighting inside the trailer. As his eyes adjusted he could see that Paul and Dorian were sitting on the couch in the main area of the trailer. They each had a private dressing room at the back of the trailer. The men were wearing jeans, sneakers, and team t-shirts and baseball caps. He smiled and nodded to them both. He took a seat across from them on a separate couch. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Good morning gentlemen. How are you feeling this morning?” [/color] [color=00a651]Dorian shrugged as he regarded Alexander. “It’s race day. Excited as always and eager to be on the track.” [/color] [color=fff200]Paul was unsure what kind of answer Alexander was looking for and just gave him a grin. “Good. I am looking forward to racing today. I slept well.” [/color] [color=00aeef]Alexander nodded, accepting their answers. He could see for himself that both had clear eyes and looked alert and well rested. He had witnessed racers who had been allowed to race who never should have been allowed on the track. He would not have that on his conscience. He was grateful he wouldn’t need to worry about clearing racers who had no sleep or were strung out or hungover[/color]. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Good I am glad to hear it and confirm it. I know that the team has given your schedule. You have an hour to go hang out with fans in the fanzone before you need to come back and suit up for the race. The fanzone will be opened up to all fans this morning. Not just those who could afford to attend the exclusive Pre Race Party. This is your chance to get the common fan on your side. I understand the marketing team will be taking full advantage of this. There will be photo and video drones up watching everything. I am sure the media will be around as well. Remember they are watching you.” [/color] He paused to let that sink in. He knew Dorian was familiar with how things worked. Paul was used to how things were done in the junior league but the media and fan presence would be more intense in the big leagues. He wanted him armed with that information and not surprised. Alexander noticed that Dorian had rolled his eyes at him. He could just suck it up. He was doing his job of checking on the health and mental wellbeing of his pilots. It was his job to ensure the pilots got to their engagements and that everything went smoothly. Alexander turned his head to look at Paul. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “Paul expected there to be more people and media than you are used to. The tension and excitement and intensity of the fans and media will be stronger than you are used to.”[/color] [color=fff200] Paul frowned as he looked at Alexander once again resenting that he was being handled as if he didn’t have a clue what to do. “I have handled fans and media before you know.” Paul looked resentful and rebellious as he retorted back to Alexander. [/color] Alexander looked at both pilots and sighed, shaking his head. [color=00aeef]“Let me make something very clear to both of you. My job is to make sure that this entire team is working together to win and make Team Valkyrie AGR Sport the best team it can be. I would be failing in my job if I let you go out into that sea of wolves unprepared. I don’t know you yet Paul. And Dorian, we might have known each other in the past, but time changes people. We were never very close. I don’t really know you either. I don’t know how well you handle fans or the media. For all I know, a question about a fake girlfriend or your father might have you deck a reporter. Unfortunately I don’t have the luxury of taking my time to get to know you right now.”[/color] Alexander's green eyes were intense as he met the eyes of each man before returning to Paul. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “I will not be the one responsible for sending an unprepared pilot out to race. That is how accidents happen. I want to make sure you are ready mentally and physically before I clear you to go out on that track. I will pull you from the race if I think you are not ready.” [/color] He turned his eyes back to Dorian and saw the fury and resentment in the other man’s eyes. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “I want to see you retire in glory, Dorian not a bodybag. And Paul I will not be the one to tell your mother that you died from stupidity.” [/color] His eyes were hard as he met the young man’s eyes. [color=00aeef]Alexander: “I take this job very seriously. I am on your side. I am here to make things easier for you, not harder. It might not feel that way right now. You will learn in time, I have your back. You can trust me.” [/color] Alexander could see the tension and disbelief on their faces. He didn’t care if they hated him. They would be as safe as he could make them even if they disagreed with his methods. [color=00aeef]Alexander continued: “Moving on to why I came to check in with you. Dorian the mechanics and engineers spent the evening making the adjustments you requested to your ship. The mechanic team will be done verifying that all the adjustments were done to the specifications recommended by engineering. Your ship will be ready in about 30 minutes. Paul the engineering team went over your ship and repaired the issue. It has already been tested and is ready to go.” [/color] Alexander waited as the silence stretched painfully before it was broken by Dorian. [color=00a651]Dorian’s voice was hard with anger. “You are right Alexander. You don’t know me. I continued to race while you were out of the scene. I know more about my job than you do. Stop trying to treat me like the green rookie and give me the damn respect I have earned.” [/color] [color=fff200]Paul looked furious and resentful. Alexander’s words made him feel even more like a child being schooled. “Mr. Knight I know you knew my father. I am not him. I don’t appreciate being handled like a child. I have been working and training for this opportunity for years. I know what I need to do. So get out of my way and let me do it.” [/color] [color=00aeef]Alexander stood and put his sunglasses on. “Once you are done in the fan zone. The doctor’s will check you out here in the trailer to give you medical clearance to race. There will be a grid photo before the race starts. It will only be the drivers and a few video and photography drones for the league. I will see you gentlemen later.” [/color] Alexander left as he had said what he needed to say. They were not going to make his job easy that was for damn sure. He shook his head as he walked out of the trailer into the sunshine. [hr] [center][h2]Fanzone Before the Race[/h2][/center] [color=00a651]Dorian did his best to put his anger and resentment behind him as he made his way to his signing station in the fanzone. The enthusiastic fans and their excited energy soon helped him relax and put the words with Alexander behind him. Security was doing a good job of keeping the excited fans in line. Dorian ignored questions from the media about their new crew chief. He hadn’t calmed down enough to say anything nice about him. So he wouldn’t say anything at all. Dorian glanced over to check on Paul and couldn’t help but smile. He couldn’t help comparing Paul to his father Audrick. Paul had the same easy grace and charisma his father had with fans and the media. Everyone around him was laughing and hanging on his every word. [/color] [color=fff200]Paul was signing t-shirts for a set of twin sisters who were fans. He flirted easily while not giving out any invitations to join him. He made them feel important while keeping it light hearted. He caught one of his security guards checking the young women out. Paul just smiled at him as the man realized he had been caught looking. Not that he blamed the man.[/color] [hr] [color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Grid Photo[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color] [hr] [color=00a651][b]Dorian Pascal Hornfleur[/b][/color] [hider= Dorian Pascal Hornfleur][url=https://ibb.co/bs11gWb][img]https://i.ibb.co/ZBdd6L2/Dorian-Pascal-Hornfleur.jpg[/img][/url][/hider] Dorian was standing there in the new racing suit for this season. It was dark gray with yellow color blocking. There were sponsor logos on the arms and back. He was hoping to go out a winner for his last season. He wanted to retire on a high note and not be an endnote in Formula AG Racing. He made sure to greet all his competitors and give them a handshake and wish them luck. There is always some trash talking but Dorian had a reputation as the gentleman racer. He wanted to keep that image. His ship was dark gray with yellow color blocking on it. Sponsor logos were plastered on the sides. He stood in front of his ship proudly, ready to race as the photo and video drones circled taking their pictures. [color=fff200][b]Paul Mulder[/b][/color] [hider=Paul Mulder][url=https://ibb.co/Bn3XLbd][img]https://i.ibb.co/NTC8x5Q/Paul.jpg[/img][/url][/hider] Paul had his racing helmet tucked under his hand. His racing suit was in the same colors as Dorian’s but the design was slightly different. His ship was yellow with some dark gray stripes with sponsor logos down the sides and hood. You could tell they were on the same team but they were not a mirror image of each other. Paul made sure he smiled for the cameras and posed in a manner that made him look manly and accentuated his fit physique. He once again followed Dorian’s lead and went to introduce himself to his competitors. He smiled at Bea from the Falcons. She was a familiar face from the Junior League. He traded verbal spars with her. [color=lime]Bea: ”Your ship was looking nimble in the street section. Well, maybe not yours.”[/color] Bea grinned. Paul just smiled and refused to rise to her bait as he mirrored her expression and tone. [color=#fff200] Paul: “I wanted to give you guys a chance.”[/color] [color=lime]Bea: ”That’s the spirit. But they know what died, right, or is it [i]dead[/i] dead?”[/color] She mimed slitting her throat with a thumb for emphasis. He rolled his eyes at Bea’s theatrics as he dryly told her. [color=#fff200]“We’re racing today.”[/color] [color=lime]Bea: ”There you go, looking forward to it. And fans love it when their driver fights through the field.”[/color] He grinned at Bea letting her know that she had not gotten under his skin. He exuded confidence as he retorted. [color=#fff200]“That they do. I’ll give you a wave when I pass you tomorrow, for your fans.”[/color] [color=lime]Bea laughed as she responded. ”Cheeky bugger. Good luck, mate.”[/color] Bea moved on after a handshake and Paul moved on to another competitor.