[color=gold][center][h1][i][b]DELTΔ HYPER[/b][/i][/h1][/center][/color]

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Round 2 of the Formula Anti-Gravity Championship
Saturday March 18th 2094
Qualifying Day
South African AGP
Cape Town, South Africa
1400 GMT
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[b]Soundtrack: [url=https://youtu.be/o1tj2zJ2Wvg?feature=shared] Welcome to the Jungle - Guns & Roses [/url][/b]

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[color=gold][center][h1][i][b]Valkyrie Paddock
Prior to the Pre Qualifying Race[/b][/i][/h1][/center][/color]

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Alexander had already checked in with Felix and Helga. The ships had been unloaded and all systems checked. They had managed to get the pilots a test run on the track. Alexander had discussed strategy for this race with the team while they were working in the simulators to dial in the ships. Alexander didn’t expect their ships to do well here. Their team’s ships just didn’t have the speed to match most of the other teams. They had managed to increase the engines thrust by modifying the thrust nozzles on the engines but it only gave them a little bit more speed. Their ship’s strength was in handling and stability. The engineers had managed to add the paint coating to scatter and break up the signal that energy leaching systems use to suck energy out of another ship. They would be testing it out at this race to see how effective it might be. Testing in the lab and at the home track showed that it reduced the amount of energy that could be leached from the ship by almost 40% which was pretty significant. 

Alexander explained the situation to Paul and Dorian. He was blunt and told them that they wouldn’t be able to match the other ships on the straights. They would have to use the ship's better handling to maintain as much speed as possible in the corners and chicanes. They could deploy their energy leaching systems on a ship in front of them, draining the energy out of the ship in front of them. There was danger in getting too close and it took a skilled pilot to pull it off. The stability of their ship and its superior handling would aid them with this. Alexander really felt that was the only strategy that would give them a remote chance of placing on the podium here in Africa. He made it clear to Paul and Dorian, he didn’t expect them to win in Africa. The goal was to pick up more points for the team to start moving them into contention for the championship. They needed to start getting points in order to achieve that goal. This race would be part of that slow but steady climb to regain lost points. They should strive for the win but realistically the points win was what they could achieve. It was a smart move. The goal for their team for Africa was to get both pilots in the top 10 and if possible get one of them in the top 5.  

Alexander had called to check in with Mabel. He missed her warm presence but he liked that she was at headquarters watching things there. They were still investigating what was happening with Maier before he was fired. The unanswered questions had left him feeling uneasy. He wasn’t happy about the interest in Audrick’s death either. He was worried that it would distract Paul. A distracted racer was dangerous. It also left Alexander feeling like he was being watched. He had that itch between his shoulder blades before a battle that something bad was headed his way. 

[hr] 

Alexander had gotten the medical clearance for both pilots from the new head of the medical team Dr. Montgomery. After Dr. Zimmerman was fired, Alexander had a meeting with the entire medical team to discuss department changes. He discussed the changes to their department and Dr. Montgomery was voted in unanimously as the team lead by the others in the department. It seemed Dr. Montgomery had done his best to protect his fellow colleagues from Dr. Zimmerman’s abuse. The medical team structure was being run in a much more open and trusting structure. They had a collaborative structure with weekly team meetings where they shared their progress, issues, and successes with each other. Many of them were now working together on projects instead of independently which had been leading to better results in some areas. It had certainly opened up new research areas which their European Union Partners were happy about. 

Alexander checked in with security before knocking on the door of the trailer that acted as the pilots retreat and dressing room. He waited for an acknowledgement before opening the door and climbing up the stairs. Paul and Dorian were dressed in their racing suits sitting on the couch waiting for the race to start. He smiled at them both and took a seat across from them. 

[color=00aeef]Alexander: “Hello Dorian, Paul. How are you doing?” [/color]

Dorian rolled his eyes at Alexander. He was still frustrated with Alexander. He could see what Alexander was up to but he still wasn’t happy with Alexander. He was not upset with the changes that Alexander was making. He could even admit that some of them were long overdue. Dorian would like to retire with a championship win. He wasn’t sure if Alexander’s methods would manage to make that happen before he retired. Dorian’s media presence had taken a little hit along with Valkyrie. Alexander’s sudden takeover of the team had caused sponsors, investors, and fans a sense of uncertainty. That had resulted in a lack of confidence or a lack of support from them. Dorian was worried it would impact his retirement and there was nothing he could really do about it. 

[color=00a651]Dorian: “I am fine.” [/color]

Paul was more comfortable with Alexander now. He had been surprised by some of the changes that Alexander was making. Working with Alexander was completely different than working with Dominic Ricci. Dominic was arrogant and domineering. He just told you what he wanted you to do. Dominic would just yell at you without explanation and any failures were your fault. Alexander listened to what Paul felt would work best for him. He had guided him to try out and train on some new strategies to improve his racing skills. Paul trusted Alexander more after his open discussion with his mother after Auckland. Paul was feeling much more confident in his future and his skills as a pilot.

[color=fff200]Paul: “I am great! Excited to see if the strategy you came up with works at all.”[/color] 

Alexander smiled at Paul’s eager golden retriever energy. He was so young and energetic. He could see that he was eager to attack the course and be competitive. 

[color=00aeef]Alexander: “I wanted to let you know that I have received your clearance to race from Dr. Montgomery. Remember what we talked about during training. Valkyrie ships are simply not capable of the same speeds at Apex and Southern Cross. The mechanics and engineers managed to tweak the engines to get a few more KPH out of them but it won’t be enough to close that gap. You are going to have to use your skills to maintain as much speed as possible in the turns and corners. That is where you will be able to catch up and possibly overtake competitors. Remember to play to the strengths of your ships which is stability and handling. Find your line and stick to it. If you get the opportunity, draft off of a faster opponent. Make them pull your ship along, stealing their speed for your use. Use your energy leaching systems to drain them forcing them to slow down. We need to pick up points here in Africa. We need both of you in the top 10 and if possible one of you in the top 5. Even that is going to be incredibly difficult for us at this track. Today it's going to come down to your skills as pilots. You can do it but it's going to take skill and racing smart.”[/color] 

Dorian was not happy with Alexander’s strategy because he felt it was his only option. He had been begging for a ship with more speed. He had already been using all the skills he had to remain competitive. Dorian felt that Valkyrie was making his job impossible as their ship's speed was good enough to maintain the middle of the pack position he had now. He wanted to win and he didn’t think it was possible with their current ships. 

[color=00a651]Dorian scoffed: “All the skills in the world are not going to make up for our ships running so much slower than the leaders. We are not miracle workers Alexander.” [/color]

Paul looked over at Dorian and knew his teammate was frustrated. Half the time Dorian was angry and sullen. He knew Dorian was competitive and had expressed how frustrated he was at their equipment. Paul could see why Dorian was frustrated but he was grateful to have a strategy to use against the faster ships. Paul’s goal was to move up in the driver standings. He didn’t need to win to do that, just place better than he did in the last race. 

[color=fff200]Paul: “Are you sure my ship is going to start this time?”[/color] 

Alexander looked at Dorian with a raised eyebrow. He met Dorian’s eyes  straight on and held them as he asked him. 

[color=00aeef]Alexander: “Dorian. We had 2 weeks to get ready for this race. What else do you think I could have done? Have I not been moving fast enough for you? What else would you have me do for you?”[/color] 

Dorian knew that Alexander had come in having to get up to speed after being out of the game for many years. He also knew that the type of changes he wanted weren't possible in two weeks. The team could have dropped in a new engine but a stronger faster engine that would fit right into their current ships would have meant changes to the ship. They could possibly have done it but that doesn’t mean that the speed wouldn’t cost them in other areas such as stability or handling. Dorian’s worry was that Alexander was playing the long game and Dorian only had this season before he retired. He wanted to go out on a win. He felt like he was running out of time. 

[color=00a651]Dorian sighed: “Alexander I want to win. I need a ship that can compete with Apex. I understand the time constraints. I don’t like my only option being to hope for a top ten finish. I want to have the podium in my sights.”[/color] 

[color=00aeef]Alexander: “Dorian you are a veteran. You know that while individual race wins are great, its overall points at the end of the season. We are just getting started this season. I promise larger changes are coming but they take time to do it right and do it safely. I won’t put you or Paul in a craft that is unstable for the possibility of a single win. We need to move up in points. I think this is achievable at this race. You are a skilled pilot. Is a win probable for you here in Africa, not likely. But you could move from your current standing at 8 to 5. Then you are in a better position to go for the win when those larger changes pay off in a future race. A display of true racing skill would only enhance your standing as a pilot and with sponsors and potential endorsements.”[/color] 

Alexander paused letting those words settle into the awkward silence between the three of them before he turned to Paul. 

[color=00aeef]Alexander: “You know your ship is working Paul. You even managed to get a test run in it yourself. The team has your back. Both of your ships have already been double checked. They are ready.”[/color] 

Alexander looked over at Dorian again. 

[color=00aeef]Alexander: “Are we good? Do you need anything?”[/color] 

Dorian just nodded. He knew Alexander was right but it was a bitter pill to swallow. 

Paul smiled as he looked over at Dorian. 

[color=fff200]Paul: “Think about this Dorian. You are not a pilot really known for close driving and use of energy systems. They won’t expect this from you. Educate a few of them in what a skilled racer you are. I can’t wait to see how things play out at the races.” [/color]

Alexander looked thoughtful at Paul’s observations. 

Dorian looked over at Paul thinking over what he had to say. 

[color=00a651]Dorian: “Paul makes a good point. If I change up and use a different skill set than what they are used to seeing from me. It might surprise a few of them.”[/color] 

Alexander smiled and nodded at the two pilots. He was glad to see Dorian’s frustration and anger level drop with the discussion. 

[color=00aeef]Alexander: “I will see you two out there. Good luck!”[/color] 

Alexander stood up and made his way to the door before turning back towards the two men. 

[color=00aeef]Alexander: “And Dorian, I know you are skilled enough to do this. Go out there and show them you are champion material. Show them why you are considered a veteran racer.” [/color]

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[color=gold][center][h1][i][b]Interviews after Qualifiers[/b][/i][/h1][/center][/color]

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Dorian and Paul were seated together on a couch. The interviews were taking place after the qualifying round. The screen behind them was blank and would probably be used to add graphics and video later. Aurora popped up in her hologram form. There were remote control cameras, lighting, and a sound system. They had small wireless microphones that were about the size of a quarter that were attached to their throats under the collar of their suits. It was the same set up as before

[b]Aurora: "Dorian, Paul, a mixed bag today in qualifying. What are your thoughts?"[/b]

[color=00a651]Dorian: "Well, you may have heard me earlier! Okay, perhaps I was a little demanding, 8th is good considering the missile-like ships that Southern Cross and Al-Saqr have here. But we'll take advantage where we can, and claw it back."[/color] 

Dorian's leathery smooth French accent carried a smirk on his face, trying to at least wipe the silliness from earlier.

Paul was smiling into the camera. He did his best to hide his surprise at Dorian’s response. [i][color=fff200]What did Dorian mean that she might have heard him earlier? What had he said?[/color][/i]

[color=fff200]Paul: “Well Aurora, we didn’t lose any ground and I am certainly happier with my starting position this time. Dorian had a solid performance. Our team knew Africa was going to be a tough race for us. Qualifiers offer a chance to see how your craft will do on the track. We hope to bring some strategy and skill to the race tomorrow and make up some ground. Sometimes it's about the skill of the pilot.”[/color] 

Paul gave Aurora a confident wink. Paul was feeling that he recovered that well and gave an honest well thought out answer. 

[b]Aurora: "We look forward to seeing that. What about the changes within the team, do you feel the direction is beginning to yield results?"[/b]

Dorian pasted a fake smile on his face. It was difficult not to let his frustration show. 

[color=00a651]Dorian: “Alexander Knight is already making changes at Valkyrie AGR Sport. I think his strategies and changes will show results in time. I don’t believe we will see much in the way of results just yet.” [/color]

Dorian did his best not to look bitter about that. He wanted to see those changes now, not at the end of the season. His voice had an edge to it that he couldn’t hide. 

[color=00a651]Dorian: “Knight had a rough start but the team seems to be rallying well under his leadership for the most part.”[/color] 

Paul looked thoughtful and had watched Dorian as he answered the question. Paul knew how frustrated Dorian was. 

Paul looked at Aurora before giving his answer. 

[color=fff200]Paul: “Well Aurora, Mr. Knight has only had the job for 2 weeks. I think he is moving as fast as he can. I agree with Dorian that I believe his strategy will show results in the future. The changes he is working on are not short term strategies that will show immediate results. Our mechanic and engineering team have done their best to prepare our ships for the race here in Africa. This race is going to test our skill as pilots. We might just surprise people. Don’t count us out yet!” [/color]

Paul once again looked confident and at ease.

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[color=gold][center][h1][i][b]Social Media[/b][/i][/h1][/center][/color]

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[color=fff200]Valkyrie AGR Sport: Dorian Hornfleur maintains his position in the number 8 spot. Rookie Paul Mulder shows off his skills as he moves into the number 13th spot. Follow us on social media for Valkyrie AGR Official content. Don’t forget to check out the gear store! #FormulaAG #TeamValkyrie [/color]

[color=fff200]OfficeDrone#12:[/color] Well not fabulous but decent position.
[color=fff200]SuperfanAGR54:[/color] Wow! Qualifying had some surprises! 
[color=fff200]DantheMan:[/color] I think I am becoming @nitronora Fan
[color=fff200]Superfan2075:[/color] Wow Al Saqr is having a great race. 
[color=fff200]DadBod89:[/color] I expected Kofi to do better. 
[color=fff200]Hater101:[/color] Dorian is boring to watch. 
[color=fff200]Papabear34:[/color]  I am excited to see what Paul does with the race. 
[color=fff200]Nana2050:[/color] Solid performance so far. 
[color=fff200]GeorgeFly:[/color] Africa is hot! Culture is nice. Qualifying was exciting. I expect Apex and Southern Cross to duke it out. 
[color=fff200]ValkyrieFan56:[/color] Rooting for Paul and Dorian to move up in the standings.  
[color=fff200]Weedhead81:[/color] I just like to watch the video from the ships moving so fast. It’s a trip, man! 
[color=fff200]SexyM@m@5:[/color] Dorian looks so dashing. 
[color=fff200]Paulmulder4eva:[/color] Paul looks scrumptious in those promotion photos.
[color=fff200]Britball12:[/color] Al Saqr Racing is having a great race so far. 
[color=fff200]!YouSlow!:[/color] The rookie Paul Mulder is doing well so far. 
[color=fff200]xImFasterthanUx:[/color] Disappointed performance by Dorian so far. 
[color=fff200]AGInthusiast:[/color] Agreed Dorian can do better. 
[color=fff200]micheal650004:[/color] Well at least Dorian is consistent. 
[color=fff200]llamalover4life:[/color] It’s a good thing Dorian is going to retire. He is washed up already. 
[color=fff200]mustbetoast:[/color] Dorian has not driven well the last 2 years.
[color=fff200]ieatAGR:[/color] Dorian has good skills and instincts. Valkyrie ships are solid but not as fast as those glass rockets run by teams like Apex. 


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