[color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Zygon Post Race Party[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color]

[color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Shibuya District in Tokyo, Japan[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color]

[color=gold][center][h2] Sunday April 2, 2094[/h2][/center][/color]

Soundtrack: [url=https://youtu.be/0hG-2tQtdlE?si=JXS2Ip_PPxedICGS] You Got A Friend In Me - Randy Newman[/url]
[hr] 

Paul had been looking forward to this party but was strangely feeling a little weird about attending the party tonight. He was proud of how he had done in the race even though he only took 8th place. He had to fight hard for that. He was a little worried about Dorian. He had disappeared after post race interviews with a scowl on his face and his body posture tense. Paul was a little amused at Hyeon-Ae’s cryptic instructions. It had taken him some time to get out of the paddock after the race. He had post race interviews with the press. He had obligations in the fan zone. Dorian had shown up in the fan zone but he didn’t stay long. Just long enough to say he had done his contractual obligations. Paul felt bad for the Valkyrie Fans and had put some extra effort into being available for autographs and photos. It was apparent to Paul that Dorian was having a tough day. He knew he couldn’t be happy about his performance in the race. He didn’t expect Dorian to come to this driver promoted party since Zygon was the host and Cassie would most likely be here too. He wondered what had happened between them. Paul suspected there were hard feelings between them but had no clue why. Dorian was his teammate but ignored him most of the time and let him do his thing. 

Paul had called and chatted with his mother for a bit. He felt better afterward. He ordered room service and helped himself to a nice meal. If he was going to be paying for extra calories tomorrow then Paul might as well enjoy his evening. He showered before getting ready. He got dressed in one of the new suits from Enigma to wear to the party. It was a charcoal gray suit with a silver metallic pinstripe in it. The cuffed trousers had a sharp line pressed into them and were tailored to perfection. The jacket hung open and he had on a crisp white linen shirt with that peacock blue vest as a pop of color. He had chosen to pair it with black ankle dress boots. He had shaved and dabbed on just a touch of one of his favorite colognes. He turned and checked his appearance in the mirror. He looked good. With a nod to himself in the mirror, he grabbed his wallet, room key, and his bodyguard. Alexander was a stickler about security. He was worse than his mother on stuff like that. 

Paul arrived at the nightclub and was a little surprised. He had expected Hyeon-Ae to throw something like a dinner party. He had expected something formal and stuffy. Maybe there was hope for her yet. Paul identified himself to the club’s security that was keeping uninvited guests out of the VIP area. Paul and his bodyguard were let through. Paul looked around and saw Hyeon-Ae deep in conversation with Cassie. He also noted that there were alot of other celebrities and pretty people in the VIP area. He looked around and spotted the bar in the VIP area with Kais standing there. He decided he had the right idea. Drink first. 

He was stopped several times on his way to the bar. A few actresses and he thought a model had stopped him. A few actors and other male celebrities who were AG racing fans also stopped him for a short chat, obviously excited to meet some of the pilots of Formula AG. Paul smiled and was gracious as charming as ever. He was a bit disappointed to see that other celebrities had been invited. Paul had been hoping for a venue that would allow him to get to know his competition better. Paul was grateful to drive professionally but his popularity had also climbed more than ever. He was starting to feel a little isolated because of his fame and wealth. He had always been wealthy thanks to his parents but it was getting harder and harder to find people he trusted. Other trust fund kids like those he went to school with, understood about the wealth. Most of them didn’t have to contend with his level of fame. It was tiring to be ON all the time. He needed some friends that he could talk to and just hang out and watch a movie. He was beginning to feel that pressure. He was feeling lonely and isolated. It was not as bad in Germany at Headquarters because the team staff saw him all the time. Even if they were fans they usually got over the starstruck thing pretty quick. He felt like he had to come but was didn’t really want to mingle with the sycophants tonight. 

He leaned against the bar and waved to the bartender to get his attention. He took a spot at the bar but gave Kais some space. Paul smiled at the bartender as he asked him what he would like “Beer, Belgian if you have it?” The bartender grinned and handed him a beer list. He looked it over and handed it back to him “Chimay Blue 9”. The bartender gave him a smile and nodded “Excellent choice sir.” He then got busy fetching the beer from a chilled case beneath the bar. He pulled a globed glass out of a chiller and expertly poured the dark red beer with a nice head of foam. Paul smiled and saluted the bartender with the glass before taking a nice long sip. The spicy beer was a nice touch of home in Tokyo. He drank in silence for a few moments enjoying the flavor of his beer. He then turned to Kais with a smile. 

[color=fff200]“Hello Kais. Congratulations again on your win.”[/color] He gave Kais a smile. [color=fff200]“What are you drinking to celebrate?” [/color]

He caught Hyeon-Ae looking in his direction and saluted her with his beer. He wanted to acknowledge that he was here and thank her for hosting. He could see she was quite popular this evening and it was her party. He pulled his attention back to Kais, curious about the man. 

[color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Valkyrie AGR Headquarters[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color]

[color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Engineering Department[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color]

[color=gold][center][h2] Tuesday April 9, 2094[/h2][/center][/color]

Soundtrack: [url=https://youtu.be/3umUxPAWstQ?si=bIS7dw-JDzB9MPIR] Move By Yourself - Donavon Frankenreiter [/url]

[hr]

Alexander had been worried after Miss Lipusz visit but he would follow his instincts about what he felt was right for the team. He knew from experience the more balanced the vehicle had the better it would perform. It had to be kept at a competitive level and that was where the current ships failed. They needed stronger ELS and speed. Alexander was hoping that his hopes would not be dashed by the three engineering prospects coming in today to meet with the engineering team. When he had explained Leopold’s idea of a practical try out, Felix was excited by the prospect and excited. Mabel had made all the travel arrangements for their guests. Team Valkyrie had the large plane that carried the team and its gear to races but they also had a small fleet of fast space capable private shuttles. They sometimes had endorsement work that took their staff all over the world and occasionally to the moon. The 5 smaller shuttles flew more often than the large team plane. They were being flown in on smaller fast shuttlesThey would be staying overnight here at headquarters. They would be put up in the apartments on campus. Alexander had gotten up early and worked out in the gym to help with his anxiety. 

He had breakfast with Arianna before starting work. Alexander had to admit that he was enjoying having her around even as she challenged him on his own baggage. He was ready for the day in his favorite jeans, work boots, and his button down team shirt. Alexander knew the clock was ticking. They needed to show more than progress; they needed a win. Realistically he didn’t think they could make that happen in Italy. He might buy more time though if he could show they were making significant progress. Today had to go well. He left Arianna with a smile. She was making excellent progress. She would be able to return to her classes the following semester. She would be able to travel for the race in Italy. He was planning to surprise her by joining him for the race. She had been in touch with her professors and they had been very accommodating and have been working with her over video and internet.  She was more passionate than ever about taking on environmental restoration work. He was so proud of her for pushing through and chasing what she wanted to do. He enjoyed the walk across the campus to the main administration building. He had already double checked with Wulfric about security. He didn’t want them to experience the same reception that Mabel had received. 

[hr] 

Alexander was waiting in the lobby at the security checkpoint. He was barely able to stop himself from pacing as he anxiously awaited his trio of engineers. They had been told to come dressed to work as Alexander had explained the practical skills part of the interview. He smiled as saw three company cars pull up to the front of the building. The first one to climb out of the back of the vehicle was Dakota Ellis. Her hair was thick and raven black, it was shaved on one side and left long and thick on the other. There were purple streaks in her hair. She was wearing steel toe work boots and a clean mechanics coverall in blue, and a light jacket on for warmth. A tall man climbed out of the back seat of the second car, he recognized Bastijin Velnaar from his video call. The man was bigger in person at 6’2”. He had ash blonde hair cut short and was clean shaven. He was wearing dark dress slacks, loafers, a white shirt, and a navy blazer. Last to step out of their car was Stephanie Mitsuyo. Stephanie was fairly short at 5’4” and had dark brown hair and light green eyes. She had mixed ancestry but her Japanese ancestry showed in her eye shape and nose. Stephanie was wearing dress flats, black dress pants, and a soft floral blouse with ruffles, and a soft cardigan on top. The three of them converged and walked into the building together.  

Alexander stepped forward and gave them all a warm smile. [color=00aeef]“Hello! Welcome to Valkyrie AGR Sport headquarters. I am Alexander Knight, Crew Chief and Team Principal here. It is a pleasure to meet you all. These are your visitor badges for the day. They must be worn at all times. They will give you access to the spaces you will be working in today. Don’t worry about your luggage, the drivers will have it delivered to your rooms.  How about we start with a tour?”[/color] Alexander was pleased with the bright smiles and nods all around. After a brief tour, he led the three of them into a conference room where Felix was waiting. Alexander shut the door behind them and moved further into the room. 

[color=00aeef]Alexander: “I want to introduce you to Felix Burkhart, he is our Chief Engineer. Felix oversees our team of engineers here at Valkyrie which includes our mechanics who are led by Helga Stumpf. Valkyrie employs engineers from several specialties. I want to be clear that while you three are all here competing for a new position at Valkyrie it is not for the same position. We work as a team around here. This is a way for us to see how well you fit into the team.” [/color]

Felix was nodding and smiling before he took over the meeting. [color=a2d39c]“Exactly! Thank you Alexander. Teamwork is essential to what we do. Today is about assessing your skill set and seeing if you have what we are looking for. Valkyrie is in need of more engineers. Do any of you follow Formula AG?” [/color]

Bastijin was nodding with a crazy large grin on his face, Dakota simply nodded, and Stephanie shook her head in the negative and then waffled a hand indicating so-so. 

Bastijin’s excitement was emphatic [color=f7976a]“Yes I have been a Formula AG fan all my life. I have been a Valkyrie fan for as long as I can remember. My father would not have it any other way.”[/color] 

Dakota had just given a simple nod and a smile. [color=f9ad81]“I watch all the races. I am interested in the engines being used for the sport. I don’t really have a team favorite. If I was going to be a fan and root for a team it would probably be MMR since they are from the States. As an engineer, I can’t in good conscience cheer for such poor engineering.”[/color] She shrugged. 

Stephanie looked a little uncomfortable put on the spot. There was some color in her cheeks as she answered. [color=fdc68a]“I have caught a race here or there on television. My father and brother are huge fans. It is not something that I have had time for since I have been in college. American Football is more my speed.”[/color] She blushed with that admission. 

Felix was a little surprised by Stephanie’s answer but he gave her a reassuring smile. [color=a2d39c]“That is okay Stephanie. You are here because of your expertise. We are hoping it can help us with some of the problems we have been having.” [/color]

The door to the conference room opened as Mabel stepped in closing it behind her. She had three tablets in her hands. Alexander smiled warmly at Mabel. [color=00aeef]“Right on time as usual Mabel.” [/color]Alexander took a moment to wonder how Mabel always appeared just when he was about to call her. He moved on to introduce her. [color=00aeef]“This is Mabel Brown, my assistant. If you need anything while you are here, she would be the person to ask. Now before we can move forward with the day, Mabel has some documents for you to sign.” [/color]

Mabel set a tablet in front of each of them. [color=f6989d]“If you would like to continue the interview process, you will need to sign Team Valkyrie’s non-disclosure agreement and a document that states that you understand that your participation in this practical skills test is not an offer of employment even if it may lead to one. Furthermore, you will not be compensated other than travel expenses for your participation today. The intellectual rights to any ideas or concepts you develop or share today will belong to Team Valkyrie.”[/color] Mabel gave them all a smile. [color=f6989d]“Sorry to put the legalese damper on your enthusiasm. We have to do this to protect the team. You can’t participate if you don’t sign them. They will require a thumbprint biosignature.” [/color]

The three engineers looked like someone had stolen their candy and the wind from their sails. Their faces had fallen from smiles to serious expressions. They were all now reading the documents they had been asked to sign. Mabel waited patiently for them to finish. No one seemed to have any questions and after several minutes they all handed the tablets back to Mabel signed. Mabel smiled at them all. She sent her contact information to each of them. [color=f6989d]“If you need anything or have any questions while you are here, please feel free to contact me.”[/color] She gave them a head nod and left the room. 

Alexander and Felix had waited patiently while Mabel took care of the legal aspects required for this idea.  

Felix clapped his hands together and rubbed them together like an excited kid at Christmas. [color=a2d39c]“Well you all three know that Valkyrie AGR Sport is a Formula AG team. We are an anti-gravity racing team. We need engineers to help us build and maintain the anti-gravity ships that we race.”[/color] Felix looked at all three of them making sure they were tracking. He moved on, assured he saw comprehension in all three faces. [color=a2d39c]“Well we have approached the three of you to help us overcome some challenges we are having as a team. Our ships have excellent handling and stability. They are lacking in Speed and ELS.” [/color]

Stephanie frowned and held up her hand. [color=fdc68a]“Excuse me, I don't understand that term. What does ELS stand for?” [/color]

Stephanie blushed and everyone turned to look at her. 

Felix just gave her an encouraging smile. He pulled up a schematic of one of the [color=a2d39c]“ELS Stands for Energy Leeching Systems, which is a complicated energy system baked into each craft. Supercapacitors deploy energy when the pilot wants a boost, and are charged via rapid induction over passthroughs on the circuit, often at a time loss to the pilot through a sub-optimal line. This can generate boosts that can send craft to over 600 kph. This module at the front of the craft is an energy leeching system- and it can wirelessly steal, and taper energy from craft in front, or behind. That is a field generator, which generates a field of energy that repels inertia and energy. Pilots can avoid getting leeched through its use at a lower energy cost.” [/color]

Felix paused and looked at all three of them. [color=a2d39c]“Our challenge for you today is to look over our ships and see if you can identify ways we can improve the speed and ELS systems. Any questions?” [/color]

Dakota instantly through her hand up into the air. [color=f9ad81]“Will we only get schematics or will we get to work on the craft themselves?” [/color]

Felix looked surprised by the question. [color=a2d39c]“I was thinking we start with the schematics and then move into the clean rooms to see them in person. Any other questions?” [/color]

The three of them shook their heads. Alexander and Felix called the ship schematics up on the wall sized screens at one end of the conference room. [color=00aeef]“Please feel free to get up and interact with this screen or we can get you individual tablets.”[/color] Almost moving as one the three of them rose and approached the wall size screen. Stephanie had drug the ELS module off the front of the ship and was pouring over its design while Dakota had pulled the engine out and was looking at it in an exploded view. Bastijin was digging through the files looking for the aerodynamics report on the ship. Felix watched them and answered the occasional question. Once they all seemed to have satisfied their initial curiosity they demanded to see the ships. Felix was amused and escorted them to engineering. They made a stop outside engineering where everyone was asked to put on the white coverall suits and shoe protectors that kept the work room a clean environment. 

[hr] 

Bastijin was the one to come up with the most radical  idea. He proposed putting miniature Fibonacci blade styled wind turbines on the front of the ships. The speed would turn the blades generating electric current that could be stored in the ELS capacitors for boost.  The blades would change the aerodynamics by causing a cone-like effect breaking the friction of the air before the ship passed through a pocket of quieter air. Which would speed up the ship slightly. They were not sure if it would meet the Formula for the ship’s craft but they were intrigued by the idea. They were going to try a new nose cone design to try it in the wind tunnel. Dakota had identified some ways to alter the fuel injection system that might give the craft some more speed. Stephanie had been surprisingly the most useful as she identified ways to make the craft more energy efficient by changing some of the materials used for components out. She had also identified some materials that would increase the amount of energy stolen by the craft. Felix had been impressed with all three of them. The engineering team had invited them all out for drinks that night. 

[hr] 

[hider= Team Valkyrie Characters]
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