[center][h1][color=fff200]On the Team Valkyrie Plane[/color][/h1][/center] 

[center][b][i]Friday 14th April, 2094[/i][/b][/center]

Alexander was frustrated that there had been very little time to work on the updates that the new engineers identified. They managed to get the engine modifications done and implement some of the material changes that Stephanie had identified. The new Fibonacci collectors they wanted to try to implement on the nose cone of the ship were still in development. The initial tests in the wind tunnel were promising but they had to manage to balance what it brought to the table and meet the guidelines for the formula AG craft as set by the racing commission. He was working with the team’s legal beagles to determine if they needed to disclose the devices ahead of time and get prior approval if the devices met the current guidelines and they could show up with them installed. Until he had all the answers, they would have to stay in development. They simply had run out of time. Some of the engineers would continue to work on the Fibonacci collectors at headquarters while others went with the ships to Italy with their mechanics. 

He had both Dorian and Paul in the simulator working with the changes to the ELS system. The training could only help them on when to deploy defense and when to use the systems after their not so stellar showing in Tokyo. The sponsorship stuff had gone well but it had taken up a great deal of his time. He felt like he was rushing the ship upgrades but he didn’t want the team to face sanctions so they had to slow down and handle them correctly. He had also sent the results to Leopold seeking the board’s approval to begin hiring the engineers they needed for the new ships and to replace ones that had left. Alexander should be more worried about losing engineers but he honestly felt some new people would bring with them new ideas and new energy. He felt it would be good for the team. He was worried morale was slipping after their poor showing in Tokyo. He had double checked with Felix and Helga both. He really liked Felix and he was not someone he wanted to try and replace. 

Alexander had to admit he was a little nervous about Italy. Even though the race was in Italy it was considered a home circuit race for Valkyrie. Italian Formula AG fans were some of the most passionate and they expected a good showing from their team. He had to admit that he was nervous to have Arianna along as well. She was walking unaided now. She continued to improve though, her balance was improving and her movements were becoming more natural. They were not as jerky or mechanical looking anymore. She still struggled a little with stairs and needed to hold the handrail for stability but her progress was encouraging. Shinichi Bionics were coming with them to Italy but it was only a small team, Yuhara Shinichi and a technician. Alexander knew the doctors and Shinichi had cleared Arianna to travel. He was not as nervous about her traveling but coming with the team. He was sure the press would find her and hound her. She said she didn’t care and wanted to be there to support the team. She had also never been to Italy. Mabel was going to stay at headquarters to keep an eye on everything there. 

Alexander and Arianna had flown with the team to Italy. There had been plenty of room on the Team Valkyrie plane. He had carried her luggage aboard for her and stowed it in the storage compartment for her. He watched from the back of plane. She was already settled in a seat by one of the windows with her seat belt buckled. She looked happy and excited. Many of the team filed past him on their way to the staircase that led to the upper deck. He was a little surprised by how warmly the team greeted Arianna. She must have greeted most of them by name. Evidently staying with him at headquarters had allowed them to get to know her and them her. He was so relieved to see her looking normal. It was more than just regaining her physical independence. There had been an undisguisable air of pain and sadness in her eyes since she had overheard the hateful words of her mother. He was starting to see it less and less. 

He had caved on her joining him because she had been so excited about it. She could travel with the team. He would pay for her hotel room. It wouldn’t cost him that much to let her accompany him. The flight from Germany to Italy was a really short one. They left Germany at 9:00 am and they would be landing in Italy a mere 30 minutes later.  They could have driven to Italy but they had the plane and it was faster to fly. It was also more efficient. Team Valkyrie had all their personnel and gear in one place. If they had driven it would have taken multiple vehicles to get all their gear and people here. The team’s plane made traveling this way more efficient and cheaper for the team. It also gave them options as they had enough space to bring extra people and gear. 

Alexander made his way forward and took the seat next to Arianna. Her smile couldn’t be brighter as she turned it on him. He smiled automatically in response. It felt so good to see her happy. He took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before taking a sip of the water he had brought on board with him. 

[color=00aeef]Alexander: “I can see you are excited. I won’t have a lot of free time but you could explore  a little while I am busy if you want to?”[/color] 

Arianna was almost vibrating with excitement. [color=ec008c]“I have always wanted to see Italy. I can’t believe I am going to get to see the Marmolada Glacier and the alpine forests. Did you know that it is considered one of the most beautiful natural areas on the planet? The area was one of those that was restored by the carbon dioxide extractors and geoengineering.” [/color]

Alexander just laughed and shook his head. [color=00aeef]“You know most young women would be excited about going to Italy for the food or fashion. Many young women think Italian men are passionate. Are you hoping to meet a young man on this trip?”[/color] Alexander couldn’t help teasing his daughter about something normal in their relationship for once that had nothing to do with her mother. [color=00aeef]“No, my daughter wants to go see the trees of the region.” [/color]

Arianna tried to look disgruntled with her father’s teasing but couldn’t hold the fake frown for long. She crossed her arms and her voice sounded disgruntled as she let out an exasperated,  [color=ec008c]“Dad!”[/color] 

Alexander just chuckled. [color=00aeef]“So other than visiting the glacier and forest, is there anything else you want to do? Dare I recommend a more normal activity, like dinner with me for some authentic Italian food?”  [/color]

Arianna smiled at her father with a nod. [color=ec008c]“I would love to have dinner with you. I would like to explore the area as well. I understand this region of Italy has a bunch of smaller villages and towns in the area versus one large city. It helps to spread tourism out so people can enjoy the beauty of the area without killing it. I would love to book one of the nature tours that includes the cable cars to the peak.”[/color] 

Alexander paused knowing that she was more mobile but not up to any rugged terrain. [color=00aeef]“I will concede to the tourist cable car trip. That should be doable for you.”[/color] He couldn’t help but feel like her champion and hero as she turned a huge grin his way. [color=00aeef]“I only ask that you be careful and you need to take a security guard with you. I know you say you are fine with the press  and you haven’t been bothered much since we did the press conference. However, this is still the first time you have really been out in public since we did it. If you don’t get approached, great! Nothing would make me happier. But I expect at least one or two journalists and a few fans may approach you.” [/color]

Arianna rolled her eyes at her father. [color=ec008c]“Yes dad. We have had this conversation already. Didn’t Damian come with us on this trip to play babysitter for me?”[/color] 

Alexander frowned at how comfortable she was with the guard. He looked at her suspiciously but he sighed. He knew she was around the staff as much if not more than he was. She had more free time and spent a lot of time in the gym, training, and medical areas. 

Damian had just stowed his luggage and took a seat on the other side of Arianna. He gave Arianna a wink before buckling his seatbelt. [color=a2d39c]“I just heard my name. What’s up boss?” [/color]

Alexander looked over at the guard and sighed. [color=00aeef]“We were just discussing what Arianna might do while I was busy in Italy. She wants to go explore the area. While she is doing much better she is still not up to really rugged terrain. She wants to go on one of those cable car tours. I don’t mind her exploring the area but she needs to have a guard with her. This is the first time she has really been out in public since her accident and I joined the team. I don’t expect her to get hounded too much by reporters but I still expect she will draw some attention.”[/color] Alexander grinned at Damian who was now looking a little uncomfortable at the grin on Arianna’s face. [color=00aeef]“Arianna recommended that she take you since you are along on this trip.” [/color]

Arianna gave Damian a bright grin. [color=ec008c]“I can’t think of anyone better to spend time exploring the area with. Do you have any issues with that Damian?” [/color]

Damian swallowed hard as he could see that his personal plans for this trip might need to change. He couldn’t deny that he was excited to be traveling with the team. He had been looking forward to helping with onsite security for the team paddock. He didn’t realize that he was going to be pulling personal guard detail for Arianna. Damian thought she was a lovely young woman. He might even be tempted to date her if he was not so intimidated by her father who happened to be his ultimate boss. Damian didn’t have a lot of personal guard detail experience and he was nervous about what guarding Arianna might entail. He certainly didn’t want Alexander to get that idea in his head. Damian decided to speak frankly. [color=a2d39c]“Well Mr. Knight, I don’t mind the duty. Arianna is a lovely person to spend time with. I worry that I don’t have the right kind of experience. My experience is more on site security not personal guard duty. There is a different skill set at play. Especially when trying to guard someone in public spaces. I think one of the more experienced guards might be a better fit for the job.” [/color]

Damian  glanced over and noticed the carefully schooled neutral expression on Arianna’s face. Damian began to sweat a little. That look told him that she had been hoping to spend time with him and he was so screwed. He could not date the boss’ daughter no matter how beautiful she was and how nice. He swallowed hard and looked over at Alexander who looked thoughtful. Damian couldn’t help feeling like he dodged a bullet. He carefully avoided meeting Arianna’s eyes. 

Alexander pondered what Damian had told him and nodded appreciating his willingness to be frank and honest about what he saw as challenges to him performing guard duty for Arianna. [color=00aeef]“I appreciate your honesty Damian. This is your first time traveling with the team isn’t it?” [/color]

Damian nodded and kept his answer short. [color=a2d39c]“Yes sir. I was told I am being paired with experienced travel guards to learn how things differ when the team is traveling.” [/color]

Alexander nodded and gave Damian a wry smile. [color=00aeef]“I don’t want Wulfric to yell at me for messing up his guard schedules. I will check in with the duty captain and find out who is available. Thank you Damian.” [/color]

Damian gave him a nod and a tentative smile before giving them both a half bow in farewell. [color=a2d39c]“Thank you sir, Arianna.”[/color] He then rose and headed quickly for the staircase that would take him upstairs to the upper deck. 

Alexander watched him go with an amused look. Arianna watched him go with a contemplative look. 

[hr] 

[center]
[h1][b]
Round 4 of Formula Anti-Gravity Racing
Friday 14th April, 2094
Post-Practice
Italian AGP

Rifugio Capanna Piz Fassa di Bernard Guido
Piz Boè, Dolomiti, Italia
1700 CET

[/b]
[/h1]
[/center]

[hr]

The team had landed at the closest airport that could handle their ship and then loaded up into the antigravity trucks that pulled the trailers and ships to the paddock. The rest of the crew had loaded up into an anti-gravity bus that would take them to the hotel where the team had rented a block of rooms to accommodate the staff. Alexander had Mabel book Arianna’s room with the staff but had her deduct the cost of her room to return to the team. The room keys were handed out by Otto Eberhardt who handled all of Team Valkyrie’s logistics. Otto checked in the team and everyone got their keys and room assignment from him. The security with the team split up with some going with the trucks to the paddock to set up security there, Paul and Dorian had their personal teams. There was another set of security that was working with the hotel security to ensure their staff and pilots were safe. The team might have landed in Italy around 9:30 am but they still had a little bit of a drive to get to the remote area of Italy where the race was held. The hotel was closer to the airport than the paddock and grandstand site. The team worked well together and things went smoothly but it still took them till almost noon before they had the paddock set up and the ships offloaded and ready for their test runs. 

Paul was ready to give the track a test run. He knew the engineers had been working hard to try and get some of the improvements done by this race. He tugged on his restraint straps one more time. He made sure his helmet was on. 

[color=fff200]Paul: “Radio check. Ship looks green to me. Am I cleared to go?”[/color] 

[color=f7976a]Carmella: “Everything is green and looking good here. Remember this is just a practice run. Get used to the track. Let us know how those changes feel as you go.” [/color]

[color=fff200]Paul: “Got it.”[/color] 

Sector One
Paul waited for the lights that gave him the okay to start his practice round. After the five second countdown he was off. He was off the starting line at the top of the glacier and already going at incredible speed even as the track turned to the left in a long loop. The scenery outside was a blur and Paul found the lack of contrasting color almost tricking his eyes. He was grateful for the HUD overlay he had that overlaid what he could visually see with what the ship’s sensors were sending to him. There was a wireframe view of the track showing him where the track was with a blue and white shaded background. Anyone watching would see the snow blown away from the track by the passing wave of air produced by the ship. He was suddenly into the hairpin turn by the second cable car stop. The g forces throw him against the restraints in the turn even as the track dove towards the valley floor. Paul poured on the speed through the long  curve. He pushed the ship to see how much speed he could get out of it. He wanted to see how much speed he could hold in these curves. He didn’t have time to enjoy the scenery as the background changed from white and blue to green. He was focused on the ship and every little nuance he could get out of it. He kept the speed as the ship began to climb again. He left off the throttle some as he entered another series of hairpin turns challenging the craft to take them faster than others. There was no denying physics though and he still had to slow down through that section of turns. The ship was handling well as he poured on the speed once more as the ship began to climb out of the mountain pass. His ship shot over the top of the pass and caught air before being reclaimed by the magnetic section of track. 

Paul’s ship was now in the ridgeline section with Piz Boe to his right. Paul poured on the speed. He focused on his ship’s neural interface to make the minute adjustments to handling and steering that would help him get through this section of track. It was full of small curves, kinks and undulating shifts up and down. Paul whooped as the ship hugged the track and was right with him the ship’s handling and stability shining through as Paul poured as much speed as he could and kept an optimal racing line. He aimed for all the ELS catch points he could in the track to boost his speed higher. This is where his ship’s handling shined and would help him. The ship fought him a little bit and shuddered some and Paul frowned. 

[color=fff200]Paul: “I have some shuddering and vibrations through the undulating sections here. Maybe the new materials are not playing well with the elevation and temperature changes at the track.”[/color] 

[color=f7976a]Carmella: “I have marked the telemetry for review. Continue.”[/color] 

Paul entered the right turn past Rifugio Sass Bece and a hard turn down a groomed ski slope, followed by another mountain road, all covered in snow. He had to slow some for the corners  and then more for the hard 90 degree turn that basically went straight up to Rifugio Forcella Pordoi. Paul nailed the corner and the ship’s nose bounced up causing the front of the ship to move off the line a little as the ship began the vertical ascent. The G forces from the turn fading as the ship climbed the section quickly his craft once more showing off it’s superior handling as the road snaked up the mountain the ship hugging the road Paul poured on the throttle and went full speed through the saddle his ship flying through the air over the top before once again being snatched from the air by the magnet track. The track slinked through a valley covered in snow. The inertial dampeners in his ship whined as the massive g forces strained the ship and him as he entered Sector two. 

Sector Two
Paul nailed the landing as the magnetic tracking shot him forward once more. The ship stuck to the track as Paul poured as much speed as he felt possible into that long hairpin curve. The ship’s nose pitching down as he came out of the hairpin to the valley floor. He picked up some speed again as the track wound through a dense forest before nailing another hard turn as the track once more became road. The ship once more turned like it was on rails as the road had a couple of switchbacks followed by another groomed slope that began to climb up again. The track section had been placed under and between cable cars and was a long straight section. Paul poured on the speed as the ship climbed; he slowed enough to nail the sharp 90 degree turn at a ridgeline. The ship wove back down the slope and Paul was going full throttle again. Paul was forced to slow the ship down once he made it into the dense forest as the track thinned to one car width with tight chicane-like bends. Paul added some speed as the track became road once more and hit two switchbacks; he floored it as the ship began  to climb up  Passo Fedia as he entered sector three. 

Sector Three
Paul poured on the power as he shot through the tunnel like alpine road. The sound of the ship roared and reverberated up and down the tunnel as the ship screamed down the tunnel. Paul's ship shot out of the tunnel onto a frozen lake. Paul had to slow down for a few corners but poured as much speed on the straight sections as he could eke out of the ship. The glacier was off to his right as a hard right took the track over a long dam leading to another ice lake. The track had another hard right at the end of the lake that led into another long section of curves left and right that wove through snow, rock, forest, and glaciers. Then the track delved into the side of the glacier and it was like being in a half pipe tunnel of icy blue. Paul poured on the speed enjoying the curved walls even as the Mag tracking took his ship up the walls of ice before shooting it out of a crevasse and back onto the surface of the glacier. Paul poured on the power in the straight across the glacier. Paul had to slow a bit to make the off-camber hairpin turn which curved into a long left handed turn that dropped back down over a crevassed section of glacier along the ridgeline. Paul poured on the speed as the track climbed again at the ridgeline, his ship speeding by the Terrazza Marmolada, the track widened here to allow for overtakes. Paul kept his speed all the way through the finish line. 

Paul slowed the ship down and took a deep breath as he used the loop to take him into the paddock. He pulled the ship to a stop in their garage. He killed the engine. He popped the release on his harness and then his cockpit. He nimbly climbed out of the ship and jumped to the ground next to the ship. He pulled off his helmet and the fireproof cowl that went on underneath it. It might be cold here but he was dripping with sweat. The heat from the engines, not to mention the stress on his body and the full body workout that came with piloting one of these ships at this speed. He was grateful that Zap had sent some sports drink to the team even though most of the team is probably drinking hot coffee or tea to stay warm. He slugged down the red drink Carmella had just  handed him. She stood waiting patiently with the other engineers to get his feedback. Paul had his breathing back under control and he had his helmet tucked under one arm. 

[color=fff200]Paul: “The nose is loose when I come down over those upper sections onto the mag track. When the ship catches air, the front end is not sticking to the landing as well. There were some vibrations and shaking at the higher speeds in the turns that I think is new. I am not sure what changed but it almost feels like the nose cone is lighter? It's making the ship feel a little off balance compared to the past. Its still good but it could be better.” [/color]

Camella looked around at the engineers and they were all nodding. [color=f7976a]“We will look into it. Give us some time to make changes before we send you back on another practice run.” [/color]

Paul just nodded. [color=fff200]“You know where to find me.”[/color] He headed to the pilot’s trailer where he could relax while the engineers and mechanics did their tweaking. 

[hr] 

[color=gold][center][h1][i][b]A Couch in the Sky[/b][/i][/h1][/center][/color]

[hr] 

Paul had taken some inspiration from his father’s journal. He had been reading about a prank Alexander and Audrick shared in a group interview once. He thought it was fairly harmless and grinned. He wanted to have a little fun and was feeling mischievous. Paul had the Valkyrie staff make him a big bag of popcorn. He had a large travel mug full of coffee. He grinned as he carried his supplies in a bag with him. 

Paul settled into a seat where he could see the interview couch. That unfortunately meant that he was seated outside in the area behind the reporters on the patio. Thank god those outdoor heaters were all over the patio. Paul was dressed in thermal gear to keep warm. He had on thick water resistant slacks like you would use for skiing and snow boots. He had a dark gray sweater under a leather Team Valkyrie Racing jacket. He had a team beanie on and pulled down to keep his poor ears warm. He pulled off his heavy winter gloves as the heaters were keeping the area warm enough. He tucked them into the bag he had brought with him. He had snagged a bench seat with a small end table next to it. He sat his drink and bag of popcorn on the end table. He smiled as he pulled out some archaic looking cardstock score cards with wooden handles that ranged from 0 to 10. He settled down to watch the proceedings. He munched on his popcorn as the interviews got started. First up was Bea. 

[color=ed1c24]Aurora: "Hello, and welcome all to Italy! And look at that view for a starter, if you weren't so excited by our intro and the practice session just finished, then welcome to the most exciting interview of the year. Joining me is Rory Andrews, and we're here to interview the pilots as they mingle up here, at our special, Delta Hyper-comandeered cabin in the mountains."[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]Rory: "Yes, Aurora, we've certainly got an amazing place to be. We'll be seeing the pilots soon and chatting to them about their ambitions at Strada Alpina, one of the most incredible circuits of the year."[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]"Well, apart from Luna...."[/color]

[color=ed1c24]Aurora: "Right you are Rory, apart from Luna. What a circuit it is. Shall we meet our first guest?"[/color] 

[color=ed1c24]Aurora: "Bea, I'd say welcome to the Dolomites but it looks like you introduced us! What was it like filming with Harrison, and how did you find practice today afterwards on the circuit?"[/color] 

Paul picked through his score cards and held up a 5 for Aurora and Rory’s promo entrance. He threw a handful of popcorn into his mouth and munched as he winked at Bea as she was lobbed her question.

[hr]

[b][@LadyAmber]

Paul didn’t bother to hide his smile. He had been having a blast so far in Italy. He was ushered from his seat behind the hosts to the couch on the platform. He took his seat and smiled at the camera. 

[color=fff200]Paul: Thank you Aurora and Rory. It is always a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me.” [/color]

[color=ed1c24]Aurora: "Paul, welcome to Italy! With the first European race of the season, have you got anything to say to the home fans?"[/color]

[color=fff200]Paul: “I am so excited to be here in Italy. Italy as you know is another country that has a rich history with racing. Italian Formula AG fans are just amazing. They just bring something special to the races with them. An excitement and pleasure about watching good racing and they cheer for all the racers if they are giving them a good show. Well I will do my best to make sure they are cheering for me! This is an amazing track. I have already had a blast racing on it during practice. I hope I make the home crowd fans proud.”[/color] 

(To be continued)