[color=gold][center][h2][i][b]Behind the Scenes at Team Valkyrie [/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color] [b]Soundtrack: [url=https://youtu.be/TwqU78VEmNc?feature=shared] H.E.R. Tauren Wells - Hold Us Together [/url] [/b] [color=00aeef]Alexander[/color] had an uphill battle waiting for him at the office. He was never more grateful for talking Mabel into joining him in Germany. The fearless woman had taken control of the company in his stead while he was on the moon. The Team’s headquarters and campus had been descended upon by a host of international government officers and investigators. They were like locusts all demanding access to records and the company grounds. Mabel had complied but laid down the law on how so as to disrupt the work of the team as little as possible. She had broken the groups of forensics auditors into categories and had them work together in the respective departments to minimize disruption to the work as possible. Despite Mabel’s capable organizational skill and management, the auditors and investigators did disrupt work at Valkyrie. He had been informed that the investigators would be there for at least three weeks. They had already been hard at work for the two weeks he had been gone to the moon. The investigators should be done with the work just prior to the race at Monaco. To minimize the distractions for Cavan and the engineering team, Alexander took Johanna up on her offer. He called in all the engineers he could to help support Cavan and the engineering team on rebuilding the ships properly with the adjustments he wanted done. He simply didn’t trust the ships after all the equipment failures on the moon. He didn’t want to overlook anything. They needed to place well in Monaco. Alexander understood that pressure the team was under to perform and that started with a ship that could perform. While Alexander had been sad to see Felix go, he believed that Cavan would eventually prove to be a more capable team leader driving innovations and creativity through collaboration. Cavan’s approach would be more of a team effort allowing individual engineers to shine in their speciality without taking away from Cavan as their leader. Engineers being engineers loved to discuss their trade and welcomed the help with open arms. The energy and mood between the engineers and mechanics on the team was full of energetic hopefulness that had led to increased productivity even with the disruption to the campus. The department’s example modeled resilience and perseverance for the other departments. Even while their offices were being invaded, the employees of Team Valkyrie were banding together. They were helping and supporting one another. The atmosphere of negative sanctions and fear that had plagued the team under Brendel’s leadership as the CEO was disappearing. It was being replaced by one of positivity, support, and collaboration. Alexander was under immense pressure for the team to perform at Monaco, but he couldn’t help smiling as he walked through the halls of headquarters. This is exactly what he had hoped for when he started cleaning house on that first day in the office. Alexander arranged for a private spa day for Mabel as a thank you. He paid for it out of his own pocket as a thank you for all the hard work she had done on his behalf. The board of directors was handling the CEO jobs duties while the company began the search for a new CEO. The work had been split up between the board members with larger decisions being handled by vote. The board members had been forced to step in and play a more active role in the team during the investigation. Many of them found their own records being audited as well. Alexander was surprised by the level of cooperation he was receiving from the board. He suspected he had Johanna to thank for that. Leopold had taken point on supporting Mabel with handling the investigators and auditors pouring over Valkyrie’s records. Wulfric had also been very busy ensuring the safety of all and supporting the investigation as he was head of security for the company. Wulfric had been working with Leopold, the board, and the department heads to develop new policies for the team to prevent these kinds of abuses from happening again in the future. Leopold understood that Valkyrie had to be seen as proactive and leading the way on preventing these kinds of abuses in a team. The plans were still being built but Alexander had shown them that transparency and accountability would be key points in their new policies. They believed it would also win back the trust of the public, their sponsors, and their fans. [hr] [color=fff200]Paul[/color] had hated his experience with racing on the moon. He acknowledged to himself that some of the pressure was what was happening with all the turmoil surrounding the team. He sincerely hoped that after this the drama would die down. He was intelligent enough to know that much of what had been uncovered had been happening long before Alexander came to Valkyrie. That didn’t mean he appreciated being hounded by the press. He had found it harder than ever to move around in public. The culture vultures trailed him everywhere. Every chance they got they had been shoving a camera and microphone in his face. He had spotted drones following him. He had gone to have dinner with his mother after he got back from the moon. They had a very long and candid conversation about what this might mean for his career. He never appreciated her counseling more. She pointed out that he was just starting his professional career. This would certainly mark the start of his career but it wouldn’t be all he was known for. He thought about what might have happened if his mother had not requested Alexander Knight as the team principal. He shuddered to think what kind of abuses he himself might have been subjected too. He was not privy to all of the investigation details but the workers talked to each other. Paul was horrified by some of the abuses and stories he had overheard that others had endured. He was grateful that Alexander had done the right thing for those. Paul was a fairly easy going guy but he had been raised that certain things were clearly right and wrong. He had not realized how hard Knight’s job was until this happened. Paul finally appreciated the steps his mother had gone through to protect him. Paul had fired his agent and was looking for someone he felt he could trust. So far everyone he had interviewed just left him feeling like there were no honest people left in the world. Paul knew he was falling into a slight depression. He was struggling to fight the bitterness and negativity of everything he had seen and experienced since coming to Valkyrie. Spending time with his mother helped him to focus on the positives and what his next steps should be. He left her home to return to the team campus with a more focused and positive outlook. Paul took the time to address the rumors about him and Han Hyeon-Ae. His mother had asked him if the rumors were true. He had laughed and explained that he was trying to befriend the pilot. He felt like she needed some real friends. Paul knew what it was like to grow up in the spotlight with expectations. He knew how lonely it could feel. He had tried to befriend Han so she would have someone she could talk to who would understand those pressures. He also really enjoyed winding her up and trying to break her still formal bearing. He loved when he got a peak at the person she hid behind that stiff formal front. Paul grinned as he considered what they should do next. She owed him another outing since he had come in ahead of her on the moon. He would have to put some thought into it. Paul returned to headquarters and threw himself into training for Monaco. He was feeling more positive and was determined to win at Monaco. He could almost feel his father whispering in his ear as Paul raced the circuit of Monaco over and over in the simulator. He studied the track and watched how overtakes had been done in the past. He studied the maneuvers and practiced them. He spent time in the gym to ensure he had no lasting weaknesses from being in zero gravity for two weeks. He listened to his trainers and did what they asked of him. He was even beginning to see some benefits from the deep diving training he had been doing in the swimming pool and the neural cognitive training he had been doing. He had noticed he was better able to handle the g-forces in the ship. His breathing stayed steady which allowed his mind to operate with more efficiency and clarity. The cognitive training was allowing his mental reflexes to improve. So his responses to the information coming from his ship were faster, he was able to interpret and sort the vast amount of data he received better and faster. His overall piloting was improving with increased speed and response. Paul felt as if he was chasing his destiny at Monaco. He wanted to win and walk in his father’s footsteps. He wanted to honor his father in this way. He was working hard to reach this goal. [color=gold][center][h1][i][b]Social Media[/b][/i][/h1][/center][/color] [hr] [center] [b][color=fff200]Paul Mulder@ValkyriePaul:[/color][/b] This is Paul Mulder with Team Valkyrie AGR Sport. I want to address the rumors going around the paddock that I am seeing Hyeon-Ae Han. I am going to answer this straight up. Yes of course we are seeing each other. We are friends. We have a lot in common. Friends go out and do things together. Friends hang out together. The rumors that we are romantically involved are false. It is not a rumor that we have been seen together but a fact. I am still single ladies! [/center] [hr] [center] [h1][b] Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco [/b][/h1][/center] [center][h2][i][b] Paul Mulder[/b][/i][/h2][/center] [b]Soundtrack: [url=https://youtu.be/3gqbE9jDI1g?feature=shared] Dermot Kennedy - Better Days[/url][/b] [hr] Paul was determined to enjoy every moment he could in Monaco. He wanted to cement into his memory. He wanted to try and figure out why his father had loved this race so much. Practice had gone well for Paul. He could almost feel the history of the track as he raced along and feel his father’s guiding hand in places. He had cleaned up after practice before he headed to the event. Paul attended the event that was being hosted at the Casino de Monte Carlo. He smiled as he pulled up in front of the casino and climbed out of a classic 2000 Morgan Aero 8. Paul was dressed in a dark charcoal colored tuxedo with a gold embroidered vest with a classic white shirt underneath and no bowtie. He was wearing the comfortable and stylish dress boots that went with the ensemble. It was one of the outfits that had been produced by Enigma Lux for him. He knew he looked stylish and classy with a modern edge. He shut the door to the classic car he had managed to rent to drive while he was here in Monaco. He handed the keys to the Valet with a tip. [color=fff200]“It’s special, treat it well.”[/color] Paul walked through the press that had been hanging out around the entrance to the Casino. He posed for pictures and laughed as he once again stated on camera that he and Han were friends. He made sure to thank his sponsor Enigma Lux and plug them as the maker of his very nice outfit. Paul looked at ease as if he had been born into luxury and nobility fitting right in at Monaco. That’s because he was. Many didn’t know that his mother came from old money and her family used to be a titled aristocracy class. Times had changed the title meant nothing these days to most. Paul had been raised with all the manners and awareness of someone born to that lifestyle. Paul was charming and polished as he handled the press. He was asked about the ongoing case against the CEO and citing ongoing legal proceedings that he was unable to comment on it. He reiterated his support for their team principal, Alexander Knight. He finally left the press behind and walked into the Casino to enjoy himself. Paul just grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and took a sip, when he heard Dorian’s voice behind him. He turned around to find Dorian standing there with Helena Starcross. Of course Paul knew how Helena was, he was a racing fiend and studied its history. [color=39b54a]“Ah, there you are, Paul, this is Ms Starcross. This is my team-mate.”[/color] Dorian was grinning at him in a smirk. Paul shook his head wondering what had gotten into Dorian. Paul gave Helena a polite bow over her hand as he shook it. [color=fff200]“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Starcross. I have always been a big fan.” [/color] [b]“Oh please, call me Helena. Good to meet you. I remember seeing your father race when I was a pundit. He was so good. Looks like you’re living up to him from what I read. It’s a pleasure.” [/b] Paul met Helena’s eyes as she mentioned watching his father race. He gave her a bright smile. [color=fff200]“I hope to do his legacy proud while building my own.” [/color] [color=39b54a]“Paul, Helena says she wanted to do a piece with you on the ship’s design. On heritage. Would you like to help her out with this tomorrow after qualifying? It may take up a bit of time from the party, but if not, I am sure it will be fine.”[/color] Dorian nodded, as Helena chuckled, shrugging. Paul smiled as the reason for Dorian seeking him out was revealed. If anything his smile grew wider. [color=fff200]"I would love to help you out with that Helena. I would love to chat with you about racing. It is not everyday we get to pick the brain of a legend on how to improve our performance.” [/color] [b]“Well, it is no bother. I would come to the party but I can tell you, my days of that are over. Back in my day though….we didn’t have those tools for removing alcohol from blood. You had to just deal with it!”[/b] Helena chuckled, her mind as sharp as ever, for an octogenarian still going strong. Paul laughed, finding Helena a delightful departure to the sycophants who typically tried to ask favors of him at these types of events. He grinned at her. [color=fff200]“We might have more tools available to us, but that still doesn’t mean it is the smart thing to do.” [/color]He winked at her even as he deliberately took another sip of champagne. [color=fff200]“I plan to make this my only glass this evening.”[/color] He then spent his time discussing F1 racing history and challenges with Helena. It was not often someone matched his knowledge about such things. [hr] [color=gold][center][h1][i][b]DELTΔ HYPER[/b][/i][/h1][/center][/color] [center][h1][b]Before Qualifying Café Villeneuve, Monaco Friday, June 2nd, 2094 0950 EST [/b][/h1][/center] [color=gold][center][h2][i][b]The High Life[/b][/i][/h2][/center][/color] [b]Soundtrack: [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAKX51r7erw]Portishead- Glory Box[/url] [/b] Paul had arrived at the Café Villeneuve in his rented 2000 Morgan Aero 8. He was dressed in dress slacks, one of the new racing shirts by Engima Lux, and one of the new stylish racing jackets in a moto style. He was wearing those comfortable dress boots. The outfit was in his father’s livery colors which were similar to Valkyrie’s but slightly different. He was wearing black and electric blue pinstriping that seemed to evoke movement even while sitting still. He looked casually posh as he made his way upstairs to where they were conducting the Delta Hyper interviews. Paul helped himself to a cup of coffee while he waited. He was watching what he was eating right now and avoided the pastries. He had a high protein breakfast that morning with a fruit smoothie packed with trace vitamins recommended by the team’s nutritionist. Paul smiled at Aurora as the crew did what they needed to do to set the scene. Paul sipped at his coffee before setting it down off screen. Paul took a seat on the infamous couch and made himself comfortable. He made sure everything on his clothing was falling right and that all his sponsor tags showed correctly. There was a big patch that was a flexible screen that flashed between his different sponsors with the Enigma Lux logo prominent on the opposite side. Paul had taken a moment to check his hair before climbing out of the convertible he had been driving. Paul looked charming, classy, and relaxed. Aurora nodded and smiled indicating they were starting as she began to ask questions. [b][color=ed1c24]“Paul, welcome to Delta Hyper. We hear this is a circuit you have been looking forward to for a while. Would you like to tell us more about your livery on your ships this weekend, and what it means to you as a dedication to your father?”[/color] [/b] Paul smiled easily with genuine warmth as he had looked forward to revealing this. [color=fff200]“As you can see by the colors I am wearing, I will be racing in Monaco wearing my father’s livery colors. These are the colors that were on his ship when he won here at Monaco. Monaco was my father’s favorite race. One of the reasons I race is because it helps me feel closer to him. His presence is missing in my life. Racing is a way for me to connect with him. I wanted to honor his memory by using his colors here in Monaco. Like every pilot here, I hope to win. If I do, it will be a way to honor his memory and cement me as part of his racing legacy as I begin to leave my own mark in AG racing history. I want to thank the team for working so hard to rebuild the ship after all the issues we experienced in the Lunar race. I want to thank Alexander Knight for granting my request for special livery and FIAR for agreeing to it. I want to thank my fans for all the support they have given me. If I win here in Monaco, know that I wouldn’t be here without your support. This race is for him and you.” [/color] He smiled at Aurora waiting on any follow up questions. [h2]Pilot’s Group Chat[/h2] Paul: @Han The truth is out there. Yes we were seen together as friends! Where do you want to go and be seen next? Paul: @Nora I am looking forward to seeing you at Monaco! Paul: Good luck everyone! [hr] [hider= Team Valkyrie Characters] https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zrLx5XUgYiVm6KjTpFTWZtJvXc0MX77enkLzINHujKw/edit?gid=0#gid=0 [/hider]