NationStates Jolt Archive


Thunder Run RP

Kulikovia
23-04-2007, 10:06
This rp is still open if you desire to join, just post a character and car on the sign-up/ooc thread. Thanks!

London, England

It was a gloomy day in London, clouds loomed overhead as people crowded the sidewalks, umbrellas at their sides just in case. Traffic honked and conjested the streets and highways. A large crowd gathered in the famed, Trafalgar Square. The original Charing Cross lay at the southern end. The monument commemorated the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars and is considered the heart of London. Many of them were reporters awith their camera crews in tow, as well as curious bystanders gathering to see what the hype was about. There was an American couple stumbling through the crowd, spring break travelers by the looks of it. Many thought that perhaps a celebrity of the movie or music persuation was about to arrive, or another political demonstration. Curiosity mounted and the reporters grew restless.

All of a sudden, a 2002 Bugatti 16/4 screeched through the square which luckily was rather quiet other than the crowd gathered around the fountain. The engine reved and the tires squeeled, brunt rubber kicking in all different directions. The crowd turned as one to see the sleak silver automobile speeding their way. Some members of those assembled, began to step back as the car showed no signs of halting. AT the lasts econd the car cut its' wheels and hitting the emrgency break, somehow, the vehicle didn't roll over but drifted towards the crowd, finally coming to a halt no more than a foot from a young female reporter who was so terrified that she couldn't even scream. Stunned, the crowd awaited for the driver's door to swing open. It finally did and a man dressed in a fine suit stepped out with Oakley sunglasses. He was handsome, hair salt and pepper and a smile upon his face. It was none other than Nathan Cross. Cross was labeled by the press and adrenaline junkie and a reckless playboy. The suave forty year old was a champion race car driver and founder of the Thunder Run, a revolutionary and dangerous annual race. Some claimed he was a man with a death wish, others said he only cared about the headlines. All of it's true and he knew it. For the past few months he'd skillfully built up the hype for the next Thunder Run. Last year was the innaugural Thunder Run taking place in Tokyo. It was a dangerous and exciting race that rocketed his enterprise to the top and no sign of slowing down.
"Ladies and gentlemen" Cross began, a headset over his head that projected his voice to the crowd. "Many of you are wondering why I'm here. I'm just here for a Sunday drive, I don't know why you are all here" he laughed, raising his hands slightly. The crowd laughed and stood, awaiting the news. "Following the tremendous success of last year's Thunder Run this year's Run will be a trans-Eurpoean adventure. Racing through the very ehart of our beloved continent. It will start next month in Moscow, Russia. The race will end in Lisbon, Portugal. The greatest and most daring racers from across the globe have signed up and rose to the ultimate racing challenge!"
"Mr.Cross" the nearly road kill female reporter interrupted "Last year's Thunder Run nearly cost the lives of several racers, one of them mortaly wounded by Yakuza mobsters. What steps are being used this year to prevent a reoccurance of last year?" she asked, everyone waited for a reply.
"Security has increased, yes" Cross simply replied. "I assure you all, this year will be safe but no less exciting" he grinned.
"How many racers are there this year?"
"There will be about twenty racers. Some familiar racers from last year will be racing once again. That's right, great competitors like Lukas Krueger and Elena Santini will return. It should be quite interesting with the makings of a thriller." Cross paced the in a line, explaining the checkpoints, new rules and regulations, which only took a few minutes because Cross literally believed that rules were meant to be left in the dust. He was arrested once before for parachuting atop parliment suring a publicity stunt which went just how he planned. Cross was thrown to the ground by a dozen very irrate security guards who were less than gentle when ti came to dealing with him.
"I want to thank you for you time today. This was merely an announcement and a more in depth conference will be held at a later time. I must be off now before I get a parking ticket" the crowd laughed and Cross darted off to his vehicle, reved the engine and sped off, narrowly missing a flock of pidgeons.

Thunder Inc, London

Cross returned to his office. The logo was a thunder bolt with a race car in front of it. It was an eccentric compound which housed the nerve center of his enterprise. ESPN as well as several major sports channels and magazines headlined his announcement. All the attention caused Cross to curl his lips slightly as he entered his office. He went through the day's tasks which needed to be attended to but Cross always had a full plate. The phone rang and Cross reached over. The voice on the other end sent a chill down his spin and nausiated his stomach. The voice was a Russian tounge with a sinister quip.
"Mr.Cross...you know why I'm calling" the voice began "Why don't you try calling me once and a while?"
"Why would I want to do that?" Cross snapped back.
"because we haven't reached afinal agreement yet"
"I already told you, I'm not interested" Cross slammed a fist against the desk and raised his voice slightly.
"Don't get angry with me, Cross. If it wasn't for me, your little two bit boxcar race wouldn't have skyrocketed into space" The Russian shot back, voice still calm. "You're a successful man, the lime light is fixated on you. The only thing people love more than a celebrity is to watch a celebrity screw up and fail" there was a hint of a subtle threat.
"Don't you-"
"Don't you try and pass this opportunity up, work with us not against us. Make a deal with the devil, eh Cross? You've never played by the rules, why stop now?" The Russian laughed slightly and then hung up. Cross slammed the phone down and spouted out a stream of obscenities.
Kulikovia
23-04-2007, 10:51
Berlin, Germany

Keukolln, one of the municipalties of Berlin was quiet today. Most people were at work in the economic powerhouse which was, Berlin. A stunning city that stands the testiment of time that stood against natural and human disasters for over a thousand years. A tall, handsome man wearing a leather jacket with blue jeans and black steel toed boots turned off the main street and into an alley. There was a large gate to an old warehouse. He opened the door which was part of the gate and stepped into the area outside the warehouse. A metal garage door began to creak open and a shorter man, lanky and bearded stepped out. The shook hands, smiled and greetd one another.
"Wolfgang, it's good to see you again." the thin man smiled.
"Karl, always good to see you as well." Krueger replied. Wolfgang krueger was perhaps one of thee best German drivers in the country. He was a calm and confident individual with a guarded personality and rarely let anyone in. He only had a few close friends, Karl Gruppe being his best friend and ally in racing. Karl was a mechanic thru and thru and could turn a Fiat 500 into a Ferrari. He helped rebuild Krueger's blue Lotus Eurpoa S after his disasteros crash in Tokyo last year. The hulk of twisted metal and shattered glass proved to be Karl's greatest work and rebuilt it, turining it into a powerhouse of metal and and sophistication. Krueger was in his late twenties and a handsome man who walked with cool swagger and a worldly karma. He rarely broke his stoic expression and his grayish blue eyes hid a troubled past which he was skilled in concealing.
"The car's all ready, transportation for the vehicle is all worked out. All we need to do now is win the race" Karl commented as they walked inside the warehouse. There was atarp over the outlining of a car. "Just did a new paint job, the old one began to thin out." He walked over and tugged away the cloth the reveal the sleak blue Lotus Europa S. krueger soaked in its' radiance then ran a hand up the car, touching the blue metal tingled his fingertips and caused him to lapse into another world.
"You did a great job, Karl" Krueger finally complimented "With this, we will win" Krueger smiled and they decided to sit down and catch up on old times.
Van Luxemburg
23-04-2007, 12:22
(OOC: The Bugatti EB16/4 Veyron's production didn't start until 5 September 2005. You must be talking about the concept car, I take?)

Luxembourg, Van Luxemburg

The VLT L7 slowly emerged out of the car lift, after it had undergone a small trip through the catacombs of the Grand-Ducal Palace, where it was stored together with a huge amount of other vehicles. The black V12-engined car drove away silently, and used the central double door to exit the Palace building, and to roll directly onto a car transporter. Two mechanics waited until Laval had left the trailer, before closing the doors.

'That would be it. We can go now.'

The two trucks left the palace grounds, followed by a set of four BMW M5 Tourings, which would be transporting the mechanics and the guards of the Van Luxemburgian team. The vehicles slowly turned onto the motorway minutes later, which they only followed for a short while, to reach Luxembourg-Findel Intl. Airport, from where an Airbus A380F would fly them to Moscow.
Tanaara
23-04-2007, 17:04
Warsaw Poland, Novotel Hotel, close to the Okecie Airport...

"Okay Cross had made the announcement." Charlie and the three P's grinned at one another wolfishly.

"I've got all the maps of Europe a cartographer could want." Peter commented not without a certain amount of smugness. "And Pauli has them on the tablets"

It hadn't been hard to find out the start and end point of this years Thunder Run. Any such endeavor took a vast amount of planning, and many contacts with all the countries that the race might potentially move through. A little lucre, or a little romance, or a favor owed, or if all else failed a few systems hacked, and the start and end points of the race had been theirs.

They'ed been driving Europe, criss crossing - from major autobans to all but washed out back country sheep tracks, complete with flocks of balky sheep -the various countries ever since they'd gotten the data they'd needed. But then again they'd been doing that for years. When ones job meant getting things from one place to another in the best time and least amount of trouble, you did such things. But this was diffferent. This wasn't work, this was pleasure and thatg made it all the more important...

Making sure the maps were correct, that the GPS way points they'd chosen were loaded in the pair of Portégé R400's by Toshiba tablet style laptops each carried. Fuel management programs and engine performance manager systems had also been loaded on to the expensively moddified and ruggedized to military specs laptops. Each of the four also carried a pair of encrypted Irridium Satalite phone and each of the three vehicles had been equipped with Inmarsat Fleet 77 trak systems. Getting lost would have to be done very deliberately.

"At least I don't have to eat any more bad back country cooking." Pauli, their computer guru groused relievedly. He loved good food nearly as much as he loved his computers. Almost... "And the computers are good to go. I down loaded an up date on go juice sources, and the latest long range weather forecasts."

"I just got the last of the spare parts inventoried, but I'm worried about having enough spare tires." the last of the P's commented worriedly. Joleen Pettimore was naturally a bit of a worrier, but she had some reason to be concerned. The dealer they'd been going through to get the tires she favored had just been arrested for his not so legal extra curricular activities.

"We're just lucky we didn't get caught in the net that got him." Peter's tone was sour. He hadn't liked dealing with a breaker as careless as Vittorio had been. They'd been doing their own out side the law activites with nary a side ways look for various authorities for years now - careful planning and concern for detail was part of what had kept them out of 'Imperial Entanglements" for all those years. Real Transporters didn't indulge in flashy chases with the policia, or blowing up residences. Real Transporters got the job done quietly, effeciently and profitably. Though the movies were fun to watch.
Calizorinstan
23-04-2007, 17:11
"Well I guess the DOT made the announcement I was entering (*sigh) but I shall go on anyway, Pierre have you got me the maps to enter into my built-in G.P.S?" Jack Ernald looked at his assistant Pierre, and his assistant replied "It's all in sir, and operational, I put some regular maps of Europe in though, just incase something happened to the G.P.S. I also put in an emergancy kit, with flare, flashlight, and a first aid kit just incase." Jack nodded and said "Goodman Pierre, we shall be flying into Berlin in a couple days, and my VLT L6 will be shipped over." Pierre nodded and replied "I have already made the shipping arrangements sir, and I shall be flying with you too, for one needs a good co-pilot." Jack nodded and said "Enough of this talking it's 9:15 in the night, and I think we should go to bed, good night Pierre" Pierre said "Good night, sir hope you get rest for the flight to Berlin."
Imitora
23-04-2007, 21:51
Warsaw, Poland

The long, sleek black Viper sat low on the curb. From the outset, it looked stock, like any other Mamba packaged SRT-10. And not to far away at a café table sat the ordinary looking man. Clive eyed his car from a distance, the black SRT-10, with its custom Twin Turbo V10 having recently dominated the Houston streets in the recent TX2K7 Toyota Supra meet. He had rocked the track day in his single turbo M3, blasted away on the 1/4 strip with his 1022 wheel horsepower single turbo Supra, but it had been on the streets with his newest toy, the black SRT-10 where he had show his dominance. On drag radials, the car was capable of an eight second 1/4 mile pass. On the highways and biways of Houston, he had out sped modified Suzuki Hayabusa's and Kawasaki ZX-14s, walked away from power house F-bodies at the stop lights, and on a back road or two dominated a few of the cars that were considered unbeatable on such roads.

He took a long pull from some sort of fancy local coffee drink, eyeing his car. He was drawn the low slung Dodge more than most cars, and he smiled to himself. Pushing away from table, he dropped a few local notes, and walked over to his car. He wasn't dressed as one would expect a man with his money to be. No fancy Armani suits or slacks. A pair of jeans and a t-shirt that read "I Survived the Imitora Player's Run 2K5", a set of Puma track shoes worn without socks, and an IMV hat topped off the outfit.

He popped his neck, and then reached down, popping open the door to the Viper. He smiled as he slid into the well worn bucket seat, and cranked the engine, the massive five hundred and ten cubic inch V10 roaring to life. In front of him, a car alarm on some pasta rocket chirped and eventually caught from the sound waves vibrating the air.

Clive piloted the car calmly back to the hotel where he was staying, keeping the car well within legal limits. He parked, let the soft top back up, and slid out of the car, locking it behind him. He made his way back inside, and to the in hotel resteraunt, ordering a light meal. The vacation was nice, yes, but he was getting antsy. He wanted to race.
Canadstein
24-04-2007, 00:01
Somewhere in North Dakota

Brant Leeds looked out toward the serene wilderness of North Dakota. He was alone and could hear the birds chirp in the morning. The cold air blew into his face. For the last three weeks, Brant had spent his time alone. It was a wonderfully place to think, an opposite from the hustle and bustle of the large cities he was more familiar to. Brant needed to escape from all the people. He had been swamped by people wondering if he would return to Formula One. Brant had no idea. The last time he drove in a competition, he had a terrible crash and almost died. He was luck to be living at these moment. Sighing for a moment, he grabbed a cup of coffee. Brant was a quickly rising star in Formula One. He had been in Formula One, with the help of his former Formula One driver dad, for two years. During those two years he wanted more speed, but something had shaken him up after the crash. It had been seven months since the crash and he had never gotten over it. So Brant had taken an indefinite hiatus. His father was sadden, but knew that Brant needed to overcome something. Taking a sip of the hot coffee, Brant put the cup down.

As he put the cup down he saw a truck coming toward his house. Brant quickly got up, since he usually never got visitors. Maybe it was some men trying to make him go back into the Formula One circuit, though only his intermediate family knew where he is was hiding out. As the truck grinned to a halt the passenger side door opened. A man started to walk toward him.

"Are you Brant Leeds?"

Brant gulped, then nervously answered.

"Yes."

The man reached for a letter, that was tucked inside a pocket within his suit. Brant took the letter and saw his name labeled on the envelope. He also noticed a symbol of a thunder bolt with a race car in front of it. The symbol looked familiar, but he still had no idea from who it came from. Opening the envelope, Brant quickly read the letter.

He had been invited to the Thunder Cup, which he had read about in some magazine. It was going to be a race across Europe starting in Moscow and ending in Lisbon. As he finished reading the letter this race seemed to interest him. Maybe he could get over his racing hump, if he entered the race.

"Do you have an answer Mr.Leeds?"

Quickly Brant thought over the pros and cons. He reread the letter, then looked back toward the man.

"Tell Mr.Cross that I will be waiting in Moscow."

The man turned around and back toward the truck. The truck quickly drove back down the same road it came from. As Brant sat down, he wondered what he had gotten himself into.
Calizorinstan
24-04-2007, 00:41
At Berlin Airport Germany,

Jack and his assistant Pierre LaFont got through security, and then took a taxi ride all the way to the dealership where his racing car had just arrived there, and they were looking forward for a little vacation on the way to Moscow. Hopefully there wouldn't be robbers but if there were, he had a 1911 and Pierre had a FN Five-Seven for protection in that matter.

At the dealership..

"Sir, your babys ready to go! All she needs is a driver, and it looks like a passenger, your route to Moscow has been pre-programmed in the built in sat-nav, and you have nice leather seats in this thing... Well have a good trip sir" The dealership manager showed them the way to Jack's custom VLT L6 4.4 GT V8 in the lot, and Jack replied "Thanks, have good buisness, I have referred some people to your dealership. I will have a good race, thank you." He and Pierre put their luggage in to the trunk of the L6, and got in, and roared off in their mighty GT L6, adventure awaited them....
Tanaara
24-04-2007, 02:12
Warsaw Poland, Novotel Hotel, close to the Okecie Airport

"Well, Vitittorio was an ass, but the tires he found for us." Joleen Pettimore tucked a wayward strand of fine ash blone hair behind one ear. Her waist length hair was always escaping from the tidy french braid she normally detained it in. "I'll call Masha in a few, she knows the Moscow sceen, she'll probably find us some 'ne kulturny banditti.." Joleen mimicked their friends patronizining tone - calling some one an 'uncultured gang banger wanna be' was a strong insult, but Masha would get away with it where any one else might not live to regret it.. "To sell us top of the line at a third the cost."

She turned her attention to the large steamer trunk they had brought up earlier. The special lock was the only thing that made the warchest noteworthy. But the warchest lived up to it's name, and was thus worthy of the high tech lock. Joleen opened it to reveal the groups armory, several cases filled with the Manuriens - Baretta PPK clones - in .32 that she and Charli favored as hand weapons, the 9mm Taurus 92C's that Pauli and Peter carried, and their newest and favorite toy of all, the Fabrique National 90 PDW.

The compact PDW was only 19.7" long, 8.3" high, 2.2 ", and 6.6 lbs loaded with 50 rounds. A sling weapon, designed to be worn across the operator's back, side, or chest it was easily and handily worn under the Abbyshot custom leather trench coats that were the groups signature look.

The FN 90PDW used a special 5.7x28mm SS190AP cartridge. The SS190AP round was only 2/3rds the recoil force of 9mm NATO ammo, yet had "considerably greater" stopping power than a 9mm. The round pierced car windshields, vehicle doors, even kevlar vests and helmets up to 200 meters away, with the kevlar material having "virtually no effect" on the round. It had been proven to also pierce NATO CRISAT body armor -.6mm titanium armor plate and 20mm of kevlar soft armor- and, according to the FN, retained a minimum of 80 joules of energy after armor penetration. They asserted that 80 joules was enough energy to incapacitate a human being. The P's and Charli had already had occassion to use the 90's in self defense, and they, while they couldn't safely advise the company of the veracity of it's assertions, knew they proprietary cartridge performed as promised.

Pauli saw what Joleen was setting up to do and buried himself in his computer. He enjoyed shooting guns, but hated cleaning them. Pete however joined in gathering up rags, bore brushes and other cleaning party necessities.

"Charli, why don't you go get us a snack, more coffee, and bring up some chow for Brisco from the caravan." Pete suggested as he and Joleen settled in to maintainting their weapons.

The great wolf grey Kavkaskaia Ovtcharka raised his head briefly and his tail thumped twice before he went back to sleep. Apparently sleeping that was - none of his breed ever really let down their guard. However, Brisco believed in the extreme conservation of energy, unless he was doing what his kind had done from the first. Caucasian Shepherd was a strong mistranslation of the breeds name, for they were in no way herding dogs. They were killers, slayers of predators. and Brisco was one hundred and fifty pounds of lethal muscle fangss and fury when in combat.

"Eukanuba, Chrusick, Mazurki, Paczkis, and a gallon of coffee, right lads and lasses? Coming right up" Charli settle her terench coat about her and headed out of their three bedroom suite. The black leather coat draped her form, long and lean and delightfully feminine without being over blown, perfectly, furling back as she strode briskly out of the hotels lobby. The jeans were of matching black leather and huged her like a lover, and the silky tee top matched the cobalt blue silk lining of the trench coat.

She whipped out a pair of Spy Optica Sonix shades with brown vectra lenses, a slightly more brown than the unibquitous bastard amber that special ops shooters had made iconic, and slipped them on as she exited the doors and made her way to where Joleen'c 1971 Dodge Challenger sat.

The group used it as their daily driver, as the Phoneix was kept under wraps unless needed, and Pete's Hummer was just too wide for some of the older European inner city thoroughfares.

She was sliding into the Challenger when a car she had seen parked at the hotel before, once again caught her eye. It was a black Viper, SRT-10 and she knew that it would give the Phoenix a run for it's life. 'But not when I'm behind the wheel' Charli thought with a grin.
Calizorinstan
24-04-2007, 02:19
On some highway leading to Moscow, location:35 miles inside the border of Poland...

"Hey boss, I see a resturant stop on our G.P.S, would you like to stop now?"
inquired Pierre LaFont over the loud AC/DC music blaring from the sat-nav in the dash playing off of Jack Ernald's iPod. "Nah, I say 2 hours more, for that puts us halfway through Poland, and plus there might be theives wanting this car. But we do have 2 MP5s and 2 M1911's at least, but I would prefer not to use them, if you know the laws as well as I do here"

Pierre nodded and said "Good choice boss, and besides we've got leather seats, XM radio, and some Oreo, and Sprite Zero for snacks at least, we're in total luxury here compared to folks in the U.S or France where I come from, et's ride on cheif." And so they sped at 70 mph onward, and foward to their final desistenation, Moscow.
Tanaara
25-04-2007, 03:35
Warsaw Poland, Novotel Hotel, close to the Okecie Airport

Thirty five minutes later Charli was back and digging round in the caravan - a Volvo VNL 770 class 8 tractor and living quarters and auto trailer (http://www.atddm.com/c10trail.jpg) for a bag of the Eukanuba. "Too much junk" she muttered to herself as she finally found the zip lock bag she'd been searching for.

Juggling three large paper bags filled with pasteries, the bag of dog chow and a none too sturdy card board tray heavy with six over sized coffee cups she started her trek across the hotel lobby, hoping that no children or little old ladies darted underfoot unexpectedly.
Imitora
25-04-2007, 05:33
Clive dropped some cash for the bill, he never liked paying with credit, and left the hotel's resteraunt. He laughed at his meal as he left the eatery, chuckling that even in Poland he had been able to find a decent burger.

Still, the waiting was getting to him. He would leave for the starting line the next day, but he was determined to race, and soon. He had access to a fifteen hundred horse power Dodge Viper sitting in the garage, and wanted nothing more than to get it on some highways and open it up. He had paid his entry fee, paid the extra cost to get his car over to Europe, slipped a customs agent some extra cash to get certain, goods into the country, and now he was stuck waiting.

He looked up to see a young lady holding a large stack of bags and other assorted items, and dressed more casually than to be a maid of some sorts. He walked over quickly, his hands out and ready to accept some bags to help her out.

"Scuse me, miss? Ya need some help?"
Tanara
25-04-2007, 05:58
"Scuse me, miss? Ya need some help?"

Charli stopped short, sure she was about to crash into some one she couldn't see over the small landslide she was slowly losing control over. Then her eyes caught and locked on the tee shirt her accoster wore.
'
"Only if you can say 'go' in Imitoran..." Her joking tone faded somewhat "...And you can if you earned that shirt." She replied then yelped as she nearly dropped the flimsy tray holding the six coffees.

"I've got Butterrum Chrusick, Rasberry Mazurki, and assorted Paczkis to bribe you with. Or if you are into really healthy foods I have some Eukanuba but Brisco might not want to share." She started off loading bags into his waiting hands.

"I'm Charli Firewalker, and mine says "I survived the Players Run 2k6 ..." She didn't mention that it also said that she had finished in the top five. Charli didn't need to boast.
Kulikovia
25-04-2007, 12:26
OOC: I apologize for not responding earlier, work's killing me.

Moscow, Russia

Yuri Andropov snuffed out his cigar in the glass ash tray and stood up, pushing the chair back. A rough hand clasped his bearded chin and exhalled heavily.
"It seems as though our friend Mr.Cross will not cooperate" he stated plainly. His office was furnished well but was dimly lit. A figure stood next to the door, strongly built and quiet. "Buying him won't work...so we'll have to muscle him into compliance" the corners of his lips curled into a wide smile, revealing several gold teeth.
"How?" asked the figure, quick and to the point.
"You will do whatever is needed to ensure that he complies"
"Anything?" the man asked, his voice curious.
"Do not touch Cross. He is a man that can suffer no injury greater than an injury to his wallet." Andropov answered, moving out from behind his desk and striding towards the figure. The figure stepped into the dim light. He was in his early to mid thirties, blonde hair in a faux hawk style. His eyes were a deep blue and strikingly handsome for the most part, save the scar running down his left eye which left that eye, slightly lighter than the other.
"I understand" the man answered simply and left. His name was Dimitri Adenski, head of Andropov's security. He was quiet, methodical, loyal, and deadly efficent in his job. Many feared him but all respected him for his capacities. In his spare time, Adenski street races around Moscow and is considered an expert racer.

Across the compound Adenski met with members of his professional security team. They were all experts in their trade, without consience as well. He briefed them on the assignment and explained to them his plans. Adenski would enter the race and win it, to demonstrate their power to control anything (and he's an adrenaline junkie). The other three members of his elite team would work on sabotaging the other racers whenever possible. If this year's Thunder Run failed, it would ruin Cross. Adenski's vehicle of choice: Bee-R R33 GT-R.
Kulikovia
25-04-2007, 12:42
Ararat Park Hajatt, Moscow

The Ararat Park Hajatt was chosen by Cross's liasion team as the perfect hotel to hold the banquet before the race and where the competitors could stay. Arrangements were made at the other checkpoint cities where the racers could stay and enjoy the sights for a few dyas as they rest before the next leg of the race begins. The Hajatt is located within close proximity of the Kremlin and is in the heart of the city. It sports a "Moscow" appearance on the outside and European services and structure on the inside. With endorsements and contacts, Cross reserved a great portion of the hotel easily.

Krueger emerged into the lobby of the hotel with Karl by his side and another friend, Mika Rhinehardt. She has the ebauty of a flower and the inner toughness of a rhino, which is how Krueger described her. She was a technical wizzard and assisted him in gathering information on the best possible routes to take during the Run. She proved invaluable in Japan. She flicked back her curly dirty blond hair and surveyed the scene.
"They sure isn't a Holiday Inn" she joked.
"Mr.Cross is a very rich and influential man" Krueger responded and strode across the lobby to the registration desk. Behind the desk was an older man with a permemnant smile.
"Good evening, sir" he said with an all too cheery smile. Krueger's stoic expression was in total opposite to this man.
"I'm here for the Thunder Run" he stated.
"Name?" the man asked, his fingers tapping on the keyboard at a fast pace.
"Wolfgang Krueger" he cracked his neck and turned around to his his compainions still amazed. He too was awestruck but remained focused.
"Room 203, Mr.Krueger, and your company will be in Room 204" the man finally said. He turned around and took out two electronic keycards and scanned them quickly then handed them to Krueger. "Enjoy your stay" he smiled. Krueger nodded and walked off to join the others.
"This is great!" Karl exclaimed "I can't believe we get to stay in a place like this. I'm going stright to the resteraunt to get something fancy to eat" he said with a gleeful smile of that of a small boy. The bell hops already took up their luggage and Karl darted off, chasing after a female maid who caught his eye.
"He's such a pathetic hound dog" Mika commented. Krueger nodded and they stood for a quiet second. "So, wanna get something to drink?" she finally asked.
"Sure" Krueger responded plainly. There was almost a hint of disappointment in Mika's face but at least he said yes. A part of her wanted to draw back and go straight to her room, still angry after Japan. But she so wanted his company even though she knew it would never work, but it never stopped her from trying. In the bar the two of them slid into a booth, it was quiet for the most part and strangely empty. An older couple sat at the bar and down from them was a solitude man, slumped over a beer. The bartender cleaned several glasses but stopped to adjust his bow tie which he hated wearing.
"How do you think it will go this year?" Mika asked, desperate to break the silence.
"Hopefully better than last year" Krueger responded. A waiter came up asking if he could get them anything. Krueger asked for a coke, he didn't drink alcohol. Mika asked for something simple, a Mike's Hard lemonade.
"Think you'll win?" she asked, tapping her delicate finger off the table slightly.
"I got the best team anyone could ask for. You and Karl are the one's who make it possible. All I do is drive the car" he curled his lips but it disappeared. "After last year, I jope so."
"You were so close last year. This year we'll take it for sure" she exclaimed, voice confident. A silence followed and Mika examined the man across from her. He hadn't shaved in a week and his face was rougher but no less handsome. His stoic expression annyoed her to no ends but at the same time intrigued her. Krueger was a man of secrets, a guarded man. At the same time, Krueger examined her in turn. She was beautiful, smart, and could have any man she came across but still went after him. She was tough on the inside and after the incident in Japan, respected her more.
"Do we have a final course mapped out?" Krueger asked, breaking the silence. A frown appeared on Mika's face but quickly recovered her demeanor.
"Yes" she coughed "The weakpoints are the urban areas leaving Moscow and when entering Warsaw. Those are unavoidable and we'll lose time as well. The thoroughfairs and highways will help balance that out. The countryroads will assist alot as well. I ahve the maps with my luggage but we have it covered, don't worry" she winked. Krueger broke a smile. "Aha!" she exclaimed "I finally made you smile.
"Dammit" Krueger joked. He threw back the rest of his coke and stood up. "Good work, Mika. Go relax. I have some things to take care of." he turned and left, leaving Mika. In that instance, she felt so alone it almost caused her to buy more to drink but she stood up and stormed out of the bar in the opposite direction of Krueger.
Kulikovia
25-04-2007, 13:14
This is stupid, Krueger thought as he approached the registration desk of the hotel. The same man stood behind it, his sunny demeanoror still shone bright. He wanted to turn back, do anything beside from what he was about to do, however; his body pushed forward, moving on its' own accord.
"How may I help you, sir?" the man asked. Krueger cleared his throat, stalling so that he could muster to courage to ask.
"Yes, I'd like to know if a certain guest check in yet or not" he choked out. It was too late to turn back now.
"And her name is?" the man began to type on the keyboard.
"Elena Santini" Krueger replied quickly. He hadn't uttered that name in months but it ran through his mind daily, such a bittersweet name.
Calizorinstan
25-04-2007, 17:27
On the 2nd day, just leaving a small motel 3/4 the way through Poland, on some highway headed east....

"I can't wait to get to Moscow Pierre, I sense adventure in my bones, I have a feeling, even if we don't win the race, we'll have had plenty of adventure to suit us I think, let's turn on XM to the country channel if you please sir." Jack Ernald spoke to his friend and mechanic Pierre LaFont, and Pierre replied "Me also Jack, but I don't think we should hurry, after all once we get to Moscow, the competiveness will kick in" Jack sighed, and knew in his heart that Pierre was right, but they would have to wait and see, in 2 hours they would be in Belerus....
Van Luxemburg
25-04-2007, 17:50
Moscow, Ararat Park Hajatt Hotel

A few blocks away from where the hotel was, all vehicles of the Van Luxemburgian team had been parked, well away from all the daily business in Moscow. The L7 remained inside it's heated parking space, the truck trailer, to protect it from vandalism. The last thing Laval wanted was to have his car damaged even before the race started. The team walked away from the trucks and the cars, but had left two members of the security team behind. They now observed the complete street, in order to watch for vandalists or anyone who would want to steal one of their vehicles.

Meanwhile, Laval and it's team of mechanics and guards had walked into the lobby of the Ararat Park hotel. The group slowly walked forwards near the reception, and halted there, while Laval consulted the receptionist.

'Goodafternoon. I'm supposed to be here because of the Thunder Run, I believe.'
Imitora
25-04-2007, 18:31
I'm Charli Firewalker, and mine says "I survived the Players Run 2k6.

Clive nodded, taking some of the bags. "2K6 huh? I barely survived that one at all. Was taking the mountian pass, Highway 130S, and over estimated the Apex of a turn. Put my car right into a wall, then off the wall and down the cliff till some tree caught me. Hooked up with one of the other runners, hitched a ride to the end."

He thought back to the Carrera GT that was still probably sitting on the edge of that cliff. "Shoulda guessed as much, though. Never done well driving the mid and rear engine cars. Well, not recently at least. Decided to stick with some good ol' front engine American power house. Show these Euro boys what we can do."

He followed Charli up to the room, bags in hand. "So what are you running?"
Kulikovia
25-04-2007, 19:25
The receptionist typed away at the keyboard. He looked up and replied with a simple and apologetic "No". A car crashed right in his heart at the sound of that one word. Krueger was blindsided by the reply and struggled to find some excuse and wave it off. Part of him was grateful and wanted nothing more than to scurry away and hdie somewhere. But another part felt proud for mustering the courage to ask. He nodded and walked away, across the lobby and towards the bar. He found himself a nook at the bar and slumped over, distraught. He remeniced and a flood gate of emotions and memories drowned him. He met her for the first time during the race in Japan and his life altered forever. One night of passion followed by a lifetime of lonliness. Sadly, he hadn't been able to contact her over the year, she left so suddenly after the accident. It nearly ended his ability to go on but managed to crawl his way back to normality. She was always in his thoughts. Such sweet memories mixed with such despair.

He decided to leave before he drank his sorrows away. Upon leaving the bar he stopped dead in his tracks. She wore a black tropical wool suit which complimented her curves. Her hair was just as he remembered it, black curly locks flowing down past her shoulders just above the mid of her back. She glided across the lobby, alone. He darted behind a pillar just outside the bar and soaked in her radiance. He felt lost, almost at peace with finally seeing her. But what to do next? He watched her further, she spoke to the receptionist who said something back to her. Finally, she departed and waved goodbye to the receptionist who waved back and began to check someone else in. She walked over to the elevators, waited a second or two. The doors opened and she lingered for a moment and finally entered, disappearing. Krueger then moved directly up to the receptionist who caught him and prempted with a "Room 312". He smiled and went straight for the elevator. The elevator doors opened to the third floor and he stepped out in a hurry and waited till the door closed, now it was too late to turn back.

The elegantly decorated hallways were nothing but a blur to him as he paced down the hallway and stopped infront of his destination. A golden oval label with elegant black letters read: 312. His heart paced. What should I say? He raised his fist to knock gently on the door but stopped just an inch from the glossed wooden door. Finally, he lost his nerves and turned away in defeat. It was a stupid idea, it's been a year and they hadn't talked during that time. He theorized that she already met someone else and was living a happy life after Japan. As he rounded the corner back to the elevator a woman ran collided with him, he raised his hands instinctively as did she, he stepped back, ready to apologize when he looked up and, mouth wide open. It was Elena with an equally suprised look. The two of them stood there for what seemed like a silent eternity.
"Ciao, Elena" Krueger finally uttered, poorly attempting to speak Italian. She gave a quaint smile.
"It's nice to see that your Italian is improving" she replied. Krueger stood there, the scent of vanilla danced around his nostrils. "Hopefully you're driving skills improved too. Especially after the race in Japan" she quipped. Almost instantly she regretted her words and wished it was possible to take them back. Krueger shuttered for a second then steeled himself.
"I crashed because of you" he snapped back. Their first encounter in over a year was going bad, they were at each others throats already. She wanted to crawl in a hole and die after what she said to him. The silence was killing her.
"I'm sor-" she was interrupted by Krueger.
"You don't have to. You won last year and winning's all that matters" he quoted her perfectly. It was a blow that sunk in deep. Ever since that day, Elena regretted what happened, the horrible crash she caused, leaving suddenly without an explination at the hospital. Every day she hated herself and was desperate for redemption. "Want to go talk somewhere?" she asked timidly.
"Sure" he said. "Look, I'm sorry for that just a few moments ago."
"I'm sorry for what I said, it was aweful..." she shuttered and trailed off at the end. They walked in silence down the hallway and into the elevator which descended to the lobby. They exited and moved across ther lobby to the bar and sat in a corner booth.
Kulikovia
25-04-2007, 21:14
Adenski and his three-member team were already settled in at the hotel. Their black bags were empty and lay in a corner. They spent hours, collecting information on the other racers, the routes, and short-cuts. The three others were chosen personally by Adenski who didn't want anything to go wrong on this assignment. He stared out the window and surveyed Moscow in silence. Totally focused on the race and doing whatever it took to win. They went over the plans earlier in the day and the others were resting.
"Dimitri" said a low baratone voice from behind. Adenski didn't turn nor said anything. "You should get some rest."
"I will" Dimitri replied bluntly. The man speaking to him was Fyodor Zaccaria. He was forty and of stocky build and ruthless enforcer for Andropov. Also, a trusted member of the syndicate and an expert in everything a mob boss could ask for.
''Well, me and the boys were going out on town, to relax a bit. Is that alright?" he asked, stroking his beard.
"Yes, just don't drink...heavily" Adenski added. Theyd eserved a chance to relax, the past few weeks were stressful and long in preperation for the race.
"Don't worry about us. Worry about the other racers" he laughed but quickly turned into a coughing fit.
"Quit smoking, it's bad for your health"
"That I can't promise you" Fyodor departed the room, leaving Adenski to face the setting sun. His mind ran a stream of scenarios and what ifs through his ever thinking brain. He was a smart man, could've done other things with his life, but this was the life he chose.
Tanara
25-04-2007, 21:16
"So what are you running?"

"I remember hearing about that nose dive!" Charli exclaimed "You were the driver? Lucky as all hell to walk away from that one." She managed to get the door open a crack


"Hold on a second." She asked "Hey guys, met a friend, so put the monster in one of the bathroms. We don't want guests getting eaten." She looked back at her rescuer "I didn't catch your name, but your accent says Texan."

Once she heard that Brisco had been secured she pushed the door open fully and waved Clive past her. The brief maneuver had also given the P's time to put their arsenal away as well.

"Sorry, I'm running an AMX one off, kinda." She finally remembered his last question. "This is Pete, Pauli, and Joleen. The three P's." She caught his look. "Joleen's a Pettimore." Mentioning a family that in the states was alternately revered for their road racing skills and revilled for their criminal ties - though that had never been proven .

Pete and Joloene were coming forward to help with the bags and Pauli waved over his shoulder, he was nose deep into hacking into the Ararat Park Hajatt Hotel's computer, seeing who had checked in already.

They would have rooms at that hotel but they would not be staying there. They had a suite reserved at the Oksana waiting under Pete's legal name Pyotr Orlov. He hatede his old country first name and wouldn't allo any one grandparents to use it.
Kulikovia
25-04-2007, 21:30
The bar remained almost empty. The older couple replaced by a younger one but the solitude man remained. Soft music played in the hidden speakers and the lights were dimmed for the evening. Elena slid into the plush booth and set her purse to her side and adjusted her skirt. Krueger took off his leather jacket and set it on a coat rack. A silence lingered for a moment.
"So, what have you been doing since the last race?" Krueger finally asked. He casually surveyed her hands and saw the abscence of a ring.
"Well" she sighed, "I returned to Roma a much richer woman. But the rich and easy life didn't suit me so I went back to racing...did alright here and there. Nothing special happened to me. I traveled a bit...uh, just an exciting time as you can see" she tried to laugh it off. "Yourself?"
"I was in that hospital for a month. Then went back to Berlin where I spent the next three months in physical therapy. I kicked the cane just a month ago and haven't raced the whole year. This is my big reintroduction into the racing world." Krueger replied and sat back. He noticed that she felt uncomfortable with his story. The question plagued him for over a year, eating away at him from the inside, he had to know, he needed to know. Even if it made her uncomfortable, he deserved an answer to put his mind at ease.
"Why did you leave so suddenly?" he asked. Her eyes diverted away from his. She was desperate to focus on anything, trying to ignore him. But at last, guilt pushed through.
"I-I was scared, Lukas" she said. "All my life, everything and everyone I cared about, died or left me. I feared that if I got too attached to you, that the same would happen. So, I tried to make it easier."
"Easier?...I nearly died and you didn't even leave a note or called" Krueger interrupted.
"Nothing was easy, I regretted the decision on the plane out of Tokyo. But I never worked up the nerve to talk to you. I thought you'd hate me forever." she answered, her eyes moistening. Krueger backed down, letting his anger pass.
"I didn't hate you then. I don't hate you now" Krueger reassured her. He reached across the table and placed a hand on hers. "I was just...I doThe bar remained almost empty. The older couple replaced by a younger one but the solitude man remained. Soft music played in the hidden speakers and the lights were dimmed for the evening. Elena slid into the plush booth and set her purse to her side and adjusted her skirt. Krueger took off his leather jacket and set it on a coat rack. A silence lingered for a moment.
"So, what have you been doing since the last race?" Krueger finally asked. He casually surveyed her hands and saw the abscence of a ring.
"Well" she sighed, "I returned to Roma a much richer woman. But the rich and easy life didn't suit me so I went back to racing...did alright here and there. Nothing special happened to me. I traveled a bit...uh, just an exciting time as you can see" she tried to laugh it off. "Yourself?"
"I was in that hospital for a month. Then went back to Berlin where I spent the next three months in physical therapy. I kicked the cane just a month ago and haven't raced the whole year. This is my big reintroduction into the racing world." Krueger replied and sat back. He noticed that she felt uncomfortable with his story. The question plagued him for over a year, eating away at him from the inside, he had to know, he needed to know. Even if it made her uncomfortable, he deserved an answer to put his mind at ease.
"Why did you leave so suddenly?" he asked. Her eyes diverted away from his. She was desperate to focus on anything, trying to ignore him. But at last, guilt pushed through.
"I-I was scared, Lukas" she said. "All my life, everything and everyone I cared about, died or left me. I feared that if I got too attached to you, that the same would happen. So, I tried to make it easier."
"Easier?...I nearly died and you didn't even leave a note or called" Krueger interrupted.
"Nothing was easy, I regretted the decision on the plane out of Tokyo. But I never worked up the nerve to talk to you. I thought you'd hate me forever." she answered, her eyes moistening. Krueger backed down, letting his anger pass.
"I didn't hate you then. I don't hate you now" Krueger reassured her. He reached across the table and placed a hand on hers. "All I wanted was to see you, to talk to you...anything. But that's alright. Because we're doing that right now." She gave a weak smile that strengthened.
"Lukas...I'm not sure I'm ready yet" she said. "I mean, it's been so long. You must have a girlfriend or something since then, right?" she asked. Her tone quivered slightly. She wanted to find some excuse to resist but also wanted to give in.
"No...I haven't been with anyone" he said, his grayish blue eyes transfixed on hers. A smile returned to her face, fleeting but encourgaed by the news.
"I'm not suprised, you are aweful when it comes to the ladies" she joked. Krueger smiled then a laugh broke out.
Imitora
25-04-2007, 23:03
I didn't catch your name, but your accent says Texan.

"Yeah, Clive Senton, Houston Texas."

Clive went around, shaking offered hands, nodding as he was introduced to the different members of Charli's team. None of the names really struck any known cords, but outside of the Texas street scene and the longer range runs he had been on which were more or less socialite parties with cars than races, he didn't follow to much of the underground stuff. Sure, he kept up on the big names, like Chris with the 900awhp Evo in Pensacola, or Joe's GTTT, and he had put Dado through the paces a few times, but outside of that, he never really followed the other states.

"Pleasure to meet ya'll. And an AMX, don't see too many of them runnin' round no more. Hell, don't even see all that many at shows or in garages."
Canadstein
26-04-2007, 00:23
Ararat Park Hajatt, Moscow

Brant Leeds walked down the street to the hotel. The drivers were going to stay at some big fancy hotel in Moscow, but to Brant it did not matter. All he needed was a bed and some food. Brant already knew where walking to, after his father was dropped him off at a corner three blocks away from the hotel. His father needed to rush back to the garage to work on his BMW M5.

Brant had been in Moscow for about a month now. Once he got the letter, he called his dad, and his dad supported him in the Thunder Run. Brant's father had assembled a team for the Thunder Run, and they had all left for Moscow three days after getting the letter. The team had bought a house a little outside of Moscow, to be near the starting city. During the past weeks they had mapped out the routes to Lisbon, and fine tuned the car to almost perfection. Brant had been up the last three days without any sleep.

Turning a corner, Brant could see the hotel. It was a looked beautiful, and was not the norm for him. With only a backpack on, Brant carefully walked into the hotel. He felt as though he shouldn't be here. All the types around him were far different from him or the people he was used to hanging around with. The people stared at Brant. As he walked up to the counter, he took off his baseball cap. Brushing his hair for a second, he paused, and then turned toward the receptionist.

"Oh sorry, I kind of zoned out. I haven't slept in three days, and I think I need some. I'm here for the Thunder Run. I'm name is Brant Leeds."
Tanara
26-04-2007, 01:13
And an AMX, don't see too many of them runnin' round no more. Hell, don't even see all that many at shows or in garages."

Pauli, his nose back in his computer once he'd shaken hands cackled. "And won't ever see one like this outside a museum unless you know where number six is."

Charli just shook her head as she began setting out the pasteries. Pauli had been obsessed for years with finding the last AMX 3, or at least information concerning it's fate. She didn't figure he'd ever find out anything, but it kept him happy so she even let herself be talked into helping him from time to time in his quest.

"Clive, we're going to be leaving..." Her voice trailed off as she looked over at Joleen "When?" she asked

""Well, google says a seventeen hour drive, our road experience says thirteen, but we haven't taken the rig into Russia before. I don't have a clue how long the FBS is going to hold us up. Though I definitely have enough baksheesh set aside. Lets split the difference and say fifteen hours includeing a good meal stop." Joleen figured aloud as she offered Clive his choice of the mountain of pastries.

The FPS was the Federal'naya Pogranichnaya Sluzhba - Fedral Border Service - the suscessor to the KGB border patrol, and they were as corrupt as any of the Russian law enforcement agencies, perhaps more so...

"Once we get past them we should be alright, the guy ee" She mentioned the Gosudarstvennaja Auto Inspektsia - GAI - the russian equivallent of the American Highway Patrol. "all know us, if not the rig, and as I understand it Cross has already laid out a small fortune in bribes. Though finding good food in the middle of the night in the middle of Russia...lets take something with us, and just schedule a stretch out time." Charli suggested.

'Okay I can put some roast chickens in the fridge. We'll need to leave about five then to get there just after dawn. You'll want to get a couple hours nap in." Joleen nodded.

"Yes mother" Charlie rolled her eyes as she polished off a rasberry filled Mazurki.

"So, You want to convoy in with us, Clive? The more the merrier, not to mention safer." She offered.
Imitora
26-04-2007, 03:00
So, You want to convoy in with us, Clive? The more the merrier, not to mention safer.

Clive thought it over for a second, and then nodded. He would have to stay off the gas, he didn't want to give away what he was pushing just yet.

"Yeah, that wouldn't be to bad."

He let the idea of dealing with Russian officials go for a second, and then offered a thought.

"I roomed with a guy back in college that was a Poli Sci major, spent most of his focus on Soviet politics and such. The Russians, even now, aren't exactly to fond of anyone with money. Its their mind set. Yeah, they are corrupt as all sin, but still, its gonna take a lot of money to get them to turn the other cheek. And knowing those FPS boys, well, at least they aren't the FSB or MVD."

He looked out the window, and ran some numbers through his head. "I don't trust that Cross kid. Someone who wants to throw around cash for bribes and make this sorta thing so well known as a race, hell naw. Shit, even in Imitora, they tell you that it isn't a race, its a rally, and you should watch yourself. The kid seems in a bit over his head, but hey, what do I know?"

"Yeah, a convoy would be ok, with a touch of spacing, not to much, but enough to keep any prying eyes from calling us out. If they see all of us togther, they are gonna want us to pool in."
Calizorinstan
26-04-2007, 03:06
Ararat Park Hajatt, Moscow after 2 weeks of driving,

Jack Ernald and Pierre finally arrived at the fancy hotel that they were supposed to stay at for the Thunder Run, and meet the people there. The parked the VLT L6 4.4 V8 in the parking garage, and walked up into the hotel itself. Jack saw a couple of the drivers and introduced himself and said "My name is Jack Ernald, I have driven in a couple of races in California, and in other parts of the U.S, and this my wonderful assistant Pierre Lafont." He shook hands with the drivers.
Tanara
26-04-2007, 04:46
"Yeah, a convoy would be ok, with a touch of spacing, not to much, but enough to keep any prying eyes from calling us out. If they see all of us togther, they are gonna want us to pool in."

Charli nodded approvingly. Clive knew what he was talking about. All the guy ee who regularly partolled the routes that they frequented knew that they were just hard working little fish, but could be counted on on to pay their 'tickets' right then and there. THe GIA were known for the incredibly nit picky tickets they wrote. The road cops desperately needed the pay offs such tickets brought them to supplement an income no self respecting american cop would dream of lowering himself to. GAI road cops made all of about a hundred and fifty dollars a month, and even in Russia that wasn't enough to live on.

"Good thinking. We've got spare communications equipment you're welcome to borrow, so you can holler for help if you need it. Once we're in Russia proper it's not too bad, but Belarus... There have been jackers operating along the more lonesome stretches, and some times people just disappear." She warned then caught herself yawning.

"I think I do need that nap. Joleen, I'll take first turn behind the wheel. Clive what room are you in? We'll call you say what, thirty minutes before we leave?"
Kulikovia
26-04-2007, 17:21
Nathan Cross paced through his empty suite. The lights were dim and the sky dark. He set down and freshly empty glass of bourbon and traced a finger along his desk and towards the balcony. There was so much hype about Thunder Run. Reporters, companies, investors all were banging down his door. The lime light burnt his eyes, throngs of people intrigued by the sport. It was everything he could hope for. But at this moment he wanted nothing more than to hide in his room and wait for it to be over. The Russians, chiefly Andropov were making life difficult for their insatiable greed. They wanted a piece of the pie, a take of the money. But Cross refused to bend to their greed and in doing so, incurred their inevitable wrath. It was only a matter of time before Andropov striked. He couldn't go to the police, he already made previous dealings with another boss who Andropov had killed, muscling his way into the Thunder Run. Tonight was the banquet for the racers and their teams and only a few hours away. He stood with his tie undone. As thoughts of what was to come swirled through his mind, the door knocked. He grunted and moved towards the door and opened it swiftly.
"Mr.Cross?" a young woman questioned.
"Yes, how can I help you?" he replied, a bit curious.
"I was asked to give you this" she extended out a slender arm which at the end, was a plain manilla envelope. It was somewhat thin, perhaps only a few sheets of small paper. He took it cautiously and nodded to her. She returned a smile and departed. Cross retired to his desk and opened the envelope. The writing sickened him to the core, a threat. Worse of all, a final threat. Upon reading the contents he crumpled up the sheet of paper and tossed it on the ashtray. He produced a lighter and put it to the paper, turning it into a fireball which turned to ash an instant later. He sat back in his chair, mind blank.
Imitora
26-04-2007, 17:22
Clive nodded.

I think I do need that nap. Joleen, I'll take first turn behind the wheel. Clive what room are you in? We'll call you say what, thirty minutes before we leave?

"Sure, I'm in 224. But make it an hour fifteen. Give me some time to be ready."

He thought for a moment, wondering if staying with them as a group would really give him any advantage. He also hoped at some point to get a one on one run with the AMX, see what it was really capable of. He knew they were fast, but so was he. Externally, the Viper looked stock, and the even with the turbo kit, as long as he kept it light on the go peddle, it would pass as a lightly modded car. Hell, when rolling light, the recirculating BOVs made not a sound, the turbos spooled quietly, and even many Viper enthusiasts in his area had thought it only an exhaust. That, and keeping any mention of his car off the internet or videos kept up the charade.

"So," he said, giving a few more handshakes, "I'll see ya soon." With that, he left the room, and made his wya back to his own. Upon returning, he stripped to his boxers, and collapsed into the bed, passing out.
Kulikovia
26-04-2007, 17:34
Karl staggered around the hallways. His romantic pursuit of a curvy waitress ended with negative results. He scratched his unshaven face and his hazel eyes darted around to see that no one was around. Disappointed, he returned to his room which he shared with Mika, a thought that he enjoyed entertaining. But upon entering the room, he was sadened to see it empty, devoid of Mika. So, he put his energies to better uses by going over some of the specs for the Lotus Europa S. The door opened up a few minutes later and Mika emerged, her eyes a little moist.
"What's wrong?" Karl inquired, turning at the waist to greet her. She took in a breath and steeled herself.
"Nothing" she stated. "Why aren't you getting ready? The banquet is in three hours, idiot!" she blurted and rushed to the bathroom.
"Oh...I forgot" Karl said with a wide eyed expression. Mika rumaged through the closet and pulled out some clothes and went towards the bathroom. She stopped and turned to Karl.
"Don't just stand there, get ready" she demanded and Karl complied.
Kulikovia
26-04-2007, 17:48
Krueger and Elena continued to sit in the booth, laughing and catching up on old times. So much time past but hardly a thing changed in their lives. He knew he'd be in trouble when it came to racing against Elena. She continued to race over the previous year and hone her already fine skills even more. While Krueger hadn't raced and hadrly got behind the wheel. His Lotus Europa S felt like a strange vehicle even though it was the same he drove in Japan. The idea of a real challenge thrilled him, an added bonus was that his greatest enemy was the dark skinned woman across from him. She traced a finger around the glass of her wine.
"What ever became of the Yakuza assasin?" she inquired. The mysterious Yakuza assasin was responsible for the deaths in Japan and almost killed Krueger during one of the stops. But during the confrontation, Krueger wounded him in the fight and left him for the police.
"They finally arrested him a few months ago. I guess he escaped but they finally caught him." Krueger answered, bringing the glass of coke to his lips and taking a large gulp.
"Good to hear. I'd hate to know you had any enemies out there with ill intentions towards your health." Elena toyed.
"You're my greatest enemy right now, Elena" Krueger shot back.
"Me?!" Elena fained confusion but her demanor changed to a smile "Yes, you're right, Lukas. I'm more dangerous than you know"
"I know exactly how dangerous you are. Of course, it's been a year and you may have a few new tricks up your sleeve." Krueger placed the glass of coke down and straightened himself in his seat.
"Perhaps I do, perhaps I don't" she curled her lips, revealing her stark white teeth. They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment. They read each others faces, movement, thoughts.
"It doesn't matter, I'll win this year" Krueger boasted, tone confident and stern.
"Really?" Elena asked "That's some tall talk for someone who never predicts the future. What else do you see if you're so sure of victory?" she asked, toying with him.
"Hmm...I predict that not only will I win...I'll crush you!" he exclaimed. Her foot kicked him in the leg, shooting a slight jolt of pain up his body.
"Like hell, Lukas!" Elena replied, angered. But a smile reappeared on her face, a joke. He rubbed his leg but tried to shoew no notion that it hurt. "I've always been better than you" she added. Krueger rolled his eyes dismissively. "Now, I'd love to beat you up some more but I must get ready for the banquet." she scooted out of the booth and rose to her feet with ease. Krueger matched her moved and got up as well, a slight jolt of pain shot up from his old wound. But he tried to dismiss it and ignore the signs.
"It was a pleasure, Elena" he said, trying to act like a gentleman. She smiled, blushing in the cheeks.
"I'll see you at the banquet" she replied, for a brief second there was a twinkle in her eye. She kissed him on both cheeks and departed, casting a lingering glance back at him. Krueger's heart rate increased and became hopeful. He watched her walk out and to the elevators. A smile appeared across his face and he left the bar as well towards the elevator. He pressed the up button and eagerly awaited for the doors to open. When they finally did, his finger paused over the second floor button. Instead, he moved it up and depressed the third floor button.
Tanara
26-04-2007, 19:21
But make it an hour fifteen. Give me some time to be ready."


Pete made the call just before he walked out the door, the keys to the Hummer in his pocket and his carry all containing his tablets, communications gear and weapons in hand in hand. Once at the battered red hummer (http://www.atddm.com/phummer.jpg) he connected his primary tablet to the desk and set a quick querry to the sensors on the satalite disk currently in sleep mode in it's concealing metal case on the hummer's roof. Satisfied with the protocol test, he turned to securing his weapons in their concealed spaces with in the hummer. Now one had to know exactly where to rap firmly for the weapons storage places to snap open to reveal their contents. His Taurus stayed in his shoulder holster, hidden by the custom leather trench coat that he, like the others of the group wore as part of their signature look.

That taken care of and snacks and a thermos of coffee laid in he fired the engine up and headed out of Warsaw southeast on 61 toward Ratuszowa. Once there he drove though the picturesque town and merged on to 2/E30 headed east bound. There he joined in the light traffic heading towards Siedlce, a city roughtly seventy five kilomoters east and ever so slightly south of Warsaw. Once there, roughtly thirty minutes drive time, he called back to the hotel on his cell phone and woke Joleen and Pauli. Charli they'd let sleep till the last minute.
Kulikovia
26-04-2007, 20:14
Krueger made his way down the hallway, his body propelling him forward on instinct. On his way down the hall, a door opened and a tall blonde man with a scar emerged. Adenski wheeled around and pushed past Krueger, their shoulders connecting. The two men looked back at each other but decided against a verbal confrontation, they had better things to do then puff their chests and yell.
"My apologies" Krueger managed. Adenski stared deep into him for an instance then turned and continued on his way. Krueger thought little of it and continued towards his destination. Finally, he reached 312. His heart raced faster, he bit his lip and hesitated. What will she do? He mustered the courage to knock, his fist knocking gently against the ornate wooden door. There was a pause and suddenly the door opened gently. Elena peered out at him.
"What do you want, Lukas?" she asked, a quaint smile across her face. Her words faltered at the end, the chain was still on the door. He paused for a moment, then looked up and their eyes met, the words flowed naturally from his lips.
"You" Krueger plainly said. A shockwave went through her heart, but a long awaited jolt of her senses. Without replying, she unlatched the door and Krueger bursted in, his grayish blue eyes fixated on her deep green eyes. Their lips connected. he ran his right hand through her elegant black curls while the other hand caressed her throat muscles. She led the way to the bed, her bed. Both of them wanted this for so long, her kisses became harder, more agressive. She tried to slow down but couldn't slow her pace. He laid her down on the bed and traced his fingers over her body. The last of their clothes slithered off and Elena turned the tables and sat on top of him. She pressed her palm down on his bare chest, lowering her hair so that the edges dangled right against his face and chest.
"You know" she said softly "This doesn't change a thing. I won't go easy on you during the race." the expression on her face was one she hadn't worn in a year, a so long missed feeling.
"I wouldn't want it any other way" he replied and leaned up to kiss her. They made love as the banquet hall opened for the guests. After a time their bodies found release with Elena letting out a cry of passion and he collapsed into her arms, exasperated and spent. Krueger moved over and lay next to her. Her chest rose and fell heavily and a coat of sweat covered both of them. She readjusted her position up against him and brought a arm that wrapped around him like a vine. She cooed and laid her head on his chest. For the longest time, the laid in silence.
"We're going to be late for the banquet" she finally sighed. "They'll be expecting us, Lukas"
"Let them carry on without us" he replied in turn. This was a moment he did not want spoiled by anything and for the first time in a year, he was happy.
Tanara
26-04-2007, 22:54
Pauli and Joleen went about their usual routine, that of making sure that no trace of themselves was left behind in the suite. All the surfaces werre wiped down thoroughly, including places that most didn't even think about. While Pauli took Brisco out for a last walk and then to his travel spot in the caravan, Joleen woke Charli.

Five minutes of stretchy yoga moves, and another thirty of Tai Chi Chan, each move executed at ever increasing speed, until she was sweating hard. A hot showewr and shampoo with a brief combing to take out any tangles. Still wet her hair, which when loose tumbled to the bottom of her rib cage. was woven into a tight french braid. Then she pulled on the outfit she had chosen for first part of the drive. Jeans, a heavy long sleeved tee since the nights tended to be cold and low heeled slouch boots.

Seeing that the others were ready she pulled on a pair of latex gloves and commenced a final check of the suite. "Joleen, call..." She searched memory for a split second "Clive and let him know we're headed down."

"Sure thing boss" Joleen nodded and placed a call to room 224, and when it picked up "Clive, Joleen here we're out the door in less than five." That done Joleen picked up the last small carry on and headed out the door.

Charli wiped the phone and the door as she left,giving the suite a last careful visual once over. The room keys they had been issued were left in the room, they too having been cleaned. She pulled off the disposeable gloves, stuffing them in the pocket of her black leather trench coat. She'd see to their disposal elsewhere.

The rig was not parked in front but Pauli was driving the Challenger and he was parked near the Viper they'd guessed he was driving, waiting with the extra sat phone, and a list of the numbers for the other phones.

"Ya know Charli you shoulda asked Clive what he was driving." Pauli groused.

"Yeah I should have, but meh, my mind was else where." She leaned in the window and tuuseled Pauli's pale blonde hair. 'But then again you or Joleen coulda too."
Canadstein
27-04-2007, 01:16
Brant got his keys and walked to the elevator. A man was waiting near and looked to be either anxious or impatient. Brant entered and saw the man quickly hit the third floor button, the same exact floor that Brant was on. Maybe this guy was one of the drivers in the Thunder Run. Brant quickly brushed off the idea. Standing in the back, Brant let the mysterious man get off first. Walking out of the elevator, the guy from the elevator and another man looked they were about to fight. Brant shook his head and walked the other direction.

As he walked past a hallway that seemed to hold a string of unless doors, Brant finally found his room. Getting his key, Brant opened the door. The door slowly moved open. It revealed a beautiful. Brant dropped his backpack and closed the door. Quickly he threw off his baseball cap to his backpack. He was defiantly not used to this kind of stuff. Brant was more a simple guy, who only needed the basics.

Smelling himself for a second, he quickly found out that he needed a shower badly. Stripping himself, Brant entered the shower. 10 minutes later he felt refreshed. It had been literally days since his last shower and since then he had dealt with oil, sweat and dirt. Laying on the bed, he feel asleep. Slowly he regained consciousness. Brant darted for his watch. There was only thirty minutes before the banquet began.

Slowly getting up, Brant walked toward his backpack. He picked up his baseball cap and backpack, then moved back to the bed. Throwing his stuff on the bed, he thought for a minute. What exactly was he going to wear to this banquet? His hands opened the backpack and dumped all his cloths out. Looking through his cloths, Brant found a neatly folded suit, pants, and a pair of black shoes. A note was attached. It was from his father. His father always knew that Brant would forget something. Quickly changing, he then headed for the elevator.

Entering the elevator, he pushed the main floor button.
Calizorinstan
27-04-2007, 01:25
Jack Ernald and Pierre LaFont rested in Belerus a few days, and then they started out on the way to Moscow. It would take them 1.5 weeks, but it was fine by them for they were driving, and racing in the comfort of the VLT L6 4.4.V8 GT, going 75 m.p.h on the highway.

OOC:Where are my guys supposed to go to get to the race?
Imitora
27-04-2007, 02:52
Clive awoke calmly with the initial phone call, and made his way out of the bed. On the floor, he carried out a number of long stretches, pulling out the muscles, stretching them to their max point, releasing all stress. He rolled over to his stomach, and banged out twenty five push ups. Rolling over, he did another twenty five crunches, and then made his way to the shower.

He took a short one, letting ice cold water wash over him, tensing his muscles. A quick switch towards the hot watter caused the tendons, joints and muscles releasing. Back to cold, and he was out, wide awake. He dressed casually, a pair of jeans, a Dodge t-shirt, the same IMV films hat, and the same Puma sneakers. He slipped on his Hublot Geneve Big Bang watch, and grabbed his bags: two small over night duffles, a suit bag, and a brief case. Checking out was done over the phone, and he left fifty dollars in the local currency for a tip. He took his time leaving the room, exiting the door just after receiving the five minute warning.

Soon he was out through the lobby, flipping down the Ray Ban aviators, and made his way to the garrage. He looked over at Charli and her crew, standing next to the Challenger parked not to far from the Viper. A small alarm underneath the hood of the Viper chirped twice, the head lights and interior lights clicking on.

"Old meets new," he said, smiling at the Challenger parked next to the Viper. "Mopar through and through." He strolled over calmly, popping open the trunk and depositing his bags. He reached into one of the duffles, pulled out the bottle of Fiji water, and took a long pull.

"So," he said, accepting the Sat phone and list of numbers, "we ready to roll?"
Tanaara
27-04-2007, 03:59
"we ready to roll?"

"Absolutely. And don't hesitate to yell for help or call with questions and observations. We've got air time to spare." Charli answered as she watched Pauli roll out with a wave. "Okay why don't you head out Pauli run front for awhile them Joleen and I'll switch with him. You can ride rocking chair."

Joleen had eased the rig round from the back parking lot and was just now pulling up, and waiting for Charli to climb aboard.
Imitora
27-04-2007, 18:08
Clive nodded, dropping the water bottle into a cup holder. He tossed the sat phone on the seat, and tucked the list of numbers into a pocket on his jeans.

Absolutely. And don't hesitate to yell for help or call with questions and observations. We've got air time to spare.

"No prob," Clive called out, and closed the door on the SRT-10. He stuck the key into the ignition, but first had the top retracted. Next, he stuck a CD into the player, Blur's first self titled release. Depressing the clutch, he turned the key, the car barking to life. It gulped a massive roar, sucking in the air needed to turn over the motor. The process of intake, compression, ignition, and exhaust was a cacphonic symphony of excess.

The car idled out, the entire time sounding nothing more than a stock SRT-10 with a K&N air filter and possibly exhaust. Nothing fancy at all. Clive slipped into first gear, and rolled off after the convoy.
Tanara
27-04-2007, 23:13
Pauli led them sligttly south then east by a slightly different route than the one Pete had taken. The road was in better condition, but had heavier traffic. They made good time however, most of the other drivers moving into the slow lane to let them pass. The drive was on the whole highly uneventful. Late afternoon faded into evening, and evening into night.

Some eight hundred kilometers later, roughly five hundred miles, and a conservative six and a half hours later they pulled off on to a side road leading to what seemed to be an abandoned refueling station and parked out of casual sight behind it.

Charli had contacted Clive advising him that they were stopping there for a food, refuel, relief and stretch break. She'd concluded the call with "And I need to give you some information about the road ahead."

Peter was already there, the satalite uplink out of it's case and connected so Pauli could check the web for any updates.

Charli did not appear immediately when the vehicles 'circled the wagons' but after the others had already started eating. "I hate this damn outfit!." She looked down at the matte black leather pants and bustier that fit her klike a second skin, and showed off a lot of skin, t6hen firm cinched the ankle length trench coats belt.

"Yeah but you look so kick ass." Pauli teassed. Pete just grinned and mimed an elaborate wolf whistle.

"Yeah, but if I ever find out who gave those damn gangbangers a copy of Dragon Lady Assassin, I'm gonna string them up by their toes." She groused further.

"But you have to admit you scare the hell outta them." Joleen sought to make the best of it.
Kulikovia
28-04-2007, 13:01
Adenski wandered around the elaborate hall. There were dozens of people gathered, laughing and enjoying the calm before the storm. There were a total of twenty racers that will participate in the Thunder Run. His team gathered any information on the racers, their cars, as well as possible routes. There was a two man crew who would help Adenski through the race while the other three would do whatever it took to ensure that the other racers failed. Dossiers were strewn over the king sized bed. Earlier, Adenski reviewed some of the top competitors, including Lukas Krueger, the man he ran into an hour prior. Adenski respected Krueger as a professional racer, his exploits in Japan were well known as well as the near fatal crash that nearly ended him. He hadn't raced in a year but Adenski still cast a cautious eye on his opponent. The other racers were of concern as well. It would not be easy, and quite challenging. The thrill of a challenge curled his lips as he wandered around the tables. Cross entered the hall with a wide grin which hid the silent torture inside. He hadn't slept well and ate less but he hid it well. He greeted several prominent people gathered and took his seat at the table at the front. Adenski slipt around a table and leaned up against a wall, casting his bad eye on Cross. His one eye may be ruined but it picked up another ability, another sense. He could see right into the core of Cross.
Kulikovia
28-04-2007, 13:24
Krueger stirred in the bed and rolled over to see the spot next to him empty. Her vanilla scent still lingered. He strecthed his back and sat up in the bed, rubbing his eyes. He listened and heard nothing, she was gone, again. He got out from under the covers and stood up. He searched the floor of the room to find his clothes and quickly put on his jeans.
"Elena?!" he called out, hopeful to hear her call back to him. As the silent moments lingered, his heart sank. He stood in the spacious room, mind racing. She did it to him again. The door opened suddenly and he shuffled over to see her emerged in the doorway, a bag in one hand and two cups in a holder in the other.
"A little help here, Lukas" she jestured. He moved over to her and took the coffee and patries in the bag and took them to the table. "I thought you'd be hungry, I know I am" she laughed. Before he said anything he kissed her on the lips and lingered a moment.
"You read my mind" he replied. They took their seats and ate the food which Elena purchased, chatting all the while. The banquet and the race were the last things on their minds.

Karl emerged in the banquet hall, eyes crossing the hall. He felt almost rich, staying at such a nice hotel at no expense to himself. Mika emerged a few minutes later.
"Where's Lukas?" Karl inquired as they made their way to the prearranged seats. She paused with her answer.
"With that Italian whore" she quipped bitterly. Karl sensed her anger and decided against asking further.
Van Luxemburg
28-04-2007, 13:39
Martin Laval and his navigator Angelika Jaeger walked down the stairs, and eventually ended up in the lobby of the hotel. The two were followed by three of their former colleagues, aswell as the lead mechanic, all responsible for the Van Luxemburgian Team.

'We'll be breaking off here. Be careful.' one of the security agents whispered to Laval and Jaeger, before halting with his two assistants and the elad mechanic. They calmly talked a bit about the route and the car, but were careful not to reveal anything.

Meanwhile, Laval and Jaeger entered the banquet hall. The two walked slowly, sometimes whispering to eachother.

'Remember, nothing about our route and the car. This time, We'll learn them about winning. And watch what you eat, I don't want a navigator not able to steer me the right way. Don't get sick or something.'

'Yes, yes. Just shut up, will you?' Jaeger was clearly insulted, and walked away from Laval, leaving him on his own in the banquet hall.

'Well, that's a nice start of the banquet already' he sighed.
Canadstein
28-04-2007, 13:46
Brant rushed to the banquet. While running he looked at his watch. He was going to be a little late, but that did not really mattered. Slowly he started to slow down. Looking around for a second, he wondered where exactly was the banquet hall. Seeing a room filled with people he guessed that must be it. Entering the room, he saw his competitors and their crews. This were the people that he had to beat in the upcoming race. Brant was probably the only one who had not come with his crew, but they needed to do some last minute tuning.
Kulikovia
28-04-2007, 13:50
Karl whipped his head around to see all the other racers and their crews. It was quite exciting and he shifted out of his seat to rub elbows with the other crew members. Mika folded her arms and scowled at him as he darted off. After mingling for a few minutes he came upon the sights of Team Van Luxemborg. It was exciting, he'd heard and read so much about them, the sight of the female with Martin Laval. He cleared his throat and approached the woman who shot off away from Laval.
"Good evening miss" he greeted and smiled . Previously the evening he trimmed his beard and didn't look like a mountain anymore but rather something appraoching a handsome man. When he asked Mika's opinion, she rolled her eyes and he took it as a good sign.
Canadstein
28-04-2007, 13:54
For a while Brant sat down and viewed the other drivers talk. He had read about last competitors, but none of the new drivers. It had been a boring task, but he had learned a lot. Though the new teams were a totally unknown. As he looked at each person, he noticed one of the crewmen of some guy named Krueger. Brant recalled that Krueger had been in a horrible crash last year. The man was near a woman, but quickly left. Brant thought he might as well talk. He got up from chair, and moved toward this woman. She did not look familiar from the team's profiles, but Brant had looked at least sixty different profiles that compete last year. "Hi, I'm Brant Leeds. I noticed that your from Krueger's Team and the same with the guy who left."
Kulikovia
28-04-2007, 13:59
Mika looked up, hardly in the mood to talk but she decided to at least acknowledge the man standing before her. She pulled some of her curls from her face. "Yes, I'm Mika Rhinehardt. The other man was Karl Gruppe." she replied. "Can I help you with something?" she asked.
Canadstein
28-04-2007, 14:01
"Yeah...I was just wondering where Kreuger is now or should I not ask..." Brant noticed that did not look that happy. He could feel a fire within her, but from exactly what, Brant could not tell.
Kulikovia
28-04-2007, 14:07
She paused for a moment, her mind lingering bitterly. "He's...indisposed at the moment. Is there a message I can relay to him for you?" she inquired. The thought of Krueger with someone else cut through her.
Van Luxemburg
28-04-2007, 14:08
Angelika used a somewhat authoritarian voice, to show that she was a person that wouldn't just do what everyone wanted. She had had her part in the Special Forces.

'Good evening sir. What can I do for you?'

She remained distant, and ensured she had took her pistol. Ofcourse, you never know. But, she probably wouldn't need it. Her face was relaxed, but showed caution.
Kulikovia
28-04-2007, 14:16
Karl paused for a second, she seemed a bit distant but it did not disuade him from talking. He'd always been a talkative person. The banquet was starting to kick into gear and become more lively.
"I'm just wandering around and noticed Martin Laval. I presume you are a part of Team Van Luxemborg as well" he thought about what to ask next "What is your job on the team?" he inquired. He then paused a second time then laughed at himself.
"I apologize, I didn't introduce myself, I'm Karl Gruppe, and you are?" he asked.
Van Luxemburg
28-04-2007, 14:20
She nodded quickly and looked into Laval's direction.

'Yes, I'm Angelika Jaeger. You could also spell it Jäger, if you wanted to. I'm Laval's navigator. I should be travelling with him to tell him where to go, I suppose. I'm still wondering why he chose me. Isn't it that men say that women can't navigate? Anyways, Karl, what's your function on Krueger's team?'
Kulikovia
28-04-2007, 14:28
Karl's demanor brightened at the fact she hadn't brushed him off instantly. He chuckled for a moment.
"Well, it is true that we men don't ask for directions. But you're telling him so he doesn't have to ask." He smiled again "I'm Lukas's mechanic and Mika Rhinehadrt, the little firecracker over there" he pointed to her talking to someone "She is also his navigator but won't be traveling with him. He prefers to drive alone so she'll be feeding him directions and information via a comlink"
Canadstein
28-04-2007, 14:38
"Oh nothing never mind..." Brant coughed for a minute. He knew that he shouldn't have asked that question. Slowly he came to the conclusion that this women had something for Kreuger, but he was with another woman. "So Mika what do you exactly do for the team?"
Kulikovia
28-04-2007, 14:45
"I'm the navigator for the team" she responded, her arms unfolded and one rested on the white clothed table, the other on her lap. "I provide him with information and directions via a comlink in his vehicle. I'm his eyes and ears on the road." she admitted.
Canadstein
28-04-2007, 14:51
Brant sat down in a chair. At least she was becoming less hostile now. Mika was a vital part of the team. So that other guy with her was the mechanic. He reached for a glass of water and held it. Tasting it, he paused for a second. Brant looked back to her. "Mika, are you always this hostile toward men?"
Kulikovia
29-04-2007, 13:51
Mika shot him a confused look "No, you just caught me on an off day" she quipped.
Canadstein
29-04-2007, 16:56
Brant looked at Mika for a second. She was a beautiful women, but she had an enormous fire within. Turning his head, so he would not stare, he turned red. "So how do you think your team will do this year?"
Tanara
29-04-2007, 16:57
Charli passed on the information about the road gang to Clive, advising him to not stop for any reason without calling on the sat phone before hand. "They'll make you and that Viper disappear so fast you'll blink and you'll be dead."

The Phoenix was eased out of the car carrier while Pete and Pauli changed places, Pauli would be staying with the Hummer for several hours then turning around and heading back the way they'd come. He'd check on the caches of fuel and other supplies they'd set up over the last few months in preparation for the Run. They'd laid out most of their 'mad money' for this - this was an expensive proposition, but they weren't in this for the money, but for the fun of it all.

Pete would leave Moscow by plane, after storing the Challenger with friends. By air it was a hop, skip and a puddle jump to Warsaw where another friend, though that one was far more a financial 'friend' than other waited. He and his extremely ageing but fuel efficient and still reliable crop duster waited. Pete would be their eyes in the sky.

The gang was most worried about the start of the race, for the zone between Moscow and Warsaw, then Warsaw to Germany was the area where most of the trouble, if any, would occur. And given the stories of what had happened with the previous Run, in Japan, and other rallys that the group had participated in over the years...trouble was more likely than not.

"I live my life one mountain at a time."

I'd learned that lesson a long time before the Bald One had paraphrased it into quarter miles. Those were too short anyway.

Putting future problems aside, Charli concentrated on getting through the back waters of Belarus safely. The Phoenix roared to life and she made the nearly three hundred and fifty kilometer stretch, some two hundred and twenty miles, at over a hundred miles an hour, a leisurely lope for the AMX3.

The hungry little sharks that preyed on that stretch of roads must have been busy else where, for she had nary a problem. She pulled the Phoenix over just a mile or so before the border and took a moment to advise Joleen that the road had been clear and that she would meet every one in the usual place just outside Moscow. They'd returnh the Phoenix to the car carrier there. Then she was bringing the Phoenix back to life and rolling for the border.

She let the FPS troops manning the check point drool over her in the revealing outfit, and the Phoenix, for nearly ten minutes while the vziatka - bribe money- was counted and dispersed among those with the power to claim a share. Once that ordeal was over with, the Phoenix roared through the waning night racing against the dawn to reach Moscow.

Four hundred kilometers, now driving even faster, more of a hand gallop, Charli made it to her destination in just two hours. Dawn had not yet broken, and in a couple of hours she'de be at the banquet to observe her opposition in person.
Imitora
29-04-2007, 19:20
The drive had been uneventful, and Clive was only a little down from the respective bribes. He had stayed light on the go peddel, keeping fuel consumption low, but also hiding the true power of the Viper. He had kept a good distance from Charli, letting it seem as if they were two seperate groups, neither connected at all.

Arriving at Moscow, he checked into the hotel with just enough time for a power nap and shower before heading to the banquet. He was dressed casually, well, casually for him, in a crimson button down shirt, left untucked, and a black suit coat and pants. He ordered a margarita from a waiter, and found an empty table. Taking his drink, he sat, and waited for the real festivites to start.
Tanara
30-04-2007, 00:32
Charli woke from a solid nap, and took a leisurely shower. The dress she'd be wearing hung waiting. She did her make up with care and brushed her hair ti it gleamed and tumbled past her shoulders in smooth waves, courtesy of the french braid she'd worn all day.

The satphone brought her in contact with Pauli where he sat watch over the rig and the car carrier at the Oksana Hotel. Bonzai was in the car carrier. Any one other than one of them who opened it would be seriously injured, if not killed. Bonzai took his duties very seriously.

Then she called next door to Joleen, to see if she was awake and ready. Her mechanic answewred that "Heck yes, and starving, lets go get some food and size up ther competetion."

Charli laughed and said she'd be right there, she just needed to slip on the and hung up. A last check of the garter belt and silk hose she had on and the gown was slipping over her head to slither down to her feet. She guessed the color would be designated as BMW's Black Sapphire Metalic, given how it shifted colors between black and blue as she moved. Strappy heels finished the ensemble off, save for some simple jewelry, primarily a simple slender gold wire that coiled up her arm from just above her elbow to her bicep. Charli made sure that she was settled in the cups of the halter top very carefully with an exasperated "I damn well don't want to do a Janet Jackson. But surgical glue despite what they say itches. I'll just be careful."

She did like the dress and felt fabulous in it, though Charli wondered for a moment who she was wearing it for, other than herself. She grabbed her clutch and headed out the door with a muttered. "Man of my dreams? Doesn't exist."

Together she and Joleen who was wearing a quite presentable outfit herself took the elevator down to the floor were the banquet was being held.
Joleen let Charli go first and pause in the archway as she made her entrance. The pause served another purpose besides being seen as arriving fashionably late. It allowed her a moment to look around and note any one she needed to keep an eye on.

She noted Clive at an otherwise empty table and catching his eye gave him a friendly nod. The Van Luxemburg team was in evidence, as was Lukas Kruger and the winner of last years Thunder Run. Then her eyes lit on a man leaning against a wall. His back was to her, but he was some one she knew.

"Adenski, what are you doing here?" She wondered to herself then decided to go and find out. She tipped her head towards the Russian gangster so that Joleen would know where she was headed she moved siloently over to stand beside the Russian.

"So Dimitri, you are going to run with the big dogs at last. You should have years ago, you've got the talent." Charli kept her voice pleasant, hiding her worry. She knew full well what Dimitri Adenski did for a living, and it wasn't racing, though he was highly regarded locally.

Charli in the dress (http://www.atddm.com/charli4.jpg)
Kulikovia
30-04-2007, 14:59
Mika observed Brant for a second then replied with a simple "I think we'll do even better than last year" she flicked back her dirty blonde locks and scanned the room to see if Krueger arrived, which he did not.

Adenski heard a familiar voice behind him. A woman's voice caught his ear and craned his head to the side to see Charli. He took a lingering moment to soak in her beauty before answering.
"Better now than never" he answered with a slight smirk. "The race should be interesting this year" his remark caused him to curl his lips futher. The extensive plans that he and his team worked diligently to perfect were now complete.

Meanwhile, Krueger leaned back in his chair, having just finished off a sandwich provided by Elena who sat across from him, sipping on some strong coffee. They continued to chat and laugh. Neither wanted the moments spent to end but both of them knew the race was tomorrow and once again, they would be adversaries.
"I wonder how the banquet is going" Elena asked.
"Hopefully well, even though neither of us are there. We are the life of the party" he mused. Elena giggled as they sat at the table.
Tanaara
30-04-2007, 17:16
"The race should be interesting this year"

Charli considered the handsome man asa he looked her over. 'He's too cold inside, no fire, no heart. Though I wouldn't mind dancing with him later if they have a band scheduled.' she thought as she met his intense blue eyes fearlessly.

And his idea of interesting made her extremely wary, but all she said aloud was "As long as your idea of interesting does not include harm coming to me or mine Dimitri."

He had a reputation, but then again so did she. Charli Firewalker was very much a Kavkaskaia Ovtcharka in butterfly guise.

She wondered which car he'd be driving, for the Run was far different than quarter mile straights or road racing around a city. It was some four thousand six hundred kilometers, averaging 97 kph to get it done in 48 hours. But that was without the mandatory rest stops, check in points, the ever present Mr. Murphy making sure that tires got shredded, flocks of bovines blocked your way and the local Imperial Entanglements making appearances. Oh and lets not forget sleep and food, though she'd personally gone longer without either
Calizorinstan
30-04-2007, 17:22
Jack Ernald and Pierre LaFont had started the race with the others, and now they were passing small towns, probably harmless, but both were armed mith Colt 1911's just in case of a breakout fight or anything, they were going 100 m.p.h on the road....
Kulikovia
30-04-2007, 18:27
Adenski's eyes shifted from side to side, musing confusion.
"Harm?!" his even tone broke "I could think of no reason to harm you, Charli" The Russian smiled at the young woman before him. He adjusted the tie and coughed. All the while from the corner of his eye he caught two of Krueger's crew members, each seperated and engaged in converstaion with other team members.
"Can I buy you a drink, Charli?" he inquired innocently.
Tanaara
30-04-2007, 21:22
"Can I buy you a drink, Charli?"

Grinning at his oh so innocent tome "Dimitri, you'd slit my throat in half a heart beat if you though the profit would be great enough or if Andropov ordered it." She laughed softly as she slid her arm into his. "And yes I'd love a drink as long as it isn't poisoned. A Mohito please" Charli walked with him over to the bar. She made a lovely accessory and drew many eyes to the pair.


Elsewhere in the banquet hall

"She's playing dangerous darn it." Joleen slid into a chair next to Clive "Mind if I sit with you for a bit? You picked a good vantage point."

She'd gotten herself a glass of water with lemon, and sipped at it moodily. "I hate it when she does that." Then she changed the subject. "That sneaky mamba of yours runs a hotter than you were showing in the drive here, doesn't it?"
Kulikovia
30-04-2007, 21:33
Adenski's respect for her grew by the moment. She was bold and fearless, talking to a man like him in such that manner. But it excited him at the same time. As they walked over to the bar he looked to her after her comment.
"I would never cut into that beautiful neck of yours, Charli" he replied. Upon reaching the bar he snapped his fingers and motioned to the bartender and told him what she wanted. The bartender nodded and and complied with the order and quickly produced the drink, having years of experience as a bartender paid off. The bartender handed the drink to Charli but Adenski seized the drink from his hand, the bartender sought no trouble so he departed towards the opposite end. He brought the drink to his lips but stopped before it touched them. He took in the scent and looked up at her.
"To your health" he toasted, raising the glass and took a slight sip of it "See, no poison. The only thing poisionous around here is you, no offense. But you are as much a snake as I am" he laughed and handed the drink back to her.
Tanaara
30-04-2007, 23:40
But you are as much a snake as I am

Charli had once again fixed her gaze on Dimitri's eyes a he took a sip of the drink then handed it to her. "Snakes are such fascinating creatures. We call them sneaky and decitetful just because we're too short sighted to see them in amongst the leaves and such. But all they're doing is defending themselves. Snakes are survivors, and both you and I are that." She was both amused and pleased by his galantry.

The tang of the mint, the bite of the rum and the hint of sugar flowed down her throat like liquid fire, and momentarily her eyelids drifted shut. .'Oh yes I definitely would like to dance with him. Charli thought. She knew that she'd always been attracted to a certain sort of man. His galantry both pleased and amused her, as they sparred verbally.

"I can never decide which I like best vodka or rum. And it pleases me to no end to hear that my...neck is safe from you." She looked up at him from under her eyelashes.
Canadstein
30-04-2007, 23:42
Brant looked at Mika and gulped. He defiantly needed to get off the topic of racing. The light above him felt like a hot searing pain. Sweat was gathering slowly on his forehead. It was starting to become hot in here quickly. He needed to keep his mind off the heat. "So Mika is there anything I can get for you?"
Imitora
01-05-2007, 01:40
She's playing dangerous darn it. Mind if I sit with you for a bit? You picked a good vantage point.I hate it when she does that. That sneaky mamba of yours runs a hotter than you were showing in the drive here, doesn't it?

Clive chuckled. "Some girls are just meant to play the game," he responded, offering her a chair. He took a long pull of the Margarita.

His eyes seemed to switch from a gaze that offered sympathy to Joleen's comment on Charli to a new, mischevious grin. He knew the topic of the Mamba packaged Viper would come up soon, and the killer snake sitting in the garage of the hotel often brought attention to itself. People who bought Vipers didn't buy them to keep them stock, sunday funday cars, and Clive was no different. However, he wouldn't give away his secret yet.

"Well, yeah, its a bit faster than normal. Nothing major though. Borla exhaust, K&N intakes, and a bit of ECU work." It was technically correct. He did use a custom Borla pipe set up, and he was flowing the air to the motor through K&N filters. And yes, the car had seen plenty of dyno time in the way of tuning. Clive just simple forgot to mention the two Garrett GT76R turbos that the K&N's were hooked up to.

"Its fast enough, we'll just say that. Nothing as big and bad as some of the other competitors, mind you. But lets just say she's got it where it counts."
Tanara
01-05-2007, 02:18
But lets just say she's got it where it counts

Joleen snorted at that understatement. "Mister Long Tall Texan, I'm the mechanic and I heard that car. Seriously got to wondering." She gave him a mischievious grin. "about that, or rather -I should say -what I didn't hear." She let the subject drop as she looked back over at Charli and Dimitri now at the bar.

"Clive, what I'm worried about is the presence of one Dimitri Adenski here at the pre race banquet. He's got a street racing rep here in Moscow, but it's what he does for a living that has me worried. He's Rusian mafia, security chief for a local boyar named Andropov, who's one mean son of a' if the word on the street is to be trusted. Charlie knows him enough to talk to him, and she' warned all of us about him the first time we made a delivery here."

She took a sip of her water "If he's in the Run the whole dirty trick potential could rise exponentionally to a level of fatal."
Imitora
01-05-2007, 07:38
Mister Long Tall Texan, I'm the mechanic and I heard that car. Seriously got to wondering, about that, or rather -I should say -what I didn't hear.

"Well, I dunno what you heard, but I'll tell you what you didn't hear. You didn't hear dual Garrett GT76 turbos running on a custom built 510 cube V10." Clive winked and nodded, and then followed her gaze.

Clive, what I'm worried about is the presence of one Dimitri Adenski here at the pre race banquet. He's got a street racing rep here in Moscow, but it's what he does for a living that has me worried. He's Rusian mafia, security chief for a local boyar named Andropov, who's one mean son of a' if the word on the street is to be trusted. Charlie knows him enough to talk to him, and she' warned all of us about him the first time we made a delivery here. If he's in the Run the whole dirty trick potential could rise exponentionally to a level of fatal.

Clive nodded. "I've never messed with the Russians in Russia, but last time I was in Imitora, riding along in a C6 Zed after putting a Porsche over a cliff, well, we had some dealings with a coupla banditis. Nasty guys, but they all have this sorta preoccupation with cowboys. That, and buying up whatever new industry our boy Vladdy P is privatizing."

"We drop some cash, most of the time they back off. Least thats my understanding."
Kulikovia
01-05-2007, 14:09
"Interesting perception of snakes, Charli" Adenski commented as he leaned his side up against the bar and placed his arm to rest on the bar. The music began to pick up more as the crowds swelled. It was at the end of the banquet that Cross would make some big speech and wish the racers luck, but there was still time to enjoy his converstaion with this woman. After a lingering moment he looked back over to her.
"Hmm...I prefer vodka, just like the stereotypical Russian I am" he joked. He looked directly into her eyes, his gaze unflinching "Your neck may be safe but I can't gurrantee that the rest of you is safe from me" his lips curled into a smirk.

Mika fluttered her eyes then replied with a simple "Thank you, no" and smiled innocently.
Canadstein
01-05-2007, 23:46
Brant felt a little woozy, but noticed the intense heat. "If you want me to leave, then just say so. I can tell that I bore you. You are more interested in Krueger, but obviously he doesn't care about you because if he did, then he would be here. Mika you need to get over that Krueger is with another woman."
Tanara
01-05-2007, 23:49
"Your neck may be safe but I can't gurrantee that the rest of you is safe from me"

Charli shrugged and gave him a tiny bit of information about her past. Something she guarded more carefully than the Phoenix's full abilities. "I was raised in Alaska, and spent most of my life in the wilds there. There aren't many snakes, the long winter is too hard on them, but I've handled a few. If you look at them up close, their scales, the patterning, the subtle colors and shadings are just lovely."

She arched her eyebrows in surprise "Stereotypical Russian? Dimitri I didn't think there was such a thing. And you are too unique to be anything resembling stereotypical."

Her lips curved in a wicked smile at his last comment. "One doesn't win by being safe. And I've never felt that I was safe from you. Should I wish to be?"

She had definitely noticed he hadn't said one word about ignoring orders from Andropov. She hadn't expected him to. Dimitri had his own from of loyality, and while she didn't like his boss, or most of the things he'd doen on his boss's orders, she had to respect that loyality. He'd chosen his life eyes open, just as she had, though she hoped she'd retained something she wondered if Dimitri had lost...or never had. But that was musings for later.

Right now she could have fun flirting with him, and watching the other races meet and mingle. There was a great deal to be learned from who talked with whom.

~~Elsewhere in the banquet hall~~

"We drop some cash, most of the time they back off. Least thats my understanding

Joleen shook her head. "This one is too professional to be interested in cowboys. He's hard core and we're on his turf now. He's connected enough that he can't be bought off. IF Charli's infor is correct is the right hand man, or should I say left hand, as he directs the wet work."

She looked around at the other solos and groups for a moment then looked back at Clive. "Clive, why are you running this solo. You don't even have a navigator, much less back up. Thats damned dangerous over here." The concern in her voice was evident.
Imitora
02-05-2007, 06:05
Clive, why are you running this solo. You don't even have a navigator, much less back up. Thats damned dangerous over here.

Clive shrugged, as if he the danger was nothing much to him. "I got a GPS that I can program routes into no problem. I don't trust map readers, to easy to make a mistake. And back up, meh. Beyond that, I dunno. I've done Paris to Cape Town, Imitora twice, countless New York's to LAs, Britain to Hong Kong a few times, plenty of runs through Europe, and others. Never taken a team. Once or twice I had a co driver, but really, its never made the runs any easier. I've survived thus far on my own runs, and I don't forsee any problems here. That, and I don't need to spend extra money on a support crew, extra stuff that won't help win the race."

He paused, taking a long pull on the tequilla, tripple sec, and lime juice. "The way I see it, support crews are like wide reciever gloves. Yeah, they can help you hold on, but if you can't catch the damned football, then they wont do anything for ya. If you can't survive and win these races on your own, then a support crew wont help you that much."

Clive finished the drink, and pushed it away, waving over for another. He accepted the drink, and swirlled it a few times. "And as for these Russians. I grew up in Third Ward Houston. Only white boy for miles surrounded by Bloods, Crips, and Vatos. Its gonna take more than just some accent and crazy desire to kill to scare me. Hell, once we get out of this Post Soviet hell hole, we'll be fine."
Tanara
02-05-2007, 06:13
Hell, once we get out of this Post Soviet hell hole, we'll be fine."

Joleen didn't look like Clives words had reassured her much. "Clive, you keep the sat phone, and don't hesitate to yell for help, or assistance. If you need tires or other supplies, we, I know most every off the wall dealer on the continent. And most of them owe us."

She hesitated a second. "Are you packin'?" Joleen kept her voice very low as she asked that question.
Kulikovia
02-05-2007, 13:49
Adenski nodded at her story then met her smile with one of his own. This was an interesting conversation. She was holding her own against him quite admirably and his respect grew for her even more.
"Well Charli, you've never played it safe and neither have I. Why should we stop now?" his eyebrow raised. "Let us continue this dangerous game which we made ourselves a part of. Safe play is boring play" a twinkle emerged in his eye.

Mika shot him a hard look "What would you know about what's going on?!" she demanded. Then, her gaze softened at him, feeling embarrassed at her outburst. "Are you okay? You don't look well" her tone was more sincere.
Tanaara
02-05-2007, 17:00
"Let us continue this dangerous game which we made ourselves a part of. Safe play is boring play

Her tongue tip traced delicately over her lower lip as Charli flirted her eyes down and away under her thick lashes. Then those devilishly green orbs were gazing back into Dimitri' sparkling gaze. The fact that one was lighter than the other due to the scaring did not lessen his handsomeness, and her breath caught in her throat.

"We weren't torn into this world to be boring, or bored." She took half a step toawrd him, till their bodeies were all but touching, once again her gaze on him, honest and open. "I've got a challenge for you Dimitri. Lets make this a race between the two of us. You've heard of the antics that went on at the last Thunder Run, you know what happens more often than not at the Gumball Rally and Cannonball Run Europe." Dirty work between teams, against vehicles and drivers were far more common that the promotors of those events ever wanted to admit.

"We don't need chush' sobach'ya going on, not between us. You and I are real drivers, not rich farts who spend more money on tuning a car than you and I do on the car itself." Her voice was low and intimate. "You've got more hard bodies to call on than these poor schmuks realize. But can you beat me and the Phoenix with out them? Two cars, two drivers - for respect." She switched to her limited Russian, homeping to bring it home to him. "Для пользы Почестей." For honor, the inner self...

Charli knew she wasn't being one hundred percent accurate. Dimitri Adenski was not a transporter like herself, he wouldn't be considered a real driver by that small band of professionals, but she didn't figure he'd really object to being called one.
Canadstein
02-05-2007, 23:16
"It was just a simple guess. I did not know if it was true on not. I just got a sense from the way you acted." Brant wiped his forehead. It was drenched in sweat. The room started to spin around. He started to feel light headed. "I didn't mean tooo...offended such a beauty...woman...like you." Brant slumped over and fell to the ground.
Imitora
03-05-2007, 09:34
Are you packin'?

Clive nodded a discreete, single nod. It wasn't as much a nod but a slight drop of the chin, an acceptance of an unknown fact.

"CZ75 in a Miami Classic right now," he said, patting his jacket. "Three inch thirty eigth special on an ankle holster. Kimber Custom II in the glove compartment with the Viper, and a cut down double barrel in the trunk. Like I said, I survived Imitora, and made the Paris to Cape Town and back run twice. You get on some of those Saharan roads, you run into people the CIA and FBI wish they could to run into. On my Poopra, I didn't buy a new front mount because I wanted to, I bought a new one because an AK47 round tore the Apex unit apart."

Clive rubbed his face, smiling. "You sound concerned. I'm touched," he chuckled. He took another long slow pull on the margarita. "I appriciate it, but don't worry to much. I'm not just some rich SOB, I got the street credit to back it up."

Clive looked up at Charli, who seemed to be getting intimate with the Russian, and then over at another competitor who seemed to collapse from fatiuge. His eyes then danced back to Joleen's glass of water. "Why don't you just kick back, relax. Enjoy the evening. How about I get you a real drink."
Kulikovia
03-05-2007, 13:14
Adenski inhaled deeply as she aprpoached him like a predator. Her challenge intrigued the Russian who fell into deep thought, considering her words. The little bit of Russian tacked on the end was a nice touch as well. She was the better driver, but he didn't care. His pride began to take over, he didn't need anyone's help, he could beat her with his own skill and will power.
"That is an interesting proposition, Charli" he admitted. "You are like no other woman I've ever met. Your challenge is one I accept" Adenski replied.

Mika leaped from her chair in an attempt to catch Brant but fell to the ground before her slender arms could reach him. Other people around them turned and saw the young man pass out. Mika rolled him over onto his back, he was drenched in sweat. She reached up to the table, seizing a glass of water and splashing it against his face.
"Wake up Brant!" she shouted. Others gathered and someone alerted the medical staff.
Canadstein
03-05-2007, 13:31
Brant felt a burning sensation all over his body. He could fell every drop of sweat fall off his body. Voices could be heard, but there distant. Almost if the people speaking where a few 100 yards away. Through his eyes he could only see a slit of light. His eyelids were too high to open any further. Brant couldn't move any parts of his body. Then he felt a darkness. Brant's body slumped over and he was out.
Kulikovia
03-05-2007, 13:39
Cross's head craned up to see what the commotion was about, an aide rushed up and whispered in his ear. He quickly rolled his eyes and bolted down a full glass of champagne.
"Dammit, I hope this won't affect the Run" he muttered to himself.

Mika grabbed his shirt and lifted him up slightly, examining the young man. There was nothing she could do, lacking medical experience. His breathing was shallow and her heart was racing. A medic arrived, pushing past the crowd and reaching Brant. Mika stood up and brought her hands to her mouth, shocked. The medics went about the rpoper procedures, checking his breathing. The quickly brought out a stretcher and rushed him out of the building. Mika, against her better judgement followed them out to the ambulance.
Canadstein
03-05-2007, 23:25
Brant only felt darkness. He could only see darkness. Nothing else. The only color he saw was the cloths he was wearing. Where was he? Brant slowly remembered that he had been talking to someone, but who? Remembering back the person was a woman named Mika. She was beautiful, but had a fire within her. As Brant started to walk, he saw a small white dot. It started to get bigger. Finally it engulfed him.

His eyes slowly open. All Brant saw was a white ceiling. He must of been transported to the hospital. The room was empty. "Anyone there?"
Tanaara
03-05-2007, 23:29
"Why don't you just kick back, relax. Enjoy the evening. How about I get you a real drink."

Joleen followed his gaze over to where Charli and Adenski stood very close together. She sighed. "Just one Clive. I'll need to be able to stay awake tonight. She'll be..." Her voice trailed off and she looked slightly uncomfortable for a second, indecisive.

Then she rallied and looked at Clive half guiltily. "Clive, when you were racing in Imitora, did you ever hear of a driver named Ryan? I think his last name might be Fort? Maybe part of the tuning community as well?"

~~At the bar~~

You are like no other woman I've ever met. Your challenge is one I accept"

Charli started to reply but her words were drowned out by the cry from a woman whom she thought was part of Krueger's technical team. One of the other entrants had collapsed, or so it seemed from where Charli stood.

"Isn't that Leeds?" Charli thought for a second "Yeah, Brant Leeds, the Formula One driver who all but bought the potato patch not that long ago? What's he doing in this type of venue? Not his usual turf at all." Charli commented as she watched a team of medics arrive, and hustle the fallen racer off.

Then she turned back to Dimitri, pleased that he had accepted her challenge. She knew that most Russian males no matter what they professed publicly, were not very 'modern' in their regard for women. For him to speak to her as a true equal was a rare compliment. The race would be much more challenging now, and she knew that Dimitri would not cut her any slack.

She made an imperious hand gesture, one she'd seen many times in the Moscow nightclubs where the Russian maffia did their business. The bartender hustled over, a botttle of Rissian Standard Imperial vodka already inhand. Shot glasses appeared as if by majick, and not measley European shot glasses but heavy Russian crystal in silver filgaree holders. The cut crystal 'rocks glass' would hold nearly 200 grams, over four ounces. With a flourish he filled the two glasses and stepped back.

Charli picked hers up, raised it high and looked Dimitri once again in the eyes. "To the Race" She chose brevity, as the first toaster it was her right to chose the shorter style. Dimitri could match it or go for the luxuriousness of the almost poetical long form.

She drained the glass in a single swallow - fought and suscessfully hid the inner explosion and with a long slwo breath looked at Dimitri and smiled beatifically. "Oh thats good shit."
Imitora
04-05-2007, 01:58
Clive nodded, waving over a waiter, and placed the order. Stoli and Cranberry, light with the vodka, with a hint of sugar and lime juice. It was a specialty of his, nice for unwinding after the longer days.

Clive, when you were racing in Imitora, did you ever hear of a driver named Ryan? I think his last name might be Fort? Maybe part of the tuning community as well?

Clive paused for a moment, thinking. When the drink came, he took it and handed it over to Joleen.

"Fort? Can't say I do. Unless you mean Fortier? If so, yeah, I know of him. Kid is fast. Damned fast. He's the driver for the Crazy cars. Well, what was their name again?" He paused, as if thinking, then remeberd.

"Bat Shit Crazy. BSC Tuning, yeah, know I remeber. Some fast cars, faster then most I've seen in the states, and hell, even over here in Europe. But yeah, I remeber the kid. He finished in the top five the second time I went. The first time he took the win."
Tanaara
04-05-2007, 02:22
The first time he took the win."

She took the drink with a smile that faded quickly, but she took a sip and raised her eyebrows. "Thats excellent!"

A few more sips went down while she glanced at the medics carrying the fallen man off then back to Clive.

"So it's Fortier, never heard it clearly... Is he dead or something?" Joleen asked, feeling wretched about probing into her friends intensely private life, but desperate. "Charli has nightmares, thats where I got the name."
Kulikovia
04-05-2007, 13:38
OOC: I like the way the banquet is going. But now we shall move on, I know everyone is anxious to start the race.

The Russian craned his neck slightly to watch the paramedics carry off some poor bastard who fainted for whatever reason. The sight, he had to admit, was pathetic.
"How does he hope to endure the stress of this race if he can't even handle the temperature in this room?" he asked casually, hardly concerned for the well being of this Brant Leeds, a racer of whom he never heard of before. His attention returned to this remarkable woman, Charli. She had the witty and firey candor. The bartender returned and presented the vodka with the rock glasses. Charli raised hers and toasted. His deep blue eye and light blue eye met hers. All the while, his senses tried to ge a read on her, such a mysterious and brave woman. She held more secrets deep down inside than he did.
"To the health of the racers" he replied in turn, with a slight smile and bolted down the liquid fire, easily managing the alcohol.

Mika emerged in the room, one of the doctors just departed and she hesitated a moment but then took a few steps in the room.
"Brant?" she began "How are you doing?" Mika asked, the doctor muttered to her about what happened to him but she didn't really pay much attention or understand the high degree doctor talk.

The banquet, by now had gone on for several hours with the racers and crews mingling, drinking, and sizing each other up. They were competitors but also opponents, proud adrenaline rush seekers. An assistant brought Cross word of the racer, Brant Leed's, condition which the doctors deemed stable. Cross nodded and thanked the assistant and adjusted his tie. He stood up from his seat and smiled a broad smile, raising a glass and tapping a fork against it to silence the crowds, which did so, awaiting his words.
"My fellow adrenaline junkies" he began with a slight laugh, the crowd responded in turn. "You are all here to undergo one of the great challenges of your lives. Racers from across the globe gather to compete against one another in a race of endurance, skill, and danger. The road that lies ahead of you is indeed a long and trecherous one. A test of you abilities as a racer and your capabilities as a human. Those of you who make it to that line at the end of this path will not only recieve a prize, but the knowledge that you are the greatest, capable of anything. I salute you and those who will help you along your way" he raised his glass in a toast. The banquet would continue for one more hour, then the next day at noon, the race would begin.
Imitora
04-05-2007, 19:30
Clive nodded. "The sugar cuts the harshness of the Vodka, while leaving the overall taste. The lime and cranberry compliment each other pretty well, the sweet tang of the juice mixes easily with the sour tang of the lime. The juice, vodak, and sugar mixes, it doesn't float. So you don't have an aftertaste."

Clive took a sip of his second Margarita. "Started trying my own mixes back in highschool. Had to do something to keep from killing people."

So it's Fortier, never heard it clearly. Is he dead or something? Charli has nightmares, thats where I got the name.

Clive shook his head. "No clue. I only did Imitora twice. I mean, I still know some people in the chain, can call and find out for ya. I mean, the way they crack down on racers over there, shit. I dunno, though, last time I checked, their First Speaker was taking away a good amount of the restrictions on "illegal" racing."
Tanara
04-05-2007, 19:50
though, last time I checked, their First Speaker was taking away a good amount of the restrictions on "illegal" racing."

"Yeah, I'm prying into a friends privacy, but her nightmares are getting worse. And I don't want her to self destruct." She bit her lip to keep from saying further, for she was one of the few that knew exactly what Charli could do- for her self destruction might well mean something resembling the fire bombing of Dresden.

The rapping of Crosses spoon saved her from saying more.

Those of you who make it to that line at the end of this path will not only recieve a prize, but the knowledge that you are the greatest, capable of anything. I salute you and those who will help you along your way

Joleen rolled her eyes as she shook her head. She knew well that speeches like this were the standard at the start of such, but really. "Cross sounds more like he's trying to go for the gold in the Ego Massage catagory." She said distainfully, then orderedf under her breath.... "just give us the mandatory check points and the required average kmh and get over it all!"
Tanara
04-05-2007, 20:00
To the health of the racers

Charli laughed, bowing to his superior constitution for strong spirits. "Dimitri, I am certainly not going to try and challenge you to vodka shots. You are the undisputed winner there!" A tear, brought forth by the strength of the vodka rolled down her cheek and she looked for a napkin. "Though that is some of the smoothest vodka I'd ever tasted."

Crosses speech she mostly ignored. She didn't need the 'polish and shine' and if others did, well they were welcome to listen.
Kulikovia
04-05-2007, 20:09
Cross cleared his throat and decided to get to the meat and bones of the speech. He gave rough ideas about the checkpoints but tonight would finalize the course plan. He stood there, basking in the glory of the lime light. Egomaniac, adrenaline junkie, suicidal driver were just a few of the labels given to him by the newspapers. He loved it, loved the noteriety.
"You've all heard about the checkpoints and where they might be, so here is the final list. The first checkpoint is...Bucharest" This revelation came to shock to most of the people assembled. Rumors as well as credible sources believed that Warsaw was the first checkpoint. "The rules have changes, ladies and gentlemen. You all had your ideas and plans but now there is a new twist to this story. There is no preset course. You will make your way to Bucharest, taking any road or highway you choose, just as long as you travel on four wheels and make it to Bucharest. Once you reach the checkpoint, you will have two days to rest and be given the next rally point. There is no limit to the speed of which you travel. I wish you all the best of luck" he smiled to the stunned crowd.

Karl spun around from talking to Angelika. His mind raced, trying to catch up with Cross's words. All their planning amounted to nothing now. Cross completely changed the course, probably made it up in his head just before uttering the words. This certainly would be a challenge and karl's stomach knotted up. He'd have to tell Mika and Krueger but to his amazement, neither were around.

Adenski raised an eyebrow at this latest developement about the race course. Bucharest instead of Warsaw, interesting. The momentary shock wore off and he regained his even face and regarded the change as a new challenge, one he eagerly awaited. He nodded to her compliment. "That will make the race even more interesting. Especially if he shifts the whole course. We could end up traveling anywhere from here to Lisbon." he commented.
Tanaara
04-05-2007, 21:53
he first checkpoint is...Bucharest"

Those words brought Chrli's head around with a snap but she waited until he'd finished and Dinitri had made his own comments

We could end up traveling anywhere from here to Lisbon."

"That utter wretch, he's taking us the southern route." She hissed softly to Dinitri. "He's gonna send us the long way through the mountains, see how well our engines hold up. But the Swiss are gonna throw fits. Even the Cannonball and those crazies at the Gumball avoid Switzerland."

She shook her head, wondering if Cross had managed to find some way to get the notoriouslky upstight Swiss to loosen up. 'If not and they ended up going though that country more than a few might end up spending time in...' Setting those thoughts aside - there was no use speculating as yet. He might send them hugging the coast and then across the southern reaches of northern Italy and avoid the grouchy gnomes completely.

Impulisevly she leaned over and kissed Dimitri on the cheek. "Thank you Dimitri and may your rest be sweet. " Charli whipsered in his ear, then in a swirl of silk gown she was moving away, her eyes searching the room for Joleen.

Joleen was standing and giving Clive an amused look "He had to change everything at last minute didn't he. So not as much sleep for the misprepared. Got to go reset all the gps points for a more southerly route. You're welcome to come use our up link if you need to download anything."

Then she fell into step with Charli and the two ladies were heading out the door.
Kulikovia
04-05-2007, 22:33
The game Cross was playing was a dangerous one. Andropov's orders were clear and blunt but Cross indirectly, was resisting somehow. His will was made of iron and resolve just as tough. Adenski knew how strict the Swiss were. Perhaps he did secure allowance to race through the cantons or perhaps they will bypass Switzerland all together.
"He's testing us" Adenski uttered. "Not just the cars but us as well. No matter, we'll make it through alright." His thoughts concentrated on several things at once. He still had a job to complete, a job that may result in fatal consequences for other people in the race. All of a sudden, her soft lips broke his concentration as they connected with his cheek. Her lips were warm and calming. For a moment, he forgot about the job, Andropov's orders, and even his own demons.
"I hope your sleep is equally resting as well. Tomorrow we'll both need to be prime for our race." Adenski replied with a smile and watched her walk off. His thoughts were lost, replaced by her face and her personality.

Adenski returned to his room where the others gathered. Their night went well out at the local bars, they behaved like Adenski ordered. He informed them of the change in the course ad now they had to adjust their tactics. As they talked, the subject of sabotage arose.
"So, Dimitri" Fyodor began. There was a heavy scent of alcohol on his breath. "This is just a momentary setback, but we'll adjust soon enough."
"I have one thing to add" Adenski stated as he turned away from the window to face his comrades. "Charli Firewalker and her crew are not to be harmed". His order brought confused faces to the ranks.
"Dimitri, why should we? Andropov gave us orders to-" one of the started to say.
"Don't argue!" Adenski shot a assertive glance at the young team member. "That is my order and you will follow it. Besides, the rest of the racers are fare game so don't worry." he assured them after the outburst. They broke after ten more minutes of briefing. Adenski walked into the shower and took a much needed hot shower. After ten minutes he stepped out and wrapped a towel around his wet body. He wiped the condensation off the mirror and examined himself. His face, his soul. Something was beginning to happen to him, a change of sorts. For better or for worse he couldn;t tell at that time.
Canadstein
05-05-2007, 00:42
Brant saw Mika enter and was somewhat surprised. He was not expecting for Mika to be here. She was more beautiful, then any angel he had seen. Then he a thought entered his brain. The race was tomorrow and he still had so much to plan. "Yeah feeling a lot better. I have no idea what happen at the banquet. I think I might still be suffering mentality from my last racing crash. I'm glad that you came Mika, even though I have known you for a short time. I appreciate it. I think I should be ready for the race tomorrow or is it today. I honestly do not know what time it is currently. Can you please tell me?"

Brant would have looked at his watch, but it must have been take off by a nurse.
Kulikovia
05-05-2007, 13:15
Mika gave a relaxed smile upon hearing Brant was okay. She looked down at her watch and it took her by suprise. "It's one in the morning" she replied, reading off the hands of her watch. She spent a while waiting for Brant to wake up and the banquet was over by now.
"Brant, you should get some rest. The race is in ten or so hours and you need all the rest you can get. I do too as a matter of fact" she laughed awkwardly. "I'm glad to see your alright. I gotta go now and take care of some things."

Back in Elena's room Krueger glanced down at his watch casually and nearly leaped out of his chair.
"What's wrong?" Elena shot him a curious glance.
"It's one in the morning. I have so much to do and get some sleep on top of it!" he exclaimed. The two of them were there the entire time during the banquet and now it ended. As much as he wanted to stay, Krueger knew he had to go and Elena needed to make preperations as well.
"Then get the hell out of here!" she joked and stood up. Krueger stood as well and pushed in his chair. "That's what you get for not preparing everything in advance. My team has everything mapped out and finalized."
"Good for you" he smiled "Well, it's been great seeing you again. Perhaps at the next checkpoint when we get a break...maybe we could go do something" Krueger moved towards the door as he talked.
"I'd like that very much, Lukas" she said softly. She put her palms on his chest and gave him a kiss. They lingered for a few moments before Krueger reluctanly departed out the door and towards his room. Elena closed the door gently and leaned her back up against it.

The door to hsi room opened up and all Krueger saw were maps, skematics, and Karl ahrd at work at his laptop.
"Karl, what's wrong?" Krueger asked. Karl stopped and turned in his chair, an angered look on his face.
"Where were you?!" he demanded "While you were out doing whatever, CRoss dropped an atom bomb on everyone at the banquet." Karl spouted.
"What happened?" Krueger inquired.
"The first checkpoint isn't Warsaw. He switched it at the last moment to Bucharest!" the mechanic exclaimed angirly and went back to work. The words went like a shockwave through Krueger as he struggled to understand what Karl just said. This threw everything out the window. All their work and planning at elast up to the first checkpoint was worthless.
"Well...don't scrub the intel for the route to Warsaw. It may come in handy later." krueger tried to think "Dammit! We could end up driving up to Norway at the sounds of it" Karl nodded and they both went to work.
"Have you seen Mika?" Krueger asked.
"No, I can't reach her on her cellphone. Must be a bad connection or something. She was at the banquet but disappeared." Karl replied as he typed on the computer. They had much work to do and limited time to accomplish their task.
Canadstein
05-05-2007, 15:06
A weak smile appeared on Brant's face, when Mika started to talk to him. Brant was slowly to have feelings about Mika. He wondered if the feelings were mutual. She must have because why else would she have come to the hospital. Brant looked up to her, with his reddened cheeks. "Yeah I think the both of us deserve some rest, before the race. Once I thank you for coming. I hope this isn't the last time we meet."

Brant hoped that he would see her again. He made a promise that this would not be their last encounter. As she left the room, Brant quietly went asleep.
Van Luxemburg
05-05-2007, 15:24
(OOC: Excuse me for the delay. Was on a holiday. Very sad what happened with the Gumball, btw. Let's keep it safe here :) )

Later that evening, the whole crew of the Van Luxemburgian team had grouped in Laval's room, Where they were busy planning on how to take the new route.

'Okay. We''ll be taking the E101 out of Moscow, and hop onto the E95 near Kiev. Then the E577 and E581, before we end up in Bucharest with the E85. Eastern Europe is rather corrupt, so my guess is that we can buy some police officers to our side if we get pulled over.' Jaeger used her fingers to point out the route she advised.

'True. Wouldn't try that with the Westerners, although. Also, if we need to get to Berlin for the second checkpoint, we're taking the ferry from Greece to Italy, so we can take the Autostrades. They are way better than what the Balkan has to offer. Although Slovenia and Croatia are rather good, motorway-wise. Also, we'll always take the Brennerpass into Austria. We're avoiding Switzerland, although I'm more worried about the Italians now. Those Italians could pull some nasty tricks on us with the two Gallardo's they got.'

Laval meant the two Lamborghini Gallardo's in Italian Police Service, which were mostly used for organ transport, but could also be utilised for high-speed chases.

'Agreed.' Jaeger said, while the rest of the team nodded.

'Good. We'll start at noon tomorrow. I wnat those M5's on my ass anytime. If you can't keep up, try to accelerate more, but keep it safe. No dangerous driving or something. We're here to keep the prestige of Van Luxemburg and it's driving, up. No use of weapons, preferably, unless you can't protect yourselves otherwise. You know what that means, lads.'

Laval looked at the few guards he had, which nodded after his words directed to them.
Kulikovia
05-05-2007, 15:59
The team worked late early into the morning in preperation, Mika finally arrived and the paced quickened and they got more done with her assistance. She hardly talked to Krueger, unless it had to do with the race, she kept her distance. Finally, they finished a plan and went to bed, exhausted. Krueger passed out on the couch. The buzz of the alarm clock roused them from their slumber...It was time for the Run. They showered, ate, and went over their plans once more.

It was truly a spectacle to behold. ESPN was the most recognizeable name on scene. Other news teams from Europe where there and crowds swelled past a few thousand. It was a big day, perfect for a man like Nathan Cross who had an ego to match. He made several pre-race interviews and commentaries on his expectations for the race. He reassured them all that the mistakes in Japan would not reoccur. Deep down inside, though, he knew something might happen, his gut twisted up. Andropov, the Russian monster loomed in his mind, his threats were all too real. He pushed those thoughts away and concentarted on the Thunder Run. There were about twenty racers and their crews, unloading their cars and doing pre-race inspections of their vehicles.

Karl drove the trailer over to the rally point near Red Square and found a spot nestled in between two other trailers. The door dropped and Krueger climbed into the blue Lotus Europa S and rolled it down the plank and onto the street. Krueger shifted gears and eased the car near the start point. A tingle went through his body as he reved the engine once, just for fun. He stepped out and kept the door open. Karl went about a check of the vehicle and the inspection ended favorably. Mika adjusted her comlink and did a test to make sure it was feeding to Krueger's. The test was complete and krueger leaned up against his car. He felt at ease around it. It was familiar, his pride and joy. Elena with her team went about the same motions. Her sleak red Ferrari 599 GTO growled towards the start line with the other racers, she drifted past Krueger and shot him a smile whch Krueger returned in kind.

Adenski and his crew emerged on the scene. He ordered Fyodor and the two other men to not make an appearence. They rode black BMW motorcycles which would be their primary form of transportation during their missions. Nobody knew about them and they were already on the road south of the city, waiting for the race. Adenski stepped into the driver's seat of his black BMW GTR and coasted it towards the start line. Krueger and his team members gathered in a cirlce.
"This is it" Krueger said to them "Everything we worked for adds up to today. We're gonna win this. We all know what must be done, let's do it"
"I'll try not to crash the truck this year" Karl commented smartly.
"Yes, please drive a little slower" Krueger smiled. Mika was rather distant and walked off to the truck and readied the comlink.
"What's wrong with her?" Krueger asked.
"Nothing, just get in that car and win this damn race!" Karl shoved him towards the car. Krueger, befuddled finally walked on his own to his car, shut the door, and reved the engine towards the start lined and stacked up, he was about six cars from the start, no poblem in his mind.
Canadstein
05-05-2007, 16:31
Brant looked out toward to the city of Moscow from the hospital. It was 9:00 and only one more hour. He had been wake since 7:00. Everything last night seemed like a dream. Almost if none of it happened. Brant sat down in a chair and held his head. He could still remember Mika. He wondered if he would ever see her again. About an hour ago Brant's father, Jason Leeds, had called him. They heard about him going to the hospital, and had visited, but Brant was sleeping. Though they were waiting for him at the starting point. Once Brant got there they would debrief him on the route to Bucharest. So much was on his mind. Mostly he was about the race. He could feel the sweat roll down his forehead. Brant kept on thinking of the crash that made him somewhat quiet from Formula One. Brushing it off, Brant made his way to the Red Square.

Once getting to the rally point, Brant saw all the other races. He kept to himself because of what happened last night. Brant wanted to venture out and find Mika, but he knew that he had business to do. Quickly he recognized the trailer of his team. Brant silently walked over and saw his BMW M5. Roderick Kingsley, the mechanic, was standing near the car.

"So Brant you decided to show up? I'm just kidding. I'm glad that your okay."

Roderick walked up to Brant and gave him a pat on the back. From the HQ trailer, two men walked out. One was Jason Leeds and the other was Bart Hamilton, the guide. Bart Hamilton had spent the last month planning out different routes to the different cities. With the addition of Bucharest, and deletion of Warsaw, he had spent the whole night finding a new route. Bart gave Brant the new route.

"Branty, here's the new route. It was a killer to find a new route, but I did do it. What else would expect from Bart Hamilton the Master of Maps?"

Brant slightly chuckled at Bart's attitude. "I would expect nothing but Greatness from Bart Hamilton the Master of Maps."

His father stood off in the distance, and waited for the other two men to leave and get back to their work. "Brant, I'm glad that you are okay. I was scared when we got the message from the hospital. I known I should have come to the banquet with you."

"Its fine Dad. I just got a little hot in there, but I'm ready to win this race."

Jason lead his son to the car. Brant got into the car, and felt conformable. This car felt like an extra skin to him. Brant got out and hugged his dad. "Lets get ready Dad."

So the team made some last minute touches and was ready. Brant walked out of the trailer, in a new pair of cloths, and walked over to his BMW. Opening the door and entering Brant was ready for the race to start. In the back of his mind he still felt the fear of crashing. It was going to be ever present in this race.
Tanaara
05-05-2007, 18:54
Joleen was on her sat phone before the two women entered Charli's room.

"Pete, massive change of plans. That bastard Cross shafted all of us with a last minute change. Forget Warsaw, use your contacts to line up something covering Valada home ports." She laughed sourly at his disgusted reply. "Yeah I thought we were through with vampires myself. Look what do you remember about that delivery we did in Odessa, yeah for that fat slob Navarov. find us the gps's for that run, I don't think Charli will want to use the google or quest routes, every one else will be. Okay call me back."

Charli was also on hers speaking with Pauli. "Cange up. Bucharest not Warsaw. Get on line and acrivate our southern protocols. No, Joleen is got Pete on the phone, he's going to head that way." She listend to a suggestion and agreed "Take the beep beep and see if that bridge is still in itact. They might not be expecting a swing south from Poltava. I also don't want to be anywhere near Chernobyl and the exclusion zone."

She listend for a while longer as Pauli did some research on the web and through their own extensive data base.

"Okay south at Kursk, then Kharkiv to Chisinau. The national highways will be dross, but the bagaty will be concentrating on the E's after they get the first hint of the Run comming through. Yeah I need you to to head on that way now. Feed and walk the monster first, he's gonna ride with me so stow some extra water and some Euk in the well for me."

Joleen had finished up with Pete and had been reloading coordiantes into Charli's laptop. once that was done, they made some final decissions.

"Don't trust Cross not to run us all to hell an gone. He could still run us back all the way north to Germany. " Joleen muttered.

"He runs us though Serbia, I'll put a bullet through him myself. That would be just like him to expost the lot of us to terrorists and some ethnic cleansing." Charli agreed. This was supposed to be a rally not a full fledge international incident.


~~~Rally Point

Charli in the Phoenix rolled up to the check in point, Joleen having already left in the rig. Brisco hung his head out the passenger window and generally looked as nonthreatening as he could. Those who didn't recognise his rare breed just laughed and pointed their cameras. Charli didn't mind, the spectators looking at him kept them from looking at her.

She made some minor adjustments to the bluetooth link that hung at her right ear, and made sure that the sandwiches in the small cooler were easily reached. Pauli had made sure that there were numerous bottles of water handy as well. First aid kit, fire extinguisher, runflat, lap tops, phones, weapons and ammo, all were ready and in their places, some visable, some concealed until need.

Once the final paperwork was done Charli eased the crimson AMX3 up next to Dimitri's black M3. She slid out of the drivers seat and walked around the Phoenix.

"Nice M3 Dinitri, didn't think any of the GTR's sold east of the Rhine" She chuckeld leaning over to get a good look at the interior. "And you wouldn't know if they've expanded the Chrenobyl exclusion zone in the last week or so?"
Kulikovia
05-05-2007, 19:32
Adenski craned his head to his left and saw Charli's remarkable vehicle sleak up next to him. He nodded, impressed by the fine machine she commanded. He stepped out to greet her.
"They don't" he remarked. Adenski in reality never purchased the car. Instead, he ''borrowed'' it during a job in Berlin a year ago. "I haven't heard anything about the exclusion zone. I bet CRoss hadn't even thought about it". His face was stoic and even, as always but it guised his true feelings, a feeling he hadn't felt in many years. Doubt seeped into his mind about what was up and coming. He surveyed the other drivers.

Krueger sat in his car, going over some plans when he decided to stretch his legs for the last time before the race began. Elena walked up behind him and traced a delicate finger over his shoulder, he turned around and seized her hand softly.
"Ciao, mi amore" she greeted innocently. "I want to wish you luck today"
"The same to you too, Elena" he replied. The race would begin in ten or so minutes.
Tanara
05-05-2007, 19:59
"I haven't heard anything about the exclusion zone. I bet CRoss hadn't even thought about it"

Charli turned away from the car and nodded her attentioon completely on Dimitri. The car was nice, but he was not one you could ignore. Not that she wished to, his intensity, his surety something she could not but respond to. "Some of the drivers are going to see satallite images of all those nice empty highways in the area and think they make wonderful routes...Untill they get stopped and arrested. They won't know any better."

She took his calm face and wondered if it hid any doubts or worries. "We do though, You probably better than I. You remember that sub that sank back in two thousand? The Атомная подводная лодка Курск. I'm breaking off there, heading my own way."

She knew he'd figure out what she was saying about her chosen route. "Be careful Dimitri, there are banditti out there that not even you control." concern in her eyes.

The smaller nations that had broken away when the old Soviet Union collapsed were havens for criminal gangs- the countries generally being too poor and conflicted to police themselves properly, though some nations such as Romania were doing well. Just the cash the drivers carried would bring out jackers, the cars? Those would be like blood in the water to sharks. And any one claiming that the cars would be too unique, to noticeable to be sold as only fooling themselves.
Kulikovia
05-05-2007, 20:08
OOC: I actually don't speak any Russian so could you translate what you wrote there.

There were various routes from here to Bucharest and all of them frought with danger. The police, mafia, gangs, and corrupt officals would make the race challenging.
"I think Cross is doing this not just to change the route but to test us. Perhaps he wants all this danger for whatever reason. Last year's dangerous race was due to some Yakuza scum out for a good time. That brought all the attention to what would've been just another carbon copy of the Gumball. The danger, excitement, and drama is what makes the Thunder Run stand out from the pack. I think he's trying to indirectly cause more danger to ramp up the hype and excitement" Adenski admitted. It would make sense, if this year proves to be more dangerous, then Cross will do even better this year.
"Thanks for the concern. I hope you stay safe as well" he replied honestly.
Tanara
05-05-2007, 20:48
LOL I ought to make you google submarine sinkings in 2000...but I'm not that evil. It's the full designation for the submarine Kursk, named after the city of Kursk.

Charli nodded at his reasoning, it was sound given what she knew of Cross and his inflated ego. But too much danger was an entirely different thing. If any of the racers were seriously injured, much less kiled, due to Cross's choice of mandatory check points, it would reflect horribly on Cross and his company. And that wouldn't bee good for business.

"I think you have the right of that Dimitri. I just hope it isn't too much 'excitement' he's getting these people into."

"Thanks for the concern. I hope you stay safe as well"

"Here, this is my sat phone number Dimitri, call me if you get bored on the drive" Charli handed him a business card preprinted with her number and email address on it. She tried to sound casual, but didn't know if she was able to hide how his words touched her. She laughed lightly "Oh, I've got Brisco. He's not much of a conversationalist, but out on the back roads he's better than having an rpg in hand. Want me to introduce you?"
Kulikovia
05-05-2007, 21:26
OOC: I knew about the Kursk, even watched it unfold on television. The Russian writing just threw me off. I kept thinking "what the hell does all that mean?"

Adenski took the card with the numbers on them. He thumbed the card and examined it carefully. He smiled and put it in his jacket pocket. It was nice of her to give him the card. It gave him an idea. He took out a pen he always carried and rummaged through his pockets and found an old receipt for some items at the store. He jotted down some numbers and handed it to her.
"Call me if you find yourself in a spot of trouble" he handed it to her and winked. Perhaps it was a mistake to giver her his number but he didn't care. Something was changing in him, and it was mostly her fault. He was getting weaker, his defenses beginning to crumble.
"I'm not much of a conversationalist either, perhaps another time. The race is about to start, good luck" he tacked on.

A horn blarred in the backround, the race was only a few minutes from beginning. The spectators and newscasters took their positions on temporary stands constructed the previous day. The racers darted back to their cars, Krueger began to walk to his car when Elena stopped him and gave a quick peck on the cheeks. Cross took his place at the podium, his trademark wide grin greeting the crowds.
Tanara
05-05-2007, 21:49
"I'm not much of a conversationalist either, perhaps another time. The race is about to start, good luck

When he handed her ther slip of paper he'd written his number on, she folded it carefully and tucked it in the breast pocket of her trademark leather trench coat. 'He must be very sure of himself to trust me with this. Though I have no intention of abuseing it. she thought. The Russian mafia and its members were paranoid in a way that would have made La Costra Nostra proud.

"And to you Dinitri Adenski." She turned away and slid into the Phoenix, the engine purring like some sleeping tiger as she turned the engine over and settled in behind the wheel.

There was no impatience now, just a stillness within, a calm acceptance that she was about to find the first finger hold on the mountain and begin her climb.

"I live my life one mountain at a time and there is no mountain that I can not climb"
Van Luxemburg
06-05-2007, 07:01
'Fuel... Check. Full.'

Laval looked over the Liquid Crystal Display centered inbetween the speedometer, and ran through the options.

'Oil?'

Laval pushed a button, and the car checked it's oil level.

'Check.'

Jaeger ticked 'oil' off at her pre-race check board, before asking the next item on the list.

'Trip Computer?'

Laval looked through all the options the Trip Computer offered, and eventually answered.

'Check.'

'Communication equipment?'

Laval quickly tried his bluetooth headset, aswell as the walkietalkies aboard the car.

'Check.'

'Night Vision?'

Laval engaged the system, showing an image of what would come ahead.

'Check.'

'Pistol?'

Laval picked up his pistol from the front armrest, took out the magazine, checked the bullets inside, and put the magazine back in. He then stored the weapon away in the armrest.

'Check.'

He then started the engine, which immediately started without even a cough. The 6.3-litre V12 engine rumbled while Laval pushed the accelerator, and keeping the car in Neutral. He then used the electronic handbrake to ensure the vehicle would not roll away from it's spot, and set the suspension to 'sport'. He was ready to start.
Kulikovia
06-05-2007, 14:21
The Run was about to commence in a minute. All the racers were in their respective vehicles and their crews making final preperations, some even driving up ahead to scop out toe route which was not against the very sparce rules. Their hearts beat as fast as their engines. A year's worth of preperation leading up to this moment. A defining moment, a moment of Thunder that would echo down the roads and highways. The roar of the crowds mixed with the roar of the mechanical beasts that were about to be unleashed. Karl and Mika drove the truck out another way and were alreayd out on the road, coasting down the road in no hurry. They knew it would be impossible to keep up with the racers but their comlinks and satellite phones were very reliable. Their course was set, eveything now hinged on Krueger's driving abilities. The large light that hung over the start line activated. A solid red light...yellow light...green!

Krueger shifted gears and punched his foot down with all his might as his car roared down the road with the other racers. All the others poured their hearts into the first few minutes of the race. Elena kept an easy pace towards the front while Adenski manuevered, weaving in and out.
Canadstein
06-05-2007, 16:16
After Brant had got his car in place, his father and the rest of the team had left to get to Bucharest. Brant was nervous at he sat in the car. This was the first time he had raced in almost seven months and he had never been in a race like this. Sweat gathered around his palms of his hands. His hand was on the wheel, and one of his feet was near the gas. Brant wanted the race to start. Once he saw the green, the car lunged forward. He pressed a button and from his speakers it started to play Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture. The song was beautiful, but it also calmed his nerves. Brant easily maneuvered around the cars in front of him. This was it.
Kulikovia
06-05-2007, 16:39
The cars thundered down the streets, roaring past the spectators and newscasters. Cross gave an interview to ESPN then returned to the monitors to view the race. A helicopter flew overhead to observe the race with a camera attached to the bottom. The racers got off to a good start. A game of king of the mountain. Steel rumbled down the boulevards, weaving in and out in a delicate yet dangerous dance. Krueger passed on the right against Marcus Greene, an African-American racer with a descent track record, but not good enough.
"You're doing good, Lukas" Mika said over the comlink "Just stay calm and we'll get through this"
"Thanks, Mika" Krueger returned as he cut the wheel hard to the right, nearly hitting another racer. The near collision jarred his memories of last year. But he quickly regained control and steamed ahead.

Adenski muscled his way past two other cars as he continued to accelerate quickly. He remained calm and confident in his abilities. His comlink crackled as Fyodor came on the other end. Some of the racers made an off turn to E105 while other took different routes. This is where the race got tricky. The pack began to seperate, each going the way they thought best. There were nor estrictions on routes. The only rule was that you race on a vehicle with four wheels, arriving at the checkpoint by any route.
"How's it going so far?" Fyodor asked.
"Smoothly" Adenski replied in a flat tone "Where are you and the others?"
"We're about 50 kilometers outside Moscow on E105. What should we do now?" They were under a bridge next to an off ramp. The three of them astride black BMW motorcycles.
"Wait for a while. There's still plenty of road between here and Bucharest." Adenski replied and concentrated on driving.

The Italian woman made her way easily passed three cars, gliding past them elegantly. She honed her skills over the past year and believed she was a more skilled racer now than when she won last year. The stakes were another Thunder Cup, and she intended to win it, even if it meant going against Krueger.
Van Luxemburg
06-05-2007, 17:24
The L7 used it's Launch Control to get off to a good start, and had soon raced past the crowds at the startline, and passed by the city at high speeds, while Jaeger navigated and Laval piloted the car as an expert driver.

Behind them, the Four BMW's followed, with the two trucks already being relocated to Bucharest. However, the BMW's had difficulty in trying to keep up with the L7, and slowly vanished out of sight while the VLT accelerated and accelerated, heading onto the roads outside of Moscow, the E101 to be precise. The vehicle pushed far beyond 200 kilometres an hour, sometimes passing by the few other vehicles on the hard shoulder, or over the right lane, when there was one. The car blasted past a few overpasses and bridges, not even bothering to slow down. The Semi-Automatic Gearbox almost constantly used the three highest gears - 5, 6 and 7 - and the fuel level reached the bottom of the tank pretty fast. A mere 20 minutes after they had left Moscow, the L7 had covered 70 kilometres, and was in need of fuel. Laval and Jaeger had the luck of ending up near a relatively modern filling station, a self-service, which proved Laval's calculations. He always wanted to fill his car up personally, since he found it safer than letting an easterner with no sense of powerful cars do it. When he had finished filling up the L7, Jaeger was already making the payment inside the small brick building that hosted the till. They worked together as a perfect team, Martin thought when the L7 slowly drove out of the filling station, before being pushed into another high speed run.
Tanara
06-05-2007, 18:14
Charli let the pack carry her out of the rally center, away from the cameras and the spectators, not even bothering to try and take the lead. She wasn't going where they were, though the final destination was the same, Bucharest.

Once away she cut sharply from the others, making a dash for the M2, heading due south towards Kursk. The M2 was a major highway once it left Moscow behind and out of the tight city traffic, those heading south spaced out, allowing Charli the freedom to bring the Phoenix's abilities into play. While Brisco dozed she settled into a comfortable cruizing mode, making it the one hundred and thirty four kilometers to Belgorod in less than an hour.

She stopped in Belgorod at a filing station that Joleen had waymarked on the lap top and was pleased to find they still carried what she needed, and she had no objection to paying a premium price. Once that was done she headed back out of the city and once again took the M2.

Kursk was about five hundred kilometers down the road, and that should be just over two hours, if the conditions werre right. She phoned Joleen and let her know that she'd made her first top off stop and was now proceeding directly to Kursk.

"Get Masha on the line, find out where to stop at in Kursk. You have a maybe on both of the two waymarks there, and I don't want to be driving between them after dark and running low." Charli requested.

Once she made Kursk, it would be a thousand kilometers to Chisinau in Moldova, perhaps five hours, if she met with no troubles.
Kulikovia
06-05-2007, 18:35
The race moved smoothly and without a hitch. The eye in the sky was forced to break off once reaching the outskirts of Moscow once all the racers branched off and took different directions. Krueger and his team worked efficently together. Karl drove the truck down the highway, pressing his sneakers against the gas pedal in a desperate attempt to keep ahead of the other racers but it wouldn't be long till Krueger passed them. Mika sat in the back with a laptop placed on a small table with maps scattered across the seats and floors. She wore small black framed glasses as her beautiful eyes scanned the maps and her delicate fingers glided across the keyboard. All the while she kept Krueger up to date on possible routes on the comlink. Krueger made his way south on E105, bypassing motorists and racers. It all came naturally for him to travel so fast.

Elena roared down E105 as well as about five other racers. She paced herself, skillfully outmanuevering her opponents. Catarina, her guide rode in a truck with her other crew members, Sergio and Enzo who were skilled mechanics all of them were with her last year. She expected to do well this year, with them by her side and her improved skills.
"Elena, you should take this off ramp and take a little road, should cut about a half hour, traffics starting to pick up" Catarina came on the line.
"Yes, that sounds good" she replied and swept across the lanes and made her way off, they were well over 100 km out of Moscow.

Fyodor and his two team members raced off down the highway, their black motorcycles like blurs down the highway, menacingly moving forward. They were kept up to date on the oher racers as well as Adenski's progress. As they made their way they made an off shoot to to M2. They were trailing Charli and her team. They circled like vultures, creeping ever closer.
"Fyodor, waht are we doing?" the one man said over their comlink. "Adenski ordered us to leave them alone"
"Don't worry about it. He said not to harm them. But he never said anything about scareing them.'' Fyodor was a dog in Adenski's mind, someone who blindly followed without asking questions. Adenski, though loyal, would silently questiuon Andropov's decisions. Being a free-willed individual was dangerous but necesary to retaining a certain amount of humanity. He sneaked up closer, tracking her while the other two hanged back. Closer and closer he weaved in and out of traffic.
Van Luxemburg
06-05-2007, 19:05
The L7 had followed the E101 for roughly 3 hours, and averaged around 190 kilometres per hour, an impressive speed on such small roads, which barely deserved their E-number. Now, it was time to intersect with the road that had split off from the E105, the E381, towards Kiev. The E101 would continue along the same route, and Martin was already preparing to make the turn.

'Upcoming. Sharp right. 200 metres.' Angelika shouted, above the engine roar.

The vehicle banked to the right after 200 metres, but was immediately prevented from banking by the Adaptive Air Suspension, and the Advanced Dynamic ESP. Tyres squealed, the car started speaking to the driver.

'Attention. Front right wheel is losing grip. Diverting power to other wheels.'

'Attention, Rear right wheel is losing grip. Diverting power to other wheels.'

'Attention, brake overheat, brake overheat. Starting emergency cooling procedure.'

'Attention, ADESP is taking action to stop vehicle slip. Warning, ADESP is taking action.'

The car went on talking to Laval for a while, mostly reporting overheats in the brake and cooling systems, and the use of additional cooling systems. But, the L7 now was on a direct road to Kiev. It now was less than 2 hours before they would reach Kiev. However, the Van Luxemburgian team still had a trick up their sleave....

'Lights and sirens. Wail/Yelp, not Euro.'

Jaeger pushed a few buttons, and a siren started blaring. It was their secret weapon: the full package of police warning: a siren, and lots of warning lights. The L7 rushed on, towards Kiev, and then, Chisinau, before reaching Bucharest.
Tanara
06-05-2007, 20:32
Charli had picked up on the angry wasp whine of the bavarian beasts, as well as noticed them visually. There were multiple reasons for this. Such high powered cycles were few and far between in Russia and they'd been moving with her, staying with her even as she wove in and out of the slower traffic, though only one was coming close.

One hand momentarily left the wheel to flick a concealed sliding door open and to pull her Manurien into her lap, tucked between her abdomen and the seatbelt. It would come easily into her hand but stay where it was, unmoved by the manuevers yet to come.

The BMW cycle flashed past close enough for her to reach out and touch but Charli never flinched. It was hard to scare a woman who's life included jumping out of perfectly good planes...and into forest fires. She'd passed the certification courses as a wildlands firefighter and smoke jumper as soon as she turned eighteen. The next year she had been offered and taken a spot on the highly regarded Anhred Twuet Z'herd team - A2Z -as most knew them- composed of fellow Alaskans, and save for her all male. It hadn't been easy breaking that clannish bvarrier, but Charli never complained and never slacked off.

Brisco woke and sat up, looking from Charli to the rapidly disappearing bike, growling deep in his throat. Charli laughed and took a split second to scratch behind one ear. "No, not yet, and you know that Russian just gives you indigestion." Her attention never left the road and the other traffic, she was too good a driver for that.

The drivers side window powered down, and she was punching the gas, closing on the bike. Then passing him, with less than half of the space he'd given her, barely six inches between them. "Raspizdyay Kolhoznii!" She didn't care if the bike's rider could tell that she'd called him an ignorant redneck as she blew by him over two hundred and fifty kilometers per hour. Watching his bike go out of control in the wake she created Charli threw back her head and laughed.

However less than a kilometer later she was forced to break sharply.
Kulikovia
06-05-2007, 20:44
Adenski pushed his car faster and faster. Forcing his way past another racer who fell behind, disappearing. At this moment, the only thing mattered was the race. A shot of adrenaline rushed through his body, heart beating faster, eyes piercing ahead. His navigator, Sergei was a reliable man whom he trusted. For their history, Matthus Lavonich was a prime intel collector for the security team and their jobs with the syndicate.
"Dimitri, up here take a left and that will take you down...near Sumy across the Ukraine border, just stay on E105 and then take the E40" Sergei instructed.
"But that leads straight into Kiev" Adenski protested.
"yes it does, but not if you take this road here...it goes over the large lake on the map and straight shot across the countryside for about 150 kilometers and you'll be on E95."
"Excellent Matthus" Adenski replied, pleased with the ever impressive work of his friend Matthus. After an hour of driving his phone rang and Adenski accepted the call, the cell phone being mounted on the dashboard and on speaker.
"Dimitri" Andropov's familiar raspy voice emmited. "How is the mission going?" Adenski paused with his reply.
"It's going fine, sir" he replied quick, eyes forward.
"Fine?! Not fine for me you fool! The race is going smooth, why is that?" Andropov demanded, raising his tone.
"Because my men haven't initiated contact yet" Adenski's tone remained even.
"I want to see results"
"You'll get them, sir. Just give me time"
"Dimitri, you've been a trusted member of the organization for years. I've never doubted your abilities nor your loyalty. But lately you seem distracted and shall I say...slipping in your performance" Andropov's tone hinted to something more than what he just said, something underneath.
"I won't fail!" Adenski's even tone broke into an outburst then reached over, turning the phone off and nearly ripping it off the dashboard. Something was indeed changing in Adenski, perhaps his past demons resurfacing to haunt him.
Kulikovia
06-05-2007, 20:53
"That stupid bitch!" Fyodor hissed under his breath as she blew past him. He nearly lost control of his bike, barely regained control. He pulled off for a second before crashing into another car.
"Fyodor, just drop it" one of the other bikers pleaded with him over the comlink. Fyodor was a proud man, perhaps arrogant. He refused to take that from a...woman. The meer thought of being overtaken by a woman on the road was a blow to his manhood.
"You two stay back, I'll take care of that whore" he restarted the bike and roared down the road. But before he did so, he reached into his coat and wrapped a large hand around his MP-446 and switched off the safety. As he made his way down the road he noticed the car braked suddenly. He stopped his bike about three car lengths behind it, waiting. His anger boiled but tried to restrain himself. He didn't care what Adenski said, this here was part of the mission and he was going to do it. For years Fyodor always came in second, compared to Adenski. Fyodor Zaccaria was a blunt smashing tool, too messy and dumb. Adenski, on the other hand, was a surgical knife, accurate and lethal, guided by skill and patience. The two men had an uneasy working relationship and in secret, Fyodor wanted Adenski's job as chief of security but lacked the fine traits that Adenski held. This was his chance to prove to Andropov that he was best and that Adenski was lossing his edge. He made the informative call to Andropov about Adenski's ''distraction''. It was his job to eliminate the distraction, only now he'd enjoy it even more.
Tanaara
06-05-2007, 22:04
A lumbering ten wheeler had nearly over turned as it jack knifed, and blocked the four lanes of the undivided highway almost completely. It's driver was standing in the road, argueing with the driver of an ancient zugat sedan. All traffic on either side had come to a halt. Charli had chosen to brake rather than simply go on to the rough shoulder and around, she preferted to assess the situation first. The local drivers often found nothing wrong in driving the wrong way on shoulders and in break down lanes. The last thing she wanted was a head on.

Charli hissed in frustration and checked her six. She was surprized to see that the BMW's rider had managed to stay on the bike. She'd hoped he'd have laid it down, perhaps damaging it beyond usefullness.

"Oh well if wishes were horses." She muttered to Bonzai as she watched the man. He'd pulled up some three car lengths behind her, and had one hand in his jacket. From the look on his face, it was contorted with rage, she guessed that what ever he had his hand on it wasn't a valentines day gift.

"He started it, the ass." She grumbled, made her deecission, and threw the Phoenix in reverse. She backed up sharply, almost putting her bumper into the bike's front wheel. Leaning out the drivers side window after flicking into second, she waved, threw the man the finger, gunned the AMX3 and spun the wheel all in one smooth, precise dance of motion between hands and feet.

Nimblely the agile car sped along the shoulder and disappeared past the large truck that had caused the traffic jam.

The passenger window powered down. Brisco could go through the opening in a single powerful bound if commanded.. He weighed in at a hundred and fifty five pounds. If he landed on some one riding a bike they'd go over, no two ways about it. Though Charli would only order him to leap if they were going below certain speeds, and she'd rather shoot some one herself rather than risk Brisco's life.

The Manurhin was ready at hand, and even closer were other ...resources...that she could call on if it came to that.
Kulikovia
07-05-2007, 12:26
Fyodor nearl fell off of the bike as the car sped backwards, nearly colliding. He managed to keep himself from panicking too bad. The driver flipped him then ran off past the overturned truck. That was the final straw, the final insult. He reved the bike and roared after her, hitting the shoulder and easilt bypassing the truck and other vehicles. Andropov would reward him for this act. So, as the bike gained ground slowly, the Phoenix came into view, closer...closer. His right hand left the controls and reached inside his coat pocket and poduced the MP-446. At such high rates of speed it was dangerous to even get distracted for a split second. He tried to level the pistol but the bike began to shake. He regained control and in an act of desperation flung the weapon out and fired off a hurried round which missed the car by a long shot. His heart and adrenaline pumped faster than the bike. Again, he leveled the pistol and fired another round, the bullet roaring out of the barrel and barely missing the Phoenix. His aim was improving, the first shot is always the most difficult. The third one would prove better. A third bullet shot out and hit the rear bumper of the car.
Canadstein
07-05-2007, 12:52
Brant had been traveling South on the E101 for sometime. So far he hadn't seen any other racers. He wondered if he was in the front or the back of the pack. E101 would be the only stretch of road he would see for a while, until he would come upon the E95. Then he would travel down E577, E581, E85, then finally the E60. So far the racing had been a piece of cake. He was traveling at 90 mph and was easily maneuvering around any cars in his way. Off in the distance he could see a flash light. It was the police. Brant was going to out run these sucks. Shifting gears, soon the car was traveling at 120 mph. The speed was so welcoming and pleasant to Brant. It was almost as if he needed it. Within moments, he lost track of the police. He uttered a sigh and continued on with his journey.
Tanaara
07-05-2007, 16:52
"That sorry son of a motherless..." Charlis scream was lost under Brisco's booming roar of anger as bullets began flying and the third one of the fullisade hit the Phoenix. Then he went silent, half in the floor well, half on the seat, looking out the back, his eyes locked on the motorcycle flying after them. Charli too had fallen quiet, for when she was well and truly furious she let her actions speak for her.

In one coordinated set of movements, practised thousands of times... Charli slammed the Phoenix into second gear, flicked the wheel in the 'wrong' direction for a mircosecond, to aid the handbrake, while spinning the wheel the wheel in the direction of the opposite lane. She managed the manuever flawlessly, and would have made it's inventor, and racing legend, proud. At the end of the bootleggers turn she was facing her would be assassin.

But only for a split second, then he was past her, his face a mask of rage overlain with horror as once again the two vehicles nearly collided.

The J turn she made as he sped past put her behind him, and her Manurhin PPX came easily to her hand. She knew that while she was proficient
and practised regularly she was by no means some hot shot gun slinger, and she suddenly realized that she was shaking as well. But she was moving slowly enough, accellerating carefully, so she put a good portion of her concentration to targetting the rider.

Half a second, deep breath, force everything from the mind save for the sight picture, half the breath out, let the bang at the end of the trigger pull be a surpirze...Charli's first shot missed the bike she knew that instantly.

However the magazine for the PPX held ten rounds, and she snapped off four more in quick succession. From the way the BMW's rider jerked she thought at least two hit him, though how critically she was not sure at first. Then the bike began slowing, and she braked too, unwilling to get too close.
Kulikovia
08-05-2007, 14:07
The skill and speed of which the car and driver performed in unison, staggered Fyodor who tried to manuever his bike out of the way but was too concentrated on aiming the perfect shot. The driver fired off several rounds to his suprise, one striking him dead on in the leg and a recochet hitting his left arm. The pain seered into his body as warm blood began to run down his pant leg. He grunted and strained but finally fell off the bike, crawling towards a ditch next to the road. He knew she had a dog and feared it may come after him. How could this be happening? He underestimated the target and now everything went to hell. Fyodor failed Andropov and now he was going to die. The other two bikers sped up and emerged on scene but kept a cautious distance. The one rider, the one who opposed Fyodor's actions made a quick decision and drew his Ingram M11 and fired off a quick burst in the air to warn the driver to leave.

Meanwhile, Krueger and several other racers passed the Ukranian border, continuing on their way without a flaw.
Tanara
08-05-2007, 15:31
Charli had killed before, and would again, but she took no pleasure in killing and tried hard, even to endangering herself, to avoid it when she could. Howerver she was also aware that leaving a jack gang behind her would endanger others, if not prove an ongoing danger to herself.

When the two other motorcycles showed up that she had suspected of working with the one she'd been exchanging fire with, she had to wrestle with herself. When one rider drew a Mac 11, she made up her mind. Charli tossed the Manurhin on to the passenger seat and went for yet another concealed compartment, pulling out the FM 90 with it's fifty round mag of special ammo. Slapping open the seatbelt release while ordering Brisco out through the passenger window, she rolled out of the AMX on to her knees on the roadway.

With some mad gods luck the highway had been clear all this time, no one oncoming, and no other following drivers edging around the jackknifed ten wheeler now some miles behind them. The luck held- save for the fallen cycle, it's rider having left behind a trail of blood as he drug himself into a low ditch- the road was clear except for the two new arrivals on the matching BMW ycles and Charli.

The FN 90PDW hammered out its death song at a pull of the trigger, on full auto the 5.7x28mm SS190AP cartridges reached out and touched the bikes and riders, though Charli was mostly intent on destroying the bikes. The rounds, designed to go through vehicle doors, even kevlar vests and helmets up to 200 meters away, as well as pierce NATO CRISAT body armor -.6mm titanium armor plate and 20mm of kevlar soft armor- ripped through the bike' frames, tires and motors.

She hoped that it would take days, a full scale garage, knowledgeable mechanics - and plenty of parts that weren't common in locally - to repair them, if they could be repaired at all. Oil and fluids ran on to the roadway, giving rise to greater chances of fire as well.
Imitora
08-05-2007, 18:25
OOC: Ugh, I hate real life taking me far behind in such things. Anyways, we should probably bring the OOC thread back into this, so we can discuss technical aspects of the race. More specifically the cars present. Might smooth out some of the arguments bound to come in sooner or later. I'll try to get a post up sometime in the next few days.
Kulikovia
10-05-2007, 22:07
OOC: Sorry for the delay.

The two riders leaped from their bikes as a fury of bullets blasted overhead, riddling their bikes. They struggled to understand what just happened. It was just supposed to be a simple elimination job but turned into a disaster. Luckily, neither of them were hit and they quickly drew back, deciding not to fire upon the target. Live to fight another day. Fyodor began to bleed out in the ditch as he crawled for his life away from the mess. The one rider reached for his phone as the other one kept an eye on the direction of the target. He dialed a number and prepeared for the worst.
"Adenski, we've got a situation" he said. Adenski sped down the road severak kilometers away and listened to the hurried story. Rage began to billow deep within him as he gritted his teeth. They disobeyed a direct order, his order. Oddly, the thought of Charli being harmed sickened him. He slammed the phone to the floorboard, without saying a word the entire time.

"That bitch is crazy!" one of them exclaimed as the other snapped his phone shut.
"Let's just get out of here" the other one shot back. Fyodor staggered to his feet and limped off.
Tanaara
11-05-2007, 00:05
Charli was relieved to see the thugs diving out of the way, apparently unharmed. The bikes being destroyed would keep them occupied, with either trying to salvage them, or find transportation in an area where towns were few and far between.

She was tempted, though when one of them pulled a phone out and made a call. However she couldn't bring herself to shoot the man, not since he and his companion seemed far more interested in getting away than firing back.

"Leave now, and live" She shouted at them in Russian, her tone brooking no disobedience. She hoped that they would listen to her and leave with out further exchange of weapons fire.

Brisco had no such qualms as his mistress had, and when the one that Charli had shot earlier managed to struggle to his feet, the massive Kavkaskaia Ovtcharka raced forward, as silent as a cat. His leap covered over a dozen feet and hit Fyodor midback. The one hundred and fifty five pounds of flying muscle slammed the already bleeding Russian to the ground with brutal force. Then the lethal fangs in their powerful jaws closed around the man's neck.

Charli climbed to her feet, ingoring the throbbing pain in her knees. Fortuantely her leather pants had kept the rough road way from tearing the skin of her knees open, but she'd probably have bruises on both knees in a short time.
Imitora
14-05-2007, 03:04
Clive managed to stay far from the violence that beset Charli. After a good night's sleep and a relaxing morning, he made his way out of the city. The start of the race was nothing spectacular, most of the racers trying to show off when they had nothing to show off with. He stayed light on the gas, keeping out of boost, and followed the majority of the other racer's down the main route. Now was not the time to show off, blow the tires out, and pull a few 220mph runs that the Viper was more than capable of.

No, now was the time to keep things simple. Once they got onto the more open roads, he would show the other racers exactly what it meant to go big or go home. He hung close to a few of the other drivers, not straying to far from the Van Luxemburg car. The police light trick was marginally humerous on its own level, and Clive laughed to himself at the trick. "Pussy," he comented, to no one in particular.
Tanaara
17-05-2007, 04:18
Charli looked around and spotted Brisco about to rip the throat out of her first attacker, though she didn't take her attention completely off the other pair.

Though she was furious at the damange done to her beloved car, she had no real interest in seeing the Russian thug dead. "Brisco, I told you NO. Heel" She called ordering the massive beast to her side.

Reluctantly Brisco let go of the man. He didn't want to leave potential enemies behind. He snapped his powerful jaws right next to the mans ear, the snapping sound echoing across the field like a gun shot. Then he was bounding to Charli's side.

The Phoenix started with a throaty roar and in seconds Charli was out of sight and heading on into the Ukraine.Three hundred and sixty kilometers to Poltava. Less than two hours.