Faster Than Angels

[Ace3000]

By LMS, I'm assuming you mean the Le-Mans Prototypes? Like the Toyota TS040, the Porsche 919 & the Audi R18?

The whole more speed, less shield thing is not an actual regulation, more of a fanfic gentleman's agreement, to stop the creation of overpowered crafts with literally no weaknesses. At least, that's how I see it.

Anyway, as promised, here's the finale to FTA Season 1!

The referenced album title of Part 7.4 was The Altogether by Orbital

[Part 8.0] Music Has the Right to Love

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<22100101>

Monday, January 1st, 2210

Angelus R&D HQ, Perth, Australia

10:27:19

"I prepared a surprise for you. In your office. Go check it out!" Tarah was practically jumping. Brandon just had a confused look on his face.

"O...kay, I'll take a look, then..."
-----
He walked over to his office, with Tarah following him. As he entered...

"Well, what's the surprise? I don't see anyth-MMPH?!"

As Brandon asked that, he turned around to face Tarah. As soon as he did that, she kissed him.

<summit | skrillex_>

"I... I love you. Ever since I got a career here, I've always looked up to you. I saw you as a friend, and a mentor. But I've had these new feelings for a while now... and I'm sure... I'm so sure you've had feelings for me too. You've been so kind to me. And... I swear I get this vibe off you that just screams that you see me more than a friend. I love you, Brandon, I really love you. Please, please, j-just say s-something!" She grew more and more emotional, tears were welling up in her eyes.

Brandon just sat on his desk, paralysed, his brain numbed by Tarah's kiss. Finally, he looked up at the emotional redhead in front of him, and spoke, his voice clear, but surprisingly croaky...

"I love you too."

That did it. Those four words pushed Tarah off the edge. She started to silently cry, happy and relieved that Brandon shared her feelings. She then screamed and ran up to Brandon, embracing him in a hug, as she cried into his shoulder.

"Hey, it's alright."

"I-I know it is, I'm j-just so h-happy!"

After a while she calmed down, where Brandon then attempted to lighten the mood.

"Well, when everyone said that 'everything changes in 2210', they weren't kidding!"

"Well, it's all for the better, don't you think?" Tarah replied

"Oh, most definitely!" He laughed. "Come now, let us celebrate! To the new year... and our new relationship!"

"That is something I would love to celebrate!"

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<22100102>
Tuesday, 2nd January, 2210

Angelus R&D HQ, Perth, Australia

08:27:44

"Everyone, I have some important news! Please move to the lounge." Brandon told the team over the intercom. As they gathered round, he started his new years speech.

"Now, as you all know, it's the new year, so we have a lot of work to do, preparing for the new season. However, there have been some changes. First off, there is going to be a slight change in the operation of the training simulator. this is to ensure that our two fantastic pilots are faster and even more fantastic.

Secondly, I've had time to work with our engineers and we have tweaked the Xygen even further, I believe, as of how far our research has taken us, we have perfected this craft. At least, until our research takes us to new heights."

He pulled up some graphics which contained information about the new 2210 craft:

Xygen4 [KA-AX1.1/r10]

Speed
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ 100

Thrust
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░ 080

Handling
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░ 095

Shield
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░░ 070

Brandon then continued. "The ship does have a lighter, but slightly weaker shield, as it helped increase the handling. However, I have faith that our pilots can overcome the weaker shield"

He then looked at Tarah. "[sigh]... Thirdly, and finally, There's something you all need to know, even though it will not affect your work, or most of your lives. I..." his throat caught. "I am in love with Tarah Andrews, and she loves me."

Suddenly, everyone laughed, both Brandon and Tarah had an odd expression on their faces.

"Really?! You don't say?!" Gareth said in response, still laughing, "It's not as if we didn't know, we saw that coming a looong way away! We saw the way you guys look at each other, the way you act in front of each other. You know, it's cute, you make a perfect couple. And I think I speak for the entire team when I say that we, Angelus, gives you our blessing." He then turned to the now blushing Tarah, "Go on, why not go up there and say something?"

"Erm... well, I don't know what to say... but okay." She answered, walking up to the front of the room where Brandon was. She then started to speak, "Uh, h-hi. I'm not really that good at speeches as Brandon is, so please don't expect that of me. the only thing I'm even remotely good at is racing, and even then..."

"Oh, quit that! You're one of the best racers in Australia!" Gareth cut in.

"Yeah, I-I guess so. but anyway. My point is, I am really happy now that I'm with Brandon, but I also don't want you to be upset or anything. I know we are a team, but... but I just love Brandon so much!"

"Hey, if it doesn't affect any of our lives or our work, we're cool with it." An engineer said, "And it doesn't affect anything. You're still our best pilot, Tarah!"

"Heh, thanks." Tarah said bashfully, returning to her seat.

"In any case," Brandon spoke again, "That is all I have to say for this meeting, you may now return to work. We need to be prepared for our first race of 2210. we can do it!"

<//END OF SEASON 1_>
<loading: season_2-2210_FX400...>

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Well, that's that. I should really stop making plot twists every part, it's like M Night Shyamalan. Geez.

Also, since none of you guessed it, the second reference in Gelorum's file that I was looking for was Exai, the most recent album from Autechre.