We're nearing the start of the F12000, just two more parts to go!
The referenced album title of Part 12.3 was Xtort by KMFDM.
Also, there was a referenced album title for the entirety of Part 12, which, if you took the green letters and swapped them around, it would give you "ANTI", which references the Anti EP by Autechre. Yeah, really obscure, sorry.
Anyway, back to normal part titles!
[s2_5.0: Part 13.0] No More Sleep
<22100303>
Saturday, March 3rd, 2210
Angelus R&D HQ, Perth, Australia
12:32:48
After the disappointment of everything they ever stood for being demolished, Angelus were not going to back down.
"Listen, Gelorum..." Brandon began.
"It is too late for that. Please... c-... call me by my real name." Alexandra Kotova cut in, defeated.
"...Really?" he asked, not sure if this was a trick.
"Brandon, you are not the only one who lost everything. In fact, I have lost even more than you. At least you still have a team, even if the second coming of the F9000 is approaching."
"A... Alexandra. you weren't evil at all, were you?"
"Of course not. I just have a really bad temper. That's the truth, I have nothing to lose or gain if I lie. I actually started to like it, racing in the FX400, as the violent racer... [sigh]... I should have accepted the fact that my racing style was not suitable for the Angelus pro-"
"Stop right there. That was all in the past... however, if you allow me to, I will forgive you. This does mean coming back as a part of the Angelus team."
Alexandra thought about it for a bit, then sighed. "I don't have a choice, do I? I have literally nothing to lose, as it was all taken away from me. I did not think it would come to this... but... please, forgive me. I want revenge. REVENGE FOR THAT F**KER WHO TOOK EVERYTHING AWAY FOM ME! If I have to join Angelus to do so, then so be it."
Brandon could do nothing but smile. "Welcome back to Angelus, Alexandra."
"Ugh, ok, stop. Calling me by my full name is cringe-worthy. You need to shorten that. Call me... erm... call me Alex."
"Alex... okay."
At that moment, the door opened suddenly and forcefully, as Tarah stormed in, with Gareth following behind her in an attempt to stop her.
"Tarah, stop!" Gareth commanded.
"You... You BITCH!" She yelled, and raised her fist, but stopped just as she was about to swing. Alex had cowered, stepping back, crouching and holding her hands above her head.
"No! I'm sorry, I-I really am. I know I've done horrible things, but please, don't hurt me, that won't make you any better than me. I only did the things I did because I could get away with it... well, the later things anyway. The first several months were done out of rage. But I'll change! I will! I promise, just... please... don't h-hurt me!"
After that she slumped to the floor in defeat, crying.
"Tarah, wh-" Brandon started, but was cut off.
"No, shut up!" Tarah snapped back, "She is a horrible, evil person! And you just let her back into our team? Really?"
"I'd rather we not discuss this right in front of her. But I let her back because I have compassion. She has lost everything, whether or not she deserved that is not the point. Besides, there are much worse people than her, and we must focus on the larger threats."
Suddenly, Alex started to speak. "I... I promise to play by your rules. This is your team, I can't just do what I want. All I ask is for your co-operation. We need to bring Crinale and the new AGRC down. It will be difficult, even if we all work together, but it will be easier than if we didn't."
"Well, you can't argue that she does have a point. Please Tarah, for me... Do this for me. You don't have to be the best of friends, just treat her as a part of Angelus. Please?"
After some thought, Tarah extended her hand to Alex, who was still on the floor. "Sorry. I usually don't lose my cool. Even then, I shouldn't have raised my fist at you."
"It's fine, I understand. I must have caused you and the team great pain. If anyone should be sorry, it's me." Alex then grabbed Tarah's hand, pulling herself up.
"Great! now, we have work to do, let's get cracking!"
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<22100310>
Sunday, March 10th, 2210
Angelus R&D HQ, Perth, Australia
10:32:24
"Breaking News: The Anti-Gravity Racing Commission has made some changes this past week, and are now able to publicly reveal them. Live at the AGRC headquarters, here is Chris Scarbrough."
"Hello. I am Chris Scarbrough, the new managing director of the Anti-Gravity Racing Commission. The sudden death of Natasha Belmondo shocked everyone here at the AGRC and indeed the world. So, in her honour, the AGRC has approved of upgrading the League to F12000 specification. Participating teams have been supplied with the official rules and regulations, so they may start work on constructing their crafts for the inaugural season, starting in 2212.
"What I can tell the public is that it will be one of the fastest leagues yet! We have made changes to the course roster and speed classes. Now, there is no speed limit, but there are limitations for the various components. These limitations will be called Stages. Stage 1 will be the most restrictive and the slowest, and Stage 4 will be the least restrictive and the fastest. Either way, speeds will be in excess of 1000km/h! This is one reason why we changed the roster of racing courses.
"In any case, we hope to see you there in 2212!"
Brandon just sat there, the only thing he could say was "...Of course. Stupid git. Seeing his stupid smile makes me want to f**king vomit."
He then turned to his team, after obtaining the regulations and restrictions. "Alrighty team, I now officially declare work on the F12000 craft started. Let's show this idiot what we can do!"
The only changes in regulations that you have to worry about in creating your F12k ships is the increase in speed to >1100km/h. All stats go up to 100%, as in the standard FX400. Also required is a Super Weapon, which obviously makes a comeback in this league. So basically, think Fusion.