Once More (Unto the Breach) [FINAL RESULTS]

Community Challenges & Competitions
241

Team Greasy Lightning feat. Pit Stop US

Rick shrugged. “Too small for a pie. It’s got some decent weight to it, though. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was something like a piston and conrod.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” Fuzz scoffed. “Why would they want us to mule dead car parts for them?”

“Oh, and I suppose you think it’s drugs?” Jen rolled her eyes. “I mean, you’re a cop for Christ’s sake. That wouldn’t end well for them.”

James interjected. “Actually, that would be the perfect ruse, if you think about it. Unwitting cop carrying a little coke?”

Rick sighed. “Not heavy enough.” The other two from Greasy Lightning turned and stared at him in unison. “What?”

“And how would you know?” Fuzz asked.

Rick suddenly realized the implication of his words. “No, wait… That’s not what I meant!”

Jen laughed. “My husband. Network engineer by day, notorious drug smuggler by night.”

Rick turned beet red. His chin lowered, and he went back to eating his filet in silence.

James grinned. “Well, now. That was something. Shut down by his wife like a light switch.”

Jen scowled. Charles cut in, “Take it easy, lad. I think this one’s got a bit more bite than you think.”

(@findRED19 back to you again)

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Pit Stop US

Nathan: Well I suppose it does us no favors worrying about it then.
Charles: Yeah, ye best to leave it be, riding in te trunk
James: Yeah. The more pressing question is what to eat. He said that to take the tension off the mysterious package. The package still bothered him… and reminded him of the past…

They looked at the menus with bits of small talk between Team Greasy Lightning’s bites.
The waitress came back to take Pit Stop crew’s orders.

(@VicVictory feel free to fill in the ending, as your team leaves before mine)

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Team Greasy Lightning

Jen finally tossed her white napkin on top of the remnants of her prime rib. It was a struggle, but she tamed the massive entree, sides and all. “Oh yeah. Food coma time. I’ve got the back seat again.”

Rick took a long look at the bar inside the restaurant. “What I wouldn’t give for a drink right now. Maybe later,” he said with a sigh. Standing up, he offered a handshake to the Pit Stop US team members. “Have a safe drive, guys.”

“You too,” James replied.

“You have plans for the night?” Charles added.

Rick nodded in affirmation. “It’s our goal to make it out of Montana tonight, come hell or high water. Fairfield Inn in Sheridan, Wyoming.”

The Greasy Lightning trio left the other team to finish their dinner.

“Drug runner my ass,” Rick muttered to his wife as she climbed in the back seat of the Keystone.

“I know you’re not a drug runner, honey,” she grinned. “That would require taking risks.”

“Hey now!”

Fuzz chuckled as he got behind the wheel once more.

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Team Beer Blokes & BBQs

M: I think that’s the repair shop over there.
S: Hang on, all the lights are off, I think we got here too late.
M: Well shit, what do we do now.
S: I say we make a bit more progress and head to Billings, there’s a repair shop there. We can stop for the night and get up early to fix the car.
M: I’m a little worried about the fuel leak but if you’re trusting it, then I’m trusting it.
T: We have still got that fire extinguisher in the back if shit goes south.
M: Right, lets keep moving then.

They continue on their journey, encountering a thunderstorm, but having no incidents during the time block.

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Team Rockport

Zack: Leo, I’d say let’s stop at Missoula.
Leo: Missoula? We’re just going past it!
Zack: Just turn around then. You look tired, I’m kinda tired. Let’s have some nice food before we plow ahead. There’s no nice restaurant up front.
Leo: I guess. Fast food just doesn’t cut it now, does it?
Zack: It never does, in the long run. Let’s take a short 1 hour break to eat, have a quick inspection of the car, then yeet off again to the Fairgrounds.
Leo: Alright, gotcha.

I just woke up pardon the barebones conversation

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Previous time block

Friday, 10PM - Saturday 12AM Eastern Time

Legend of Terms:

POI NOTE: I will NOT be pre-warning of upcoming POI points. I will ONLY auto-stop teams for two things: fuel and, when completely exhausted, rest. Anything else you want (including tourist POI, restaurants, premature fuel, rest at any point before complete exhaustion), YOU need to PM me in advance (before I run the time block that you’d complete it in). Also, please don’t map out everything from here to the end in one PM… try to keep it within a couple time blocks. Remember: Tourist POI and sit-down restaurants (not fast food) give bonuses to morale and fatigue, but take some time. Tourist POI also give points to the POI award at the end.

BD: Block Distance. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
OD: Overall Distance. This is the total distance that the team has covered since the event started.
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading on the vehicle’s fuel gauge.
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Last Town: Last town of note that was passed (will not include tiny villages)
Next Waypoint: Should be self explanatory.
Weather Condition: Current weather condition at the end of the time block.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.

VicVictory:
BD: 173 mi OD: 771 mi FS: 1/3+ MRL: +1 FTG: +3
Last Town: Big Timber, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has gone over Bozeman Pass. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

@Elizipeazie:
BD: 119 mi OD: 579 mi FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +3
Last Town: Belgrade, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairgrounds
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has refueled in Butte, MT and taken a 30 minute rest break. Team is approaching the outskirts of Bozeman at the end of this time period. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

@BannedByAndroid:
BD: 158 mi OD: 822 mi FS: REFUEL IN PROGRESS MRL: +1 FTG: +7
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has driven over Bozeman Pass. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team is currently refueling in Bozeman, then will immediately be finding lodging for the night. Team is tired.
Ongoing issue: Vehicle is making a clunking noise from the front going over bumpy roads. SES light is on.

@kobacrashi:
BD: 166 mi OD: 810 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +8
Last Town: Big Timber, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has driven over Bozeman Pass. Waypoint completed: Gallatin County Fairground. Team has refueled and acquired chicken in Livingston, MT. Team is tired and will auto-stop for the night in Billings unless specified otherwise.
Ongoing issue: Car is making a grinding noise when turning right.

@Madrias:
BD: 162 mi OD: 798 mi FS: 1/2- MRL: +1 FTG: +6
Last Town: Big Timber, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has refueled in Drummond, MT. Team has driven over Bozeman Pass. Rattling in engine gets a little worse. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.
Ongoing issue: Rattling noise in engine.

@yangx2:
BD: 163 mi OD: 734 mi FS: 2/3- MRL: +1 FTG: +7
Last Town: Livingston, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has driven over Bozeman Pass. Team has refueled in Bozeman, MT. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team is tired, and will auto-stop in Billings unless otherwise specified.

@mart1n2005:
BD: 160 mi OD: 659 mi FS: 1/2- MRL: +0 FTG: +7
Last Town: Belgrade, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team drove through a minor thunderstorm. Team is tired and will auto-stop in Bozeman unless otherwise specified.
Ongoing issue: Jury-rigged RR suspension mount. Unknown how long it will hold.

@Mikonp7:
BD: 0 mi OD: 352 mi FS: FULL MRL: +2 FTG: +0
Last Town: Kellogg, ID Next Waypoint: Lookout Pass
Weather Condition: 67 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is resting/napping this entire time block.

@Centurion_23:
BD: 149 mi OD: 713 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +6
Last Town: Livingston, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has crossed over Bozeman Pass. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team has refueled in Livingston, MT. Team is feeling a little tired.

@Xepy:
BD: 71 mi OD: 616 mi FS: FULL MRL: +3 FTG: +1
Last Town: Butte, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 69 degrees, cloudy
Notes: Team has stopped in Butte to refuel and eat dinner at The Montana Club Restaurant. Team gets back on the road shortly before the end of the time block. Team is feeling a bit tired.

@Private_Miros:
BD: 44 mi OD: 681 mi FS: 1/2 MRL: +2 FTG: +0
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has stopped to refuel and do some diagnostics in Bozeman, MT. Waypoint complete: Bozeman County Fairgrounds. Team has stopped for the night at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.
Ongoing issues: SES light is on, transmission slipping slightly.

@Boiled_Steak:
BD: 156 mi OD: 767 mi FS: 1/2+ MRL: +1 FTG: +4
Last Town: Big Timber, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has gone over Bozeman Pass. Team has had to use their spare coolant as the radiator has a leak in it. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team is tired and will auto-stop in Billings unless otherwise stated.
Ongoing issue: Slight hesitation at high speed. More pronounced now that the speed limit has increased. Team is feeling a bit tired. Radiator is slowly leaking.

@GetWrekt01:
BD: 74 mi OD: 499 mi FS: FULL MRL: +4 FTG: +1
Last Town: Missoula, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 67 degrees, cloudy
Notes: Team has taken an alternate scenic route and spent an hour eating at the Rivercity Grill. Team has refueled in Missoula, MT.

@Mythrin:
mythrin
BD: 88 mi OD: 683 mi FS: 3/4 MRL: -3 FTG: +6
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Car has gone over Bozeman Pass. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground.
CRITICAL FAILURE: Engine sucks in a valve just after leaving Bozeman, totally destroying it.
FINAL MORALE/FATIGUE: (0/+21) (Meh, let’s go to bed.)

@Ryan93:
BD: 0 mi OD: 283 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +12
Last Town: Spokane, WA Next Waypoint: Lookout Pass
Weather Condition: 65 degrees, clear
Notes: Team completes their repair at the end of the time block and will be getting a hotel immediately. Team is feeling exhausted.

@abg7:
BD: 26 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +3 FTG: -2
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has driven over Bozeman Pass. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team has refueled. Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.

@Radster:
BD: 38 mi OD: 643 mi FS: 2/3+ MRL: +3 FTG: -2
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has driven over Bozeman Pass. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team has refueled. Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.

@SkylineFTW97:
BD: 72 mi OD: 626 mi FS: 3/4+ MRL: +3 FTG: +0
Last Town: Butte, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has refueled in Butte, MT and stopped for dinner at The Montana Club Restaurant (arriving approx 5 mintutes before Xepy). Team is back on the road before the end of the time block.

@findRED19:
BD: 122 mi OD: 720 mi FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +2
Last Town: Livingston, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has crossed the Continental Divide at Homestake Pass. Team has crossed Bozeman Pass. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team has refueled in Livingston, MT. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

@Jaimz:
BD: 64 mi OD: 598 mi FS: FULL MRL: +2 FTG: +1
Last Town: Butte, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, cloudy
Notes: Team has refueled in Butte, MT. Team has stopped for the night at the Holiday Inn Express in Butte.
Ongoing issues: Car has a squeak and slight lateral shift of the rear going over bigger bumps. Small crack in windshield.

@Caligo:
BD: 110 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +15
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has refueled in Butte, MT. Team has crossed the Continental Divide at Homestake Pass. Team has crossed Bozeman Pass. Team nearly loses control on the highway near Bozeman due to driver fatigue. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team has auto-stopped due to extreme fatigue at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.
Ongoing issue: There is a slight smell of fuel in the cab.

@Aaron.W:
BD: 156 mi OD: 713 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +8
Last Town: Livingston, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has crossed the Continental Divide at Homestake Pass. Team has crossed Bozeman Pass. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team has refueled in Livingston, MT. Team is tired.
Ongoing issue: AC compressor failure (irrepairable, comfort penalty)

@Keikyun:
BD: 157 mi OD: 731 mi FS: 1/2+ MRL: +1 FTG: +5
Last Town: Livingston, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has refueled in Butte, MT. Team has crossed the Continental Divide at Homestake Pass. Team has crossed Bozeman Pass. Waypoint ocmplete: Gallatin County Fairground. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:
681 mi - Multiple vehicles off the road for the night at a hotel

Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range. Group chats via social media are available.

Team Greasy Lightning

(Very little going on this time period, other than an epic techno-dance mix-a-thon going on through Jen’s phone)

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Team Beer Blokes & BBQs

In dialogue:
S = Sam
T = Tom
M = Mike

Not long after the previous time block, the group passes the stricken Mitaz, along with it’s occupants standing alongside
T: Shit, is that the little shitbox that we were racing?
S: I think that’s the Mitaz with the eyelashes.
T: That one, yeah.
M: Looks like they rolled it, I hope they’re okay.
S: It looks quite bad, but they’re both up and out of the car, so I can only guess they’re okay.

8 miles down the road, they spot the Mirae on a tow truck parked on the side of the road

S: Look, it’s the Milae on a tow truck, it doesn’t look to have any external damage.
M: Must’ve been an engine or trans failure, my money’s on the clutch, they were known to kill clutches at random.
S: At least they’re alright, likely a bit frustrated, but otherwise alright.

(OOC: I know these happened last time block but the team didn’t pass them until this time block.)

M: Fuel light’s come on, we’ll need to stop soon.
S: There’s a servo in Livingston not too far down the road, we can stop there.
T: Can we get a coffee while we’re there, I’m starting to feel a bit drowsy.
S: We should probably stop and find somewhere to sleep soon.
T: Billings is about 2 and a half hours away (this would be during the middle part of the block), it’s the closest place with a repair shop we can use.
S: Mike, are you able to keep going that long?
M: I’m still feeling pretty awake, I think I can make it.

The team continue on to Billings where they’ll stop and rest for the night

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Team Trinity

Matt broke the silence after leaving Missoula and their rushed retreat.

John, what were those… creatures in the grill place?

Alice, munching on crackers after missing dinner, leaned forward, interested in what would come. Matt was slightly jealous of her slim figure - he had his share of cracker dinners during the last two years and his metabolism wasn’t the one had at age 28 anymore.

I have reason to believe these are Tigrilans, and we must observe them. They might be breaking the Prime Directive; willingly or out of ignorance, I do not know.

Compliments to Alice for her reaction on being approached and a discussion between John and Matt about his real purpose on joining the team ensued. Things are what they are Matt concluded. Ivy Mike the Tigrilans remained close all the way to Butte, and this was fine with John.

Transmission issues worsened while John took the wheel on the way to Bozeman. Matt and Alice were attempting to sleep, allowing John to discuss matters with Ivy Mike. It appeared best to Ivy Mike to shadow the targets so far and to put a focus on the Tigrilans (@Madrias). They had passed the car by now - staring intently at the Ardent while doing so. Matt will have to take a look at the car. The transmission slipping might be a terminal issue.

Arriving in Bozeman, Matt got out the toolbox and started looking for issues. The fact that he needed to wait before starting the work as the engine appeared much warmer than expected, while the termperature gauge indicated a cool engine, was a clue as to what the SES light was indicating. Still checking transmission fluid levels and colour, Matt focussed more on the engine and torque converter to see if the issue could be there. As he feared the vavle body might be culprit here, causing the transmission to slip when the engine was put to work. This is something he cannot repair on the road. It will be a bet to continue and see if the engine holds on. At least they were out of the worst of the mountains.

John discussed the conclusions of his conversation with Ivy Mike - not mentioning the conversation with Ivy Mike - with Alice. conclusion was to re-establish contact with the Tigrilans and see if a second meeting was realistic. They had quite the lead by now. But the Ardents was comfortable and with one person driving and the other two sleeping, they could probably drive at least a few hours before getting a short night in a motel.

And so it was decided:

Alice via PM on social media:

Hi Kayden and team, Alice here. Where are you guys staying the night? Maybe we could meet up and look at the rattle; maybe have breakfast together. Matt’s buying.

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Team Harcourt-Entwhistle

Stage 5

Gran - Excuse me young lady but we’d like 2 rooms please. A single and a twin.

Receptionist - Certainly madam, please fill in these forms.

Mopey - Hey there. What time does your shift finish?

Receptionist - 6am and I’ll be collected by my husband.

Mopey - Do you do room service?

Receptionist - Not at this time of night sir.

Mopey - Not even personal room service?

Receptionist whispering to Mopey - Look sonny…No, I don’t, this isn’t a brothel so reel in your tongue before I ring my husband…I know which room you’re staying in…

Mopey looking shocked - You’re not my type anyway.

WHACK!

Mopey - OW! SHIT GRAN!!!

WHACK!
WHACK!
WHACK!

Gran - George, the first was acting inappropriately to this young lady. The other 3 were for your language! I won’t stand for anything less than complete chivalry from my grandson!

Spanners - Excuse me miss, I must apologise for my “friend”. Is there anywhere to get something to eat?

Receptionist (smiling almost leering at Spanners) - Certainly, there’s a Papa Joe’s around the corner, open until the early hours. Please enjoy your stay.

Receptionist passes a piece of paper to Spanners.

Spanners - Thank you.

Gran - What did that young lady pass to you?

Spanners - I think it’s directions to Papa Joe’s…….Oh!

Gran - What is it?

Spanners - Her number…….it’s a shame I’m sharing the room with…

WHACK!

Spanner - ……sorry Mrs E.

Group go and eat pizza before turning in for the night…….

Somewhere in a parking garage…….

Car - Groans, creaks…

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Team Tiger Trouble

Kaylie growled as the Traville’s engine started rattling louder, the noise becoming irritating instead of just annoying. “I don’t know if it will keep going much longer like this. I wish we had a second mechanic that actually knows these engines, and could give us some advice to fix it.”

Kayden and Jaden shared a knowing look, before Kayden said, “I know someone, but… He’s not on the planet right now, and he’s meaner than a nest of gralliks when he’s woken up. And he’s not that much nicer normally, so I’m a little hesitant to call him for a favor.”

“For someone to make you hesitant, that takes some serious work. Anyone I know?” Jaden asked.

“If you have to ask, you don’t know him. He’s bigger than me, and the last time we crossed paths, it didn’t go well for me.”

“Well, what race is he?” Kaylie inquired.

“Khalan, actually.”

“Ah, the wolf-men who practically invented space travel as we know it. How did he defeat you?” Jaden had a smile on his face, knowing that ribbing his brother by bringing up a fight he’d lost would really get on Kayden’s nerves.

“He had the upper hand in that fight, Jade. Bigger, stronger, and he’s Orthrian. Two-heads-One-mind. Had this walking stick that he broke over my back to start the fight, and nearly killed me three times with the broken halves of it. He let me go because he considered me, in his words, ‘a worthy adversary.’ Their sense of honor is strange, and even more so from an Exile like him.” Kayden explained.

“Still haven’t given his name, Kayden.” Kaylie quipped, and Kayden gave a half growled sigh.

“Malavera Blood-in-Manes. He is… He was Exiled, he can’t go back to his homeworld. He’s in a ship, just beyond the dark side of this planet’s moon, keeps to himself, mostly. I had a run-in with him a few years ago, when we were both on the planet, and I learned a few big lessons about dealing with the White-Furred-Menace in the process. The biggest one is that if you’re going to shorten his name, call him Mal, never under any circumstances call him Vera. I saw him rip out someone’s throat for that particular offense.” Kayden replied.

Kayden checked the social media page, and saw the message from Team Trinity.

Hi Kayden and team, Alice here. Where are you guys staying the night? Maybe we could meet up and look at the rattle; maybe have breakfast together. Matt’s buying.

Kayden asked Kaylie and Jaden for their input, before replying with:

We aren’t sure of when or where we plan to stop. That would be Kaylie’s decision, as she’s the one driving. I would ask, but she’s still upset about Jaden’s little joke earlier.

(@Private_Miros , you’ll need to contact VicVictory to get the stop information, there’s a mild plan in the works. Sorry, but even I’m not entirely sure when or where.)

(OOC: Yes, I’m laying the groundwork in advance for the next one of these runs.)

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The car is getting more than Mopey is…

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Maroon Marauders - Part 5

Late evening, Bozeman, Montana

The Maroon Marauders refueled at a service station and parked at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman. Just before going to bed, Gary remarked: “Let’s unpack for the night and get some rest. We’ll be doing plenty of driving tomorrow, which makes our condition that much more vital. As for the other teams, some of them are still out there driving into the night, while the others have chosen to make an early rest stop just like we did, either here or in another town. I suspect that one of them, however, has had a terminal mechanical failure not far from here, but we won’t know for certain until a few hours from now. In the meantime, enjoy a good night’s sleep.”

And so the Maroon Marauders went to sleep, feeling relieved and confident.

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Team Rolling Star

Zach: Mmm, just what I needed. Feeling so much better.

Marshall: Hell yeah. Nothing like some fresh food to lighten the mood.
(Inspects the Ogre’s cooling system)
Looking good here. Mind checking underneath for leaks?

Zach: All clear. All other fluids and stuff looking good?

Marshall: Oil? Check. Brake fluid? Check. Power steering fluid? Check. Serpentine belt? Check. All clear to proceed.

The two double check the fitment on the roof mounted cargo before heading back out.

Zach: I think I’m getting the hang of this. But now we need some actual dirt to test it out on.

Marshall: I wonder if we’re passing through anywhere we can detour and have some fun. I’ll check the route.

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Meanwhile at Team Gizzle

Zack, Jayson and local mechanic John arrive at the motel after about 10 minutes and some pleasant conversations. It did not take long for John to hold the first set of beers, looking at the other two with mild excitement.

John: That’s the place i talked about. As you already know, it’s being ran by my aunt Tonja. But enough talking, let’s have a drink!
Zack: [yawns] Sorry to diappoint you, but it’s really fucking late and i wanna hit the hay.

Jayson: I do like some nice asses, not gonna lie…

John and Zack just shrug and sing some party-drunken-style songs.

John: You guys seem like good boys. But there’S one thing… Ghostie? [pointing at Jayson]
Just try and calm your tits a bit and listen to youe superior there…
Jayson: [shrugs; with asmile] Everything’s cool, bro.
Zack: [to John] Sorry again for interfering into your relationship… Didn’t know it, bro.
John: No need to be stressed about it, Mr. Right.
It was fun with you guys. Have a safe ride.

John gets into his Vega Furis and heads off into the night.

Zack: Rapgod. You heard him. I just wanna have a shower and get some sleep. We’ll continue driving tomorrow…

Jayson: Yep. I will buy some engine drinks in the motel shop first.

to be continued

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RK Series Racing; Chapter VI; could've been worse

early in this block

Tonsom: “So… car’s good?”
Connor: “Again. Damage to suspension components is possible, but very unlikely. Due to cargo shifting during the rotation, the car’s handling is altered, but not in a distressing and/ or dangerous way.”
Redwood: “In short. Car’s good.”
Connor: “Yes.”

Nothing else mentionable happens.

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Team Rockport

Day 1-2 Transition, Break Time, Quick Inspection and Random Bickering

Leo: Check the map again and see if this is right, mate?
Zack: Yeah just take the next block… should be a few meters ahead… There, I can see it. River City Grill, boi. We’re in for a great dinner.
Leo: I needed this. I still can’t get my head over the fact how tame and yet aggressive this car is, but it’s a shame that we couldn’t have a pair of slightly better seats.
Zack: I mean hey, it holds your arse in place and doesn’t give you piles, you know?
Leo: True. Can’t really ask for massaging seats when the car’s already a bargain.

Leo parks the car, shifts the dogbox to neutral, turns the ignition key. 400 horsepower at disposal and yet it had to be slowed down for a measly water pump. “Shame”, thought Leo.

Leo: Alright man, let’s leave the car to cool off, while we cool our stomach.
Zack: Yeah, we might need to refuel before leaving, fuel’s not looking too good. And while we’re at the pump, we’ll do a quick general inspection too I guess?
Leo: Sounds fine! We should check for something we probably could’ve missed. Like that water pump, was working just fine even 3 weeks ago, mate.
Zack: Well, it’s a mechanical piece. It’s bound to go wrong at some point. All we can do is predict and stay prepared.
Leo: Agreed. Let’s leave the park now, I’m famished.

After they order some delicious dinner of their choice from the highly rated Rivercity Grill, coupled with the absolutely beautiful scenery around it, Leo and Zack decide to talk about the other contestants

Zack: Okay so while you were driving, I brought in some updates from wherever I could gather them. There’s Team Gizzle, still stuck at Spokane. Shame we couldn’t do anything to help them. We have Team Eyelashes, The team with that fake Renault Clio Sorry Vri Can’t remember the name and Team Bakewell Boxer biting the dust…
Leo: What do you mean by biting the dust? They’re out?
Zack: Yeah, all of them had catastrophic failures. In fact Team Eyelashes had a crash if local news is right. I hope they’re fine.
Leo: Yeah, I hope so… How are the rest doing?
Zack: Well, some have gone as far as 800 miles, mate. If they keep up like that, we have serious catching up to do. And we can’t ruin the car either while doing so.
Leo: I mean… it’s not like it’s an overly complex car to fix… Right?
Zack: …Long silence… It’s got a fucking Electronic Diff from 2005 you stupid twat! And I won’t even bother talking about the active components and multilink rear suspensions…
Leo: Point… Point. I mean the car would still live if the active components somehow fail, which they shouldn’t by the way… if we treat the car right.
Zack: Well, we took care of the car for 3 weeks and checked for defects in places we suspected, fixed some of them and already know what to do in case of certain issues. Let’s just not think of critical failures right now.
Leo: Right, and there’s our food!

Leo and Zack finish gobbling up their food, chat a bit more about random stuff, until Leo notices a bottle of champagne

Leo: They got alcohol, I could afford a glass I guess.
Zack: Leo, you’re driving for the night, don’t be stupid.
Leo: But dude come on one glass!
Zack: Leo… you’re not getting the drink…
Leo: Zack…
Zack: You are not getting the drink
Leo: Surrenders… Man I’m taking a drink after I’m done with driving… Now I really know how Kimi must’ve felt back in 2018…
Zack: Yeah, I’m pretty sure he was talking about water and not champagne. Schlurp on all the alcohol you want, after the race. Not now.
Leo: Fine!

The boys head out to the parking lot as they’ve just filled their stomachs with food and are ready to take on the roads again. But not before the car has had its meal too. Time to take the car out for a drink… I mean refuel. What will happen at the gas pump? Even I don’t fucking know because it’s 5 AM and I need to sleep. Will provide update around 7 hours later. Cheers

PS: If I manage not to post before Vic’s update, as I’ve been doing recently, make your own story of whatever happened at the fuel station. Doesn’t really matter because they still continue on with a working car and a full fuel tank.

3 Likes
257

Pit Stop US

Nathan and James are in the front, James is in the driver’s seat. Charles is in the far back now.

Nathan: You think we could catch them?
James: We’re gonna try. No sleep til Wyoming!
Charles: Bah! Suit yourself… almost instantly dozes off once the limo starts moving
J: Heh, just like that he’s out.
N: We he better get some rest, because he’s our secret weapon.
J: That scares me a little. Charles driving like a maniac with other cars around…
N: Well, let’s hope he at least has enough sense to avoid the cops then.
J: Second that!

3 Likes
258

Previous time block

Saturday, 12AM - 2AM Eastern Time

Legend of Terms:

POI NOTE: I will NOT be pre-warning of upcoming POI points. I will ONLY auto-stop teams for two things: fuel and, when completely exhausted, rest. Anything else you want (including tourist POI, restaurants, premature fuel, rest at any point before complete exhaustion), YOU need to PM me in advance (before I run the time block that you’d complete it in). Also, please don’t map out everything from here to the end in one PM… try to keep it within a couple time blocks. Remember: Tourist POI and sit-down restaurants (not fast food) give bonuses to morale and fatigue, but take some time. Tourist POI also give points to the POI award at the end.

BD: Block Distance. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
OD: Overall Distance. This is the total distance that the team has covered since the event started.
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading on the vehicle’s fuel gauge.
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Last Town: Last town of note that was passed (will not include tiny villages)
Next Waypoint: Should be self explanatory.
Weather Condition: Current weather condition at the end of the time block.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.

VicVictory:
BD: 167 mi OD: 938 mi FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +7
Last Town: Crow Agency, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Billings, MT. Team is feeling tired.

@Elizipeazie:
BD: 103 mi OD: 782 mi FS: 3/4+ MRL: +2 FTG: +4
Last Town: Columbus, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Bozeman, MT. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Team has spent 10 minutes stopping to check on and interacting with Team Bakewell Boxer where they have broken down. Team has checked into the Super 8 Motel in Columbus, MT for the night (near end of time period)

@BannedByAndroid:
BD: 0 mi OD: 822 mi FS: Full MRL: +1 FTG: -5
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has checked into the Comfort Suites in Bozeman, and is asleep.
Ongoing issue: Vehicle is making a clunking noise from the front going over bumpy roads. SES light is on.

@kobacrashi:
BD: 12 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -5
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled and checked in for the night at the Best Western Plus in Billings, MT.
Ongoing issue: Car is making a grinding noise when turning right.

@Madrias:
BD: 154 mi OD: 952 mi FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +12
Last Town: Sheridan, WY Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Billings, MT. Team has stopped for the night at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Sheridan, WY near the end of the time period. Team is tired.
Ongoing issue: Rattling noise in engine.

@yangx2:
BD: 88 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +5
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Bozeman, MT. Team has stopped for the night at the Best Western Plus in Billings, MT

@mart1n2005:
BD: 22 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +2 FTG: -2
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Bozeman, MT. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Team has stopped at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman, MT
Ongoing issue: Jury-rigged RR suspension mount. Unknown how long it will hold.

@Mikonp7:
BD: 162 mi OD: 514 mi FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +0
Last Town: Missoula, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairgrounds
Weather Condition: 60 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has stopped resting and is back on the road. Waypoint completed: Lookout pass. This vehicle has passed into the Mountain Time Zone (ET-2).

@Centurion_23:
BD: 109 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +7
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Billings, MT. Team has checked into the Best Western Plus in Billings, MT. Team is tired.

@Xepy:
BD: 71 mi OD: 793 mi FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +6
Last Town: Big Timber, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has crossed the Continental Divide at Homestake Pass. Team has crossed Bozeman Pass. Team gets back on the road shortly before the end of the time block. Team is tired and will auto-stop next time period unless otherwise specified.

@Private_Miros:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -3
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.
Ongoing issues: SES light is on, transmission slipping slightly.

@Boiled_Steak:
BD: 55 mi OD: 822 mi FS: 1/2- MRL: -3 FTG: +10
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Incident: Team runs too low on coolant 15 miles west of Billings, and has to be towed the rest of the way into town. Engine appears to be OK, but radiator needs to be replaced to continue. Parts stores are closed. Team has stopped for the night at the Best Western Plus in Billings
Ongoing issue: Slight hesitation at high speed. More pronounced now that the speed limit has increased. Team is feeling a bit tired. Radiator has failed, and team cannot move until it is fixed.

@GetWrekt01:
BD: 171 mi OD: 671 mi FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +7
Last Town: Deer Lodge, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has crossed the Continental Divide at Homestake Pass. Team has crossed Bozeman Pass. Team is starting to feel a little tired.

@Ryan93:
BD: 0 mi OD: 283 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -8
Last Town: Spokane, WA Next Waypoint: Lookout Pass
Weather Condition: 60 degrees, clear
Notes: Team checks into and falls asleep at the Ramada Inn in Spokane.

@abg7:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -5
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.

@Radster:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: 2/3+ MRL: +0 FTG: -6
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.

@SkylineFTW97:
BD: 156 mi OD: 782 mi FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +6
Last Town: Big Timber, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Livingston, MT. Team is tired and will auto-stop next time period unless otherwise specified.

@findRED19:
BD: 165 mi OD: 885 mi FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +6
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has refueled in Billings, MT. Team is feeling a little tired.

@Jaimz:
BD: 0 mi OD: 598 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -3
Last Town: Butte, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team is asleep at the Holiday Inn Express in Butte.
Ongoing issues: Car has a squeak and slight lateral shift of the rear going over bigger bumps. Small crack in windshield.

@Caligo:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -12
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.
Ongoing issue: There is a slight smell of fuel in the cab.

@Aaron.W:
BD: 109 mi OD: 822 mi FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +7
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is very tired and has stopped for the night at the Best Western Plus in Billings.
Ongoing issue: AC compressor failure (irrepairable, comfort penalty)

@Keikyun:
BD: 91 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -1
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Billings. Team has stopped for the night at the Best Western Plus in BIllings.

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:
681 mi - Multiple vehicles off the road for the night at a hotel

Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range. Group chats via social media are available.

Team Greasy Lightning

Rick stifled a yawn. “You know, this state looks a lot smaller on a map.”

Fuzz nodded in hollow acknowledgement, his attention on the road ahead as they passed through the vast nothingness of the Crow Indian Reservation. His eyelids were beginning to get heavy, and the relatively weak yellow light cast by the hi-beams of the Senator played tricks on his eyes with nearly every variation of the road surface.

For a moment he chanced to look up, and saw his sister’s eyes in the back, returning a listless stare. She was awake, at least.

“How many more miles?” she groaned softly.

Rick looked at his phone, mounted to the windshield via suction cup. “Says we’ve got a half hour left. But it’s been saying that for five minutes. I’m not sure it’s actually got a signal.”

She inhaled deeply through her nose and stretched her arms out as far as she could in front of her, then sat up slightly. “I’m going to need a whole bucket of coffee in the morning.”

“Make that two,” Fuzz added, suddenly aware of the conversation.

“Maybe three,” Rick countered. “After all, it’s Jen’s turn to drive in the morning.”

Both siblings groaned at the prospect.

6 Likes
259

Team Tiger Trouble

Kaylie yawned as they left the gas station in Billings, MT, before saying, “I want to get out of this state before we stop for the night. And if you don’t share that beef jerky, Jade, I will-”

Jaden very quickly passed the bag up to Kaylie, remembering the last time she’d made a threat, and the fact that she followed through with it, even if it had taken her a month to get around to it.

Kayden chuckled, then said, “Still not quite willing to risk your fur a second time, I see.”

Jaden grimaced, then replied, “It’s humiliating to be shaved like that.”

“Could be worse, Jade. Mal got me once, a while ago, for complaining that his white fur was less than stealthy. He dyed my fur gray before we had to track down someone in Alaska.” Kayden mentioned, as Kaylie grinned.

“Hey, at least he has some sense of humor buried under all of that cold shell.” Kaylie quipped, before going quiet. “Not that he doesn’t have his very good reasons for being cold and distant.”

At the Fairfield Inn and Suites, in Sheridan, WY, Kaylie parked the rattling Sinistra, and the three got out of the car. Kayden opened the trunk and grabbed his two suitcases, and Kaylie and Jaden grabbed their own single ones before closing the trunk and locking up the car.

Kayden went to check in, a process made much slower by the receptionist being surprised about three Tigrilans in the hotel, and grinning at Nova’s joke in Kayden’s last name. “Yes, I get it now. We need a room for the night.” Kayden said, putting the slightest hint more of a growl in his voice, and getting the results he wanted as a result. “How many rooms do you need?”

Kayden smiled, before replying, “We’re siblings, we can get by with one room provided there’s enough space.”

With one room rented, Kayden, Kaylie, and Jaden headed for it, planning on getting comfortable and ready for the next day.

Kayden got out of his heavy black robe, favoring a thin light-blue one, with his sword belted on over it, following tradition. Jaden traded out the shorts and grim reaper shirt for a simple gray robe, preferring it to the more human-style clothing he’d been wearing. Kaylie, however, swapped out her shirt and shorts for more of the same, this time going for a longer pair of shorts, and a shirt in a rather loud shade of purple.

Kayden smiled, then said, “That’s our Kaylie, always one for breaking traditions.” Kaylie, in response, used one of the human gestures she’d learned on the road, giving Kayden the middle finger, with the added bonus of extending the retractable claw for emphasis.

“I guess she’s learning.” Jaden said. The three of them set up their sleeping gear in different areas of the room, leaving the bed untouched.

6 Likes
260

RK Series Racing; Chapter VII; it DID get worse

They see a stranded car on the side of the road.

Redwood: [in shock] “Are those the team we met at the pizza place??”
Connor: “The car matches that of team Bakewell Boxer’s entry.”
Redwood: “I really want to know what happened to them. Let’s stop and ask them.”
Tonsom: “I see no real problem there… We did offer to help when need arises…”

The Dione comes to a stop behind the other car.
RK Connor gets out first, and immediately heads for the trunk to get the warning triangle.
While he is off setting it up, the other two exit the Dione and approach to now-stranded team members.

Redwood: “Hello there, Mandy and Connor.”
Johnson: “Alright, how’s it been going for you lot?”
Tonsom: “Could’ve been worse… i’d say you got the worse.”
Carter: [disappointed] “Yeah the bloody valve train shit itself. Then took the rest of the engine with it.”

Connor arrives back at the scene. He discreetely focuses on Carter first, performing the same scan he did on the trucker’s team teaching Tonsom how to drive. Then he repeats the process with Johnson as well.

Connor: “Good evening, Ms Carter. Mr Johnson.”

Carter and Johnson both were quite surprised to be addressed so formally they both paused quickly before continuing

Carter then briefly and discreetly looked up and down Connor peering slightly around his back passing it off as checking out the Dione ,noticing the big ANDROID lettering emblazoned on his uniform.

Johnson: “Hi Connor, you can just call me Connor if you want … it’s also my name as well” Johnson shakes Connor’s bad hand, noticing it being mostly limp during the entire handshake.

Carter holds her composure masking a slight smirk at BB Connor’s people skills

Carter: “Hello um … Connor you can just call me Mandy.”
Tonsom: “Yeah… He’s a little awkward around people…”

RK Connor briskly walks past them to inspect the now-broken-down car. He starts looking into the engine bay and quickly can make out the cause of failure. He returns to the others.

Connor: [calm/ un-emotional as always] “The engine has seized after a valve-stem failure on cylinder 3. Repair is impossible.”
Tonsom: [already annoyed by Connor] “They knew that already, smartass…”
Carter: “Well it’s what you sign up for I guess, I suppose we better call a tow truck and get this shed off the road.”

Connor’s led changes to a yellow-y shade for about 15 seconds before returning to blue.

Connor: “A tow truck is en-route from the city of Bozeman, Montana. It should arrive within the next 30 minutes. Bozeman is located 3 miles west of here.”

Carter and Johnson both turn their heads towards eachother and raise their brows.

Carter: “How…”

Johnson quickly cuts her off.

Johnson: “Um … thank you Connor, we … we wouldn’t have known who to contact so thanks for … um doing that.”

Tonsom: “We would’ve offered you two a lift into the next town, but our car is filled with camping gear and some spare parts… Sorry to break the promise we gave. At least we could get you a tow-truck for… whatever this is… or was…”
Redwood: [sad] “It’s sad to meet nice new people for them to immediately go away again…”
Johnson: “I’m sure we can keep in touch every now and then, we might even see you again if we do one of these things…”

Carter: “We’ll just bring something that works next time.”

Carter turns around to watch Connor walk to the car

Carter: “Hey um, don’t think me rude or anythin’ but, what’s up with your friend over there…” she nodded her head back toward Connor

Johnson lightly slaps Mandy on the chest indicating for her to stop.

Redwood: “I guess… he’s not exactly a human. At least i wouldn’t be surprised considering he’s bleeding BLUE juice-like stuff and how you and him… or it… talk to each other.”
Tonsom: “Well… yeah. He’s some form of Android robot thing from 20 years in the future. Hence the ANDROID lettering on his back. Dunno how that works, but that is what he told me… and given the little things i know about how he works, i do think he’s not lying… He’s not hiding it either for god knows whatever reason…”

Carter darts her head over her shoulder and sees RK Connor walking back

Carter: “Oh I … um see, I suppose that makes a bit of sense all considered”
Johnson: “Yeah I um can’t fault his efficiency in calling that towtruck.”

He spun his head to see RK Connor now approaching.

Johnson: “Ahem anyways thank you for all your help and everything, I’m sorry that your … blog won’t be finished in time…”

Connor had now come back to the group after storing the triangle in the trunk, Mandy gave him a small, awkward smile .

Carter: “Anyways you guys really ought to be going, you lot are still in this race after all.”
Tonsom: “Yeah we really gotta go… Thanks for trying to help”
Redwood: [joyful] “See ya sometime! Hope we cann meet in the future.”
Connor: [neutral] “Have a nice evening.”

The three enter the car, Connor driving, Redwood on the passenger seat and Tonsom inthe back. When they drive off, Johnson and Carter notice that Redwood is shifting the 5-speed manual of the Dione.

in the car

Redwood: “They were nice people… shame their trip ended already.”
Tonsom: “Yeah… they deffo were faster than us for that Coyote Jim thing.”
Redwood: “We at least have their contact…”
Tonsom: “Yeah…”

6 Likes