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Act 3 - Obligations
Location: Alpine Headquarters, Dieppe, France
Time: 11 am
Meanwhile, in Alpine's headquarters in France, a meeting is also underway. Preparations are done round the clock, as the 24 hour endurance race is a mere two weeks away.
Alphonse, Louis, and Pierre are in the board room. Alphonse is checking on his social media accounts in his phone, Pierre merely plays with his cap and Louis just crosses his arms in wait.
"Time sure does go fast. But not in waiting like this." Alphonse remarked.
"Ah... they will come." Louis replied.
And then the rest came. Alphonse is taken by surprise, by the arrival of Noel Chevalier along with Hugo Deschamps.
"Pardon us for being late." Noel said.
Louis keeps his nonchalant expression, and instead just straightens his seating posture as the meeting begins.
Noel approaches Alphonse, and places his hand on the young man's shoulder.
"How you've been? I hope you are doing okay." Noel said.
"Uh... I'm doing fine, monsieur. To be honest, I'm excited and nervous at the same time." Alphonse replied.
"You don't have to worry about a thing, since I will be your teammate in the race. All you need to do is... race." Noel said.
Louis clenches his right fist, something that Hugo observed.
Noel then returns to his seat, smiling and looking at his son. Finally, the rest of the 24 hour endurance team arrive in the room.
One of them prepares the presentation to be displayed via the projector.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for arriving, and of course we must also thank the presence of both Pierre Gasly and Noel Chevalier who will join us."
The team applauds. Noel then takes the floor.
"Thank you. I am honored to be part of your glorious quest. I am aware of your recent struggles, and we hope that our participation will yield positive results that will encourage the entire company to set into new heights. Let me assure you, that my position as the president of the FIA will hold no bearing on the results. I will participate as a race car driver. So, let us all work together in order to achieve Alpine's possible first victory in the Nurburgring 24 hours. It's a gamble, in my honest opinion, but as long as our minds and hearts are in the right place, then we will be victorious." Noel said.
Another applause ensues. Noel briefly looks at the smiling Alphonse, but then shifts back to the audience.
"I would also like to thank Pierre Gasly for joining us. It is an honor to be part of the team. And of course, the other drivers, Hugo Deschamps, and Alphonse Blanchard." Noel added.
"Now, let us focus on the race itself. It is just two weeks away, and I assume everyone is prepared, no?" Noel asked.
"Monsieur, all the spare parts are accounted for. Tires were inspected and are in their best condition. The twin turbo V6 engine was also personally inspected by NISMO's engineers themselves and necessary modifications were made to ensure longevity. Outside the race matters, social media personnel are ready and security in the paddock is ensured. Sleeping quarters similar to the F1 team will also be available on that race. By tomorrow, we will already be on our way to the Nurburgring, to set up our paddock. Weather is forecasted to have overcast skies, with a large possibility of rain and fog on the race itself." the chief engineer replied.
"Very good. And as the FIA president, I will also ensure that every race team will have top notch security and contingency measures are already taken care of. It will be my responsibility to make sure that the race will have no untoward incidents, despite me being behind the wheel." Noel said.
After an hour of detailed discussions regarding the race proper, everyone is dismissed. Gasly bids goodbye, and Hugo is instructed by Noel to prepare the car.
"Alphonse, go ahead and get in my car. I want to speak with monsieur Cheavlier for a moment." Louis said.
"Oh okay. I'll also turn the engine on and airconditioning." Alphonse replied.
"You do that." Louis replied with a smile.
Now that Noel and Louis are alone in the hallway, the latter's happy face turns into a somber one.
"Is something the matter, monsieur Montagny?" Noel asked.
"I.... know... what you did." Louis said.
"Huh? I did what?" Noel asked, taken aback by Louis' scowl.
"Oh don't play coy. I don't care if you're the FIA president, but you have a MUCH LARGER obligation. You are now a father, aren't you?" Louis replied.
Noel then froze.
"Let me just tell you a short story. Olivia died from childbirth giving life to your son Alphonse. I met Alphonse when he was just 7, very eager to join karting and even tried his very best to convince his grandparents despite their limited finances. They relented and put faith on him. I saw a lot of potential from him, and decided that I will personally raise him, with the approval of his grandparents. I acted as a father, brother and a mentor to him. Where were you? Philandering? Setting your eyes on another prized possession? And you know what? He wasn't even a least bit interested in knowing about his father. All he knows so far is the fate of his mother, and came to accept that.
You can be the daddy dearest for all I care. But don't you... ever... dare lay a finger on Alphonse. And if I ever found out that he got hurt because of you, I will relinquish all my respect I have for you and make sure that hell will be raised, even if that means me going to prison.
YOU CAN COUNT ON THAT. It's not a threat. It's a PROMISE."
Louis then breathes out a sigh, and then walks away leaving a gasping and shaking Noel, a rare reaction coming from an esteemed member of the elite.
**********************************************************************************************
Location: Unicorn Media main headquarters, Germany
Time: 1 pm
Over to Unicorn Media, Barry had just finished his lunch, and went straight to his cubicle, as he has an article to finish before he can focus on the race.
Just as he is to lay his fingers on the keyboard, his phone rings. It's his wife, Sarah, calling all the way from their home in London.
"Hello?" Barry said.
"Hey, Barry, are you busy?" Sarah asked.
"Uh... I'm actually about to submit my article, but I can spare some time." Barry replied.
"Don't worry, it will be brief." Sarah said sheepishly.
"What's wrong? You sound weak... are you sick?" Barry asked.
"I'm just feeling a bit dizzy lately, and then I had to go to the hospital." Sarah replied.
"And... what did the doctor say?" Barry asked.
"Gynecologist. Luca will have a baby brother or sister." Sarah replied with a happier tone.
Barry smiles upon hearing the good news.
"Haha, that's wonderful! I can't wait to go back home after the race." Barry replied.
"Just focus on winning it, okay? You don't have to worry about me. Luca is very happy too. Oh, he is also looking into entering in a karting school. I thought that we have to wait for you since you are an expert on those things." Sarah said.
"You'd better start looking already. Then let me know the options, okay? Just take it easy this time around." Barry replied.
"I will. We will also watch you at home. Good luck. I love you." Sarah said.
"I love you too." Barry replied.
The call ends. Barry shows a big grin, then finally he can start typing. His article is quite overdue...
********************************************************************************************************
Location: Nurburgring, Germany
Time: 2 pm, two weeks later
Race week is on. And although the race itself will take place on Saturday until Sunday, this Thursday is the qualifying session. Even then, there is already a humongous attendance of race fans, more than double of last year.
The racing teams are working all day, starting from the very early morning for preparations.
Alphonse is at the fan zone, and is somewhat overwhelmed by the number of fans. Him signing autographs never seems to cease.
"I'm THIS famous now?!" Alphonse wondered as he keeps on signing using a permanent marker. Pierre obviously has more fans due to his higher status as an F1 driver.
When an opportunity arises to take a breather, Alphonse takes it. He breathes out a sigh and takes a seat.
And then of course, Giacomo arrives.
"You won't give me an autograph?" Giacomo asked.
Hearing that familiar Italian accent, Alphonse smilingly looks up.
"Jacques!" Alphonse exclaimed and then proceeds to give a brotherly hug.
"I miss you, Alfonso! So, we are going to play again?" Giacomo asked.
"Of course. And this time around, I won't lose here. Hehehe." Alphonse replied.
"I'm counting on that." Giacomo said. Then he breathes a sigh.
"Eh? What's wrong?" Alphonse asked.
"Ah... just looking at the Aston Martin Racing team over there." Giacomo replied, pointing his thumb at the people behind him. Alphonse peeks out, and his eyes widened upon seeing familiar faces.
"Se... Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll, Jason Plato.... and FERNANDO ALONSO?! You've got to be kidding!" Alphonse exclaimed.
"You've got an F1 driver in your team, and so do mine. But those three? There's a lot of tension and excitement right now." Giacomo replied. "This is projected to be the most-viewed in the history of all the Nurburgring 24 hour races. Even today, the livestream views have already hit millions before the qualifying begins."
"I'm... going to drive today's qualifying." Alphonse said, quickly turning his reaction to disbelief.
"We can't act like babies anymore. We can't go down a notch. Accept the fact that we are on the much bigger world of racing." Giacomo replied.
Then Alphonse is ordered to return to Alpine's paddock for a brief orientation before the qualifying session begins.
"There will be just three laps. First will be the warm up, and then the next two will be the flying laps, the only opportunities for us to set the quickest lap time. Alphonse here will be the one running today." Noel said.
But upon learning the competition earlier, Alphonse is clouded with too much anxiety, that he can't even respond.
"Are you okay?" Louis asked.
"Uh... yes. Sorry, I just looked at all the cars that will join today. I was so shocked." Alphonse replied.
"Don't let us intimidate you. We F1 drivers are only serious once we get behind the wheel. Off the track, we are just relaxed and friendly." Pierre said.
After that brief meeting, Alphonse returns to his quarters. He suddenly feels a gush of heat in his body, and then his stomach churns.
"Ooh... I think I ate something bad." Alphonse said.
He quickly rushes to Louis who is on the reception area of Alpine's paddock.
"Monsieur, I don't feel good. My stomach hurts. I think this is from something I ate last night." Alphonse said.
"Oh no. Qualifying starts in a few minutes." Louis said.
Noel also happens to be in the same place, speaking to the journalists. But he manages to hear Alphonse's complaints. He immediately excuses himself and rushes over to his son's side.
"Are you okay? If you don't feel well, then we will let Gasly do the qualifying." Noel said.
"I'm sorry, but I can't race like this." Alphonse replied.
"Don't apologize for that. Get all the rest you need for the race weekend. You can count on Gasly." Noel said.
Pierre was then summoned. He then suits up and readies himself as if it's a routine for him.
Alphonse then looks at Pierre, in full race gear. The young man then extends his fist, in which Pierre reciprocates by fist bumping.
"I'm sorry. I'm supposed to run, but..." Alphonse said.
"Don't worry. Just rest up. I'll be on full gas." Pierre replied with a smile.
The cars then get out one by one from the pit lane, with a certain gap placed between them in order for them to qualify safely.
It's now Gasly's turn. He goes on full throttle upon exiting the pit lane.
Not too far behind is Fernando Alonso.
"Seeing that familiar shade of blue in front of me... makes my blood boil." Alonso said.
It's just the warm up lap, and tension has already risen to its highest level. The crowds are already cheering wildly, especially the F1 fans who are also gathered to show support to their idols.
End of Act 3
Location: Alpine Headquarters, Dieppe, France
Time: 11 am
Meanwhile, in Alpine's headquarters in France, a meeting is also underway. Preparations are done round the clock, as the 24 hour endurance race is a mere two weeks away.
Alphonse, Louis, and Pierre are in the board room. Alphonse is checking on his social media accounts in his phone, Pierre merely plays with his cap and Louis just crosses his arms in wait.
"Time sure does go fast. But not in waiting like this." Alphonse remarked.
"Ah... they will come." Louis replied.
And then the rest came. Alphonse is taken by surprise, by the arrival of Noel Chevalier along with Hugo Deschamps.
"Pardon us for being late." Noel said.
Louis keeps his nonchalant expression, and instead just straightens his seating posture as the meeting begins.
Noel approaches Alphonse, and places his hand on the young man's shoulder.
"How you've been? I hope you are doing okay." Noel said.
"Uh... I'm doing fine, monsieur. To be honest, I'm excited and nervous at the same time." Alphonse replied.
"You don't have to worry about a thing, since I will be your teammate in the race. All you need to do is... race." Noel said.
Louis clenches his right fist, something that Hugo observed.
Noel then returns to his seat, smiling and looking at his son. Finally, the rest of the 24 hour endurance team arrive in the room.
One of them prepares the presentation to be displayed via the projector.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for arriving, and of course we must also thank the presence of both Pierre Gasly and Noel Chevalier who will join us."
The team applauds. Noel then takes the floor.
"Thank you. I am honored to be part of your glorious quest. I am aware of your recent struggles, and we hope that our participation will yield positive results that will encourage the entire company to set into new heights. Let me assure you, that my position as the president of the FIA will hold no bearing on the results. I will participate as a race car driver. So, let us all work together in order to achieve Alpine's possible first victory in the Nurburgring 24 hours. It's a gamble, in my honest opinion, but as long as our minds and hearts are in the right place, then we will be victorious." Noel said.
Another applause ensues. Noel briefly looks at the smiling Alphonse, but then shifts back to the audience.
"I would also like to thank Pierre Gasly for joining us. It is an honor to be part of the team. And of course, the other drivers, Hugo Deschamps, and Alphonse Blanchard." Noel added.
"Now, let us focus on the race itself. It is just two weeks away, and I assume everyone is prepared, no?" Noel asked.
"Monsieur, all the spare parts are accounted for. Tires were inspected and are in their best condition. The twin turbo V6 engine was also personally inspected by NISMO's engineers themselves and necessary modifications were made to ensure longevity. Outside the race matters, social media personnel are ready and security in the paddock is ensured. Sleeping quarters similar to the F1 team will also be available on that race. By tomorrow, we will already be on our way to the Nurburgring, to set up our paddock. Weather is forecasted to have overcast skies, with a large possibility of rain and fog on the race itself." the chief engineer replied.
"Very good. And as the FIA president, I will also ensure that every race team will have top notch security and contingency measures are already taken care of. It will be my responsibility to make sure that the race will have no untoward incidents, despite me being behind the wheel." Noel said.
After an hour of detailed discussions regarding the race proper, everyone is dismissed. Gasly bids goodbye, and Hugo is instructed by Noel to prepare the car.
"Alphonse, go ahead and get in my car. I want to speak with monsieur Cheavlier for a moment." Louis said.
"Oh okay. I'll also turn the engine on and airconditioning." Alphonse replied.
"You do that." Louis replied with a smile.
Now that Noel and Louis are alone in the hallway, the latter's happy face turns into a somber one.
"Is something the matter, monsieur Montagny?" Noel asked.
"I.... know... what you did." Louis said.
"Huh? I did what?" Noel asked, taken aback by Louis' scowl.
"Oh don't play coy. I don't care if you're the FIA president, but you have a MUCH LARGER obligation. You are now a father, aren't you?" Louis replied.
Noel then froze.
"Let me just tell you a short story. Olivia died from childbirth giving life to your son Alphonse. I met Alphonse when he was just 7, very eager to join karting and even tried his very best to convince his grandparents despite their limited finances. They relented and put faith on him. I saw a lot of potential from him, and decided that I will personally raise him, with the approval of his grandparents. I acted as a father, brother and a mentor to him. Where were you? Philandering? Setting your eyes on another prized possession? And you know what? He wasn't even a least bit interested in knowing about his father. All he knows so far is the fate of his mother, and came to accept that.
You can be the daddy dearest for all I care. But don't you... ever... dare lay a finger on Alphonse. And if I ever found out that he got hurt because of you, I will relinquish all my respect I have for you and make sure that hell will be raised, even if that means me going to prison.
YOU CAN COUNT ON THAT. It's not a threat. It's a PROMISE."
Louis then breathes out a sigh, and then walks away leaving a gasping and shaking Noel, a rare reaction coming from an esteemed member of the elite.
**********************************************************************************************
Location: Unicorn Media main headquarters, Germany
Time: 1 pm
Over to Unicorn Media, Barry had just finished his lunch, and went straight to his cubicle, as he has an article to finish before he can focus on the race.
Just as he is to lay his fingers on the keyboard, his phone rings. It's his wife, Sarah, calling all the way from their home in London.
"Hello?" Barry said.
"Hey, Barry, are you busy?" Sarah asked.
"Uh... I'm actually about to submit my article, but I can spare some time." Barry replied.
"Don't worry, it will be brief." Sarah said sheepishly.
"What's wrong? You sound weak... are you sick?" Barry asked.
"I'm just feeling a bit dizzy lately, and then I had to go to the hospital." Sarah replied.
"And... what did the doctor say?" Barry asked.
"Gynecologist. Luca will have a baby brother or sister." Sarah replied with a happier tone.
Barry smiles upon hearing the good news.
"Haha, that's wonderful! I can't wait to go back home after the race." Barry replied.
"Just focus on winning it, okay? You don't have to worry about me. Luca is very happy too. Oh, he is also looking into entering in a karting school. I thought that we have to wait for you since you are an expert on those things." Sarah said.
"You'd better start looking already. Then let me know the options, okay? Just take it easy this time around." Barry replied.
"I will. We will also watch you at home. Good luck. I love you." Sarah said.
"I love you too." Barry replied.
The call ends. Barry shows a big grin, then finally he can start typing. His article is quite overdue...
********************************************************************************************************
Location: Nurburgring, Germany
Time: 2 pm, two weeks later
Race week is on. And although the race itself will take place on Saturday until Sunday, this Thursday is the qualifying session. Even then, there is already a humongous attendance of race fans, more than double of last year.
The racing teams are working all day, starting from the very early morning for preparations.
Alphonse is at the fan zone, and is somewhat overwhelmed by the number of fans. Him signing autographs never seems to cease.
"I'm THIS famous now?!" Alphonse wondered as he keeps on signing using a permanent marker. Pierre obviously has more fans due to his higher status as an F1 driver.
When an opportunity arises to take a breather, Alphonse takes it. He breathes out a sigh and takes a seat.
And then of course, Giacomo arrives.
"You won't give me an autograph?" Giacomo asked.
Hearing that familiar Italian accent, Alphonse smilingly looks up.
"Jacques!" Alphonse exclaimed and then proceeds to give a brotherly hug.
"I miss you, Alfonso! So, we are going to play again?" Giacomo asked.
"Of course. And this time around, I won't lose here. Hehehe." Alphonse replied.
"I'm counting on that." Giacomo said. Then he breathes a sigh.
"Eh? What's wrong?" Alphonse asked.
"Ah... just looking at the Aston Martin Racing team over there." Giacomo replied, pointing his thumb at the people behind him. Alphonse peeks out, and his eyes widened upon seeing familiar faces.
"Se... Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll, Jason Plato.... and FERNANDO ALONSO?! You've got to be kidding!" Alphonse exclaimed.
"You've got an F1 driver in your team, and so do mine. But those three? There's a lot of tension and excitement right now." Giacomo replied. "This is projected to be the most-viewed in the history of all the Nurburgring 24 hour races. Even today, the livestream views have already hit millions before the qualifying begins."
"I'm... going to drive today's qualifying." Alphonse said, quickly turning his reaction to disbelief.
"We can't act like babies anymore. We can't go down a notch. Accept the fact that we are on the much bigger world of racing." Giacomo replied.
Then Alphonse is ordered to return to Alpine's paddock for a brief orientation before the qualifying session begins.
"There will be just three laps. First will be the warm up, and then the next two will be the flying laps, the only opportunities for us to set the quickest lap time. Alphonse here will be the one running today." Noel said.
But upon learning the competition earlier, Alphonse is clouded with too much anxiety, that he can't even respond.
"Are you okay?" Louis asked.
"Uh... yes. Sorry, I just looked at all the cars that will join today. I was so shocked." Alphonse replied.
"Don't let us intimidate you. We F1 drivers are only serious once we get behind the wheel. Off the track, we are just relaxed and friendly." Pierre said.
After that brief meeting, Alphonse returns to his quarters. He suddenly feels a gush of heat in his body, and then his stomach churns.
"Ooh... I think I ate something bad." Alphonse said.
He quickly rushes to Louis who is on the reception area of Alpine's paddock.
"Monsieur, I don't feel good. My stomach hurts. I think this is from something I ate last night." Alphonse said.
"Oh no. Qualifying starts in a few minutes." Louis said.
Noel also happens to be in the same place, speaking to the journalists. But he manages to hear Alphonse's complaints. He immediately excuses himself and rushes over to his son's side.
"Are you okay? If you don't feel well, then we will let Gasly do the qualifying." Noel said.
"I'm sorry, but I can't race like this." Alphonse replied.
"Don't apologize for that. Get all the rest you need for the race weekend. You can count on Gasly." Noel said.
Pierre was then summoned. He then suits up and readies himself as if it's a routine for him.
Alphonse then looks at Pierre, in full race gear. The young man then extends his fist, in which Pierre reciprocates by fist bumping.
"I'm sorry. I'm supposed to run, but..." Alphonse said.
"Don't worry. Just rest up. I'll be on full gas." Pierre replied with a smile.
The cars then get out one by one from the pit lane, with a certain gap placed between them in order for them to qualify safely.
It's now Gasly's turn. He goes on full throttle upon exiting the pit lane.
Not too far behind is Fernando Alonso.
"Seeing that familiar shade of blue in front of me... makes my blood boil." Alonso said.
It's just the warm up lap, and tension has already risen to its highest level. The crowds are already cheering wildly, especially the F1 fans who are also gathered to show support to their idols.
End of Act 3
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