THE RACE BEGINS

Author's Note: Here's the start of the big race and it's a long chapter due to some foundational elements that needed to be presented to flow into the next two chapters where the real action begins. To Ryan, my helicopter readings and fuel efficiency may be flawed as I did not do a lot of in depth research but since this is a work of fiction, I used a bit of literary license. And a big thanks to my buddies Jen23, RedLion2, and JJ Rust for the reviews of the new Speed Racer movie (I'll definitely be checking it out). Hope you all enjoy this chapter.

THE RACE BEGINS

The Russian government airfield was part of the main military installation for the air force planes allotted to their use. The field was much larger and more spacious than the main commercial airport and the fact that the Soviet politburo was allowing the racing teams participating in the Trans-Asia Race use it was an extraordinary gesture for the rigid communist country. However, unlike most of the military installations throughout the republic, this airfield had dated and obsolete equipment, with runway lights that were dim and in some areas, completely burnt out. With night now fallen, landing safely became a challenge.

Disgusted, Jet groused as he peered out of the screen, "Man, they have gotta be kidding. There's hardly any landing light down there and there ain't a moon." The Dolphin was still at a middle altitude and getting ready to approach for descent. He turned and addressed his blonde teammate.

"Hey, 003 can you come over and try to see where the hell we can land without crashing?"

003, from her post at the radar got up and came over to the main controls. She sat at an extra seat, before the screen beside 002 and using the night vision capability of her cybernetic eyes focused them out at the faint line of lights below.

Consulting the altimeter, she directed, "When you get to below 10,000 feet, stay slightly to the right of center. I can see the edge of the runway and right now you're too far to the left."

008 as co-pilot and navigator said, "Will do."

"What are you talking about?" 002 said. "I can't see a damned thing."

003 retorted, "Well I can. So just do as I say and we'll be fine."

Albert said, "003 is the one to trust in this." He winked at her and then directed the rest, "Everyone buckle yourselves in as we land."

Over at the passenger benches the Go Team were doing as they were told with somewhat anxious expressions. Cradling Ivan, Dr. Gilmore reassured them, "Don't worry. 003's capabilities are excellent in situations like this."

009 buckled his belt and turned and affirmed, "He's right. We always trust 003 with our lives." He then gazed over at her as she turned to acknowledge his vote of support with a blown kiss.

Speed stated, "Then that's good enough for us." He squeezed Trixie's hand and she returned the gesture to let him know she was perfectly at ease.

"Okay then if everybody's ready here we go," Jet announced as he made the final approach to the airfield, following 003's directives…

At the same time in an understated yet dignified hotel not far from Red Square in one of their few suites, the leaders of Spies Incorporated, Supremo and Magento were based for the race. Supremo sat benignly sipping a goblet of wine resting in an overstuffed easy chair with his feet propped on an ottoman by a roaring fire while Magento paced nervously and puffed energetically on his third cigar, acting the direct opposite of his partner. He stopped and removed the cigar from his mouth addressing Supremo in irritation.

"It's almost obscene that you haven't moved from that blasted chair since we arrived, Supremo. Aren't you the least bit concerned that the race is tomorrow and we have yet to hear from Scarl?" Warming up to his subject he continued, "And where's the assistance he's promised us, eh?"

"My dear Magento, I have no such concern when it seems you are doing enough worrying for the both of us," he replied.

"Humph," Magento scoffed. "Well, somebody ought to. I never really trusted that Scarl character to begin with and we haven't heard a word from him. He owes it to us to at least give us a progress report about the weapon we've commissioned from him; we're completely in the dark concerning where he is with it." He jammed the cigar back in his mouth and resumed his impression of a laboring locomotive, continuing to becloud the air with smoke as he paced back and forth.

Supremo sighed as he tried to set his partner's mind at ease. He finished his wine, rose and leaned on his elaborate cane. "Magento, our agreement with Scarl is based on mutual benefits. Remember, both our organizations have allied to accomplish the same objective and he is creating the necessary weapon to do that so we must do our part. Remember, we agreed to supply the manpower to move the uranium across the continent in our operatives, the Car Acrobatic Team and in turn, he would supply the equipment to assist us."

"So where is all this alleged equipment we've been promised?" Magneto demanded, still pacing.

Supremo smiled thinly and answered, "I've arranged to have Captain Terror and the Car Acrobatic Team designated to receive the equipment at the airfield being used by the participants of the race. Terror assured me that he would contact us when they have done so." As if on cue, the telephone rang and Supremo picked up the receiver.

"Yes? Ah, Captain Terror, it's good to finally hear from you."

At the revelation of the identity of the caller, Magento ceased pacing and came over to the phone to listen, anxiously rolling his cigar from one corner of his mouth to the other as he continued to puff on it waiting.

Supremo nodded as he listened on the phone. "I see…He sent what? Fine…yes indeed they should do the job quite well…excellent work and please keep us informed."

He hung up the receiver and Magneto immediately asked, "Well?"

Supremo smiled again as he responded smugly, "Everything is going as planned. Captain Terror informed me that a transport from Black Whole Enterprises arrived just after the Car Acrobatic Team did and delivered the promised goods."

"What did we get?"

"A helicopter, a dozen high power rifles, ammunition, grenades, a fire thrower, and a burrowing vehicle, known as a 'mole'."

Magneto echoed, "A mole? What the devil is a 'mole'?"

"I have no idea," Supremo replied. "However, Captain Terror seemed quite excited when he told me about it so it must be quite a valuable piece. Needless to say, Scarl has met his obligation to us quite admirably, wouldn't you agree?"

His lips curling into an oily smile, Magneto nodded, "Absolutely."

Supremo limped over to the table and poured himself another glass of wine. He said, "So rest assured, my friend. There's no need to worry." He settled himself back down on the easy chair by the fire and resumed sipping his libation.

For the first time all evening Magento actually appeared relaxed. He drew his cigar from his mouth and leisurely blew out a stream of vapor toward the ceiling, adding to the haze that already hung there as he too sat by the fire…

In a dark wilderness about 40 kilometers from Moscow, an eerie ritual was about to take place under the moonless clime as the darkness was split by the duel headlamps of six low-slung racing cars, painted fuchsia with black stripes. They all pulled into a clearing, single file and made a circle, killing their lights and engines as they parked. The cockpit of the first car raised and the leader of the Car Acrobatic Team, Captain Terror leapt out as the rest of his team followed and lit torches. Then Terror went to the center of the circle as the team jumped to the hood of their cars, holding the torches high, creating a ring of fire. His cape flying in the wind he began to chant a mantra that sounded like the invocation at a Black Mass and as the rest of the team responded, an unholy howl erupted from him as his eyes glowed like twin crimson coals.

"Car Acrobatic Team, we come together this eve of the great Trans-Asia Race to entreat the gods to look upon us with favor and upon our enemies with disaster!"

"He-yah!" they all chorused as he continued.

"The race is a long and arduous one but we members of the Car Acrobatic Team are ready to not only win this race, but gain revenge for the past injustices reamed upon us. Vengeance is ours!"

"He-yah!" they cried.

"This time men, it will be our enemies who will drink from the bitter cups of defeat!" Terror bellowed, whipping his followers into a frenzy. "This time our enemies…Speed Racer and Racer X…will be…destroyed!"

At this declaration Snake and Python Oiler exchanged a meaningful glance as another roar of approval went up and the flames of the torches danced in response.

"And in conclusion," Terror stated. "We must also be diligent to complete the task asked of us, to transport the uranium to the finish line so we may reap the award of riches awaiting us. Are you all ready?"

The team cried, "Yea!"

"Then let us adjourn and prepare for the race tomorrow! May power, riches, and glory be ours!"

A general cheer went up from the Car Acrobatic Team as a great gust of wind blew causing the torch flames to flare brighter, as if some supernatural entity had given its blessing to the macabre gathering…

……………………………………………………………………………..

The next morning dawned chilly and gray, with a weak orange glow on the horizon. Yet the area just to the east of Red Square was bustling with activity as the teams for the racers participating in the Trans-Asia Race got themselves ready for the 11 AM start. And so, all of the cars were in their pit stalls and designated garage areas getting last minute adjustments, repairs, and various fine tuning before the long and dangerous race.

The members of the Go Team and Team Dolphin were the earliest to arrive, led by their drivers, both of which had barely slept, too keyed up for the upcoming race. Speed was going on his almost endless supply of adrenaline alone but Joe's cyborg power booster had an adjustment made last night courtesy of Dr. Gilmore. So although physically he was ready to go, mentally he was girding himself for yet another battle with his avowed enemy Black Ghost. And as such, he was filled with suppressed fury toward the vile cretin who turned him and the others into weapons, denying them their humanity. He was sitting on a stack of tires and stared ahead at nothing as his mind was occupied with thoughts of revenge.

Black Ghost, you bastard 009 brooded with a fierce scowl you're like a cockroach or a cancer that we just can't get rid of, no matter how hard we try. But I promise you, you'll pay for all of us, I'll make sure of that if it's the last thing I ever do. He was so deep in his reverie that when Albert came up and patted him on the shoulder, Joe jumped up and instantly got into a fighting stance, with his eyes narrowed.

Chuckling, 004 jumped back with his hands up in surrender. "Take it easy, 009. I'm your partner and navigator, remember?"

Joe shook his head to clear it and seeing Albert's grin he said sheepishly, "Uh, sorry there, 004."

Albert assured, "It's okay. I just wanted to let you know that it's almost time for the driver's meeting and we should head over."

"Ah… sure." He fell into step with 004, his mind still focused on Black Ghost...

At the Go Team area, Speed and Sparky were conferring about various subjects concerning the race, both buried beneath the raised hood of the Mach 5. And the two best friends were making adjustments to the 12 cylinder power plant to get it ready to race.

Speed used his crescent wrench to make an adjustment to the fan belt tensioner, because he had noticed it was too loose and at the same time and commented, "Glad I found that."

Sparky asked, "Found what?" as he topped off the transmission fluid reservoir.

"The tensioner was loose so I tightened 'er up." Speed stood up straight and reached for a rag to wipe the grease from his hands.

"Okay. I was going to check it out in pre-race but I'm glad you took care of it."

"Yeah, the more we get done on the Mach 5 herself now, the more we can plan for our pit stops along the way in pre-race," Speed stated as he glanced at his watch. His eyes widened as he took note of the time. "Damn, look at the time! We gotta head over to the driver's meeting now, Spark."

"Okey dokey." His mechanic slammed down the hood and said briskly, "Then let's make tracks, buddy." They both hurried off in the direction of the IRC tent where the drivers and their navigators were gathering.

But just as Speed and Sparky left, the trunk of the Mach 5 cracked open and a round, elfin face with a striped beanie cap peeked out accompanied by a chimp with a similar cap. The strong-willed baby of the Racer family, Spritle and his pet and partner in crime Chim Chim were again in their customary roles as stowaways because Pops had forbidden them to come along to Russia. Having been left in the care of Dr Kozumi, the two had slipped away, making their escape when the kind old professor was not looking and deftly hiding themselves in the trunk of the Mach 5 before everyone left Japan.

Spritle glanced about furtively as he climbed out of the trunk. "Boy, Chim Chim, I thought they'd never leave. We need to find something to eat, the food we stashed in the trunk is gone." He glared at the chimp and accused, "If you hadn't eaten everything, we coulda gone the entire race and nobody 'd know we were here. Now we gotta get some food and get back inna trunk before Speedy and Sparky get back."

Chim Chim favored Spritle with wide innocent eyes and engulfed the boy in a bear hug, almost smothering him.

"Hey, knock it off! Okay, okay, you're forgiven," Spritle giggled as he pushed the effusive chimp away. "Now let's go find somethin' to eat."

Chim Chim nodded vigorously and the duo scampered off…

Meanwhile at the driver's meeting, the IRC president, Claude Chevrolet was mapping out the planned pit stops and checkpoints along the route which covered territory that went southeast from Moscow to Niznij Novgorod over the Volga River east to Yekaterinburg for the first pit stop and check in point. From there the route went through Novosibirsk into the Sayan Mountain range into Mongolia to the next checkpoint and pit in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. Then the race course would continue southeast through the eastern Gobi desert and into China to the capital city of Beijing for the final check and pit stop. Then the final leg of the course would take the racers through Tianjin, across the Yellow River and down through Xuzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, and the finish line in Shanghai. All together the entire course would span approximately 3600 miles, through two mountain ranges and a desert, which would take about five days.

While Chevrolet continued mapping out the race coordinates to the drivers, Joe turned and whispered to Albert, "During pre-race, we'd better meet with the rest of the team so we can have them well informed to cover all this territory."

004 nodded. "Yeah. Dr. Gilmore was going to set up a feed from IPF and relay the updates on the uranium's location during the race through 001."

"Is he gonna be awake and able to do that?" 009 wanted to know.

"Uh huh. Because he's just going to be psychically passing information to all of us, the doctor thinks he'll be okay. He added, "All of us should be okay to get the job done."

"Yeah."

Joe agreed with Albert but inside he could not shake the feeling that there was far more danger in this mission then they were anticipating. His thoughts went immediately to 003…

A few rows over, Speed shook his coal head in amazement as he jotted everything down in his notebook whew, what a course! Good thing Pops installed two fuel tanks in the Mach 5 after the Fujiyama 500, we'll need them both to get through this. He then listened to the meteorologist give the weather forecast for the next five days and his mind went immediately to conferring with Trixie when the drivers were told to meet with their spotters as the gathering adjourned. He and Sparky got up to leave but as he did, he was detained by a scornful laugh.

"Well, well. Lookie here, if it ain't my pal Speed." Snake Oiler's gravelly voice caused Speed to whirl about with a scowl and wariness as he faced Snake and Python, also on their way out.

Sparky was scowling as well when he demanded, "What the hell do you want?"

Speed's first impulse was to pound Oiler to the ground to finish where they had left off the other night at Chang's restaurant but since the race was two hours away he decided to take the high ground and fought off the temptation. "What's your problem, Oiler? It is the driver's meeting and I am a driver in this race."

"Is that so?" Snake asked tauntingly.

"Yeah," Speed said meeting him man to man. "And I plan on being the first to get to Shanghai and the winner's circle."

"IF you can make it."

"Oh don't worry. I plan to make it. And to win."

Snake snorted, "If you think so. I have my doubts."

Speed's eyes narrowed as he snapped, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Oiler laughed as he said, "You figure it out. Maybe I'll see ya in Shanghai when I'm in the winner's circle." He and Python both walked away snickering as Speed's fury burned.

Sparky stared off at the departing pair and muttered, "Winner's circle, huh? We'll wipe up Asia with that creep. Don't let him bother ya."

"Yeah," Speed agreed then consulted his notebook, already strategizing in his head as a general unease washed through him. Just what did that scum mean IF I make it?

Sparky let a long low whistle as he peered at Speed's notes. "Wow, buddy we've got some kind of clambake here, huh?"

"Yeah. It reminds me of our around the world race last season," Speed remarked as he spotted Joe and Albert on their way out. He waved to get their attention. "Hiya fellas."

009 and 004 both stopped and acknowledged the greeting. Joe grinned and said, "So that's quite a course we have for the race."

"You said it," Sparky responded. "It's a big challenge but we're up for it, right Speed?"

"You bet," Speed replied as Snake's last words gnawed at him. However he quashed the feeling as he commanded, "So you go finish getting the Mach 5 ready, I gotta head over to talk to Trixie." He turned to head over to the field where the spotters' helicopters were and asked Joe, "You coming with me?"

"Yeah," Joe said, turning briefly to address Albert. "I'll see you over at the Tempest in a while."

"Okay." 004 saluted and said, "Give my regards to 003."

Speed and Joe strode over to the field where all the helicopters were parked for the teams entered in the race and searched for Trixie's blue helicopter…

Over at the end of the airfield all of the teams' spotters were gathered for a pre-flight briefing to get flight patterns, altitude ceilings, and extended weather forecasts. Trixie and Francoise were both there getting all the pertinent information prior to taking off and then both women went to the aircraft to do instrument checks. They sat in the seats as they went down the checklist with Francoise skimming through the list as Trixie responded. She turned on the motor and Francoise watched the gauges as the girls went down the list.

"Altimeter working?"

"Check."

"Collective control"

"Check."

"Cyclic control"

"Check"

"Fuel level and pressure?"

"Check," Trixie responded as she powered down and turned off the motor. "We just have to make sure to preserve fuel 'til the next fuel stop. We refuel at the same stops as the boys do."

Francoise asked, "About what range is your fuel consumption?"

Trixie replied, "About 350 to 400 miles if I can catch a good tailwind. If I fight the wind, about 250."

Francoise remarked, "Winds can really cut into your fuel efficiency."

She looked at her companion in amazement as she added, "I know you're a cyborg and all but how do you know so much about fuel efficiency in flying?"

The blonde giggled as she replied, "Although 002 and 008 are the official pilots we've all been trained to fly the Dolphin in a pinch. Besides, my father ran an air charter service and when we were old enough, he taught me and my brother to fly our bi-plane." Her face fell as she continued, "When he and my mother were killed, my brother Jean Paul took over the business flying the plane and paid for me to take ballet lessons. I had been chosen for the Ballet de Paris when Black Ghost kidnapped me and made me into a cyborg."

Trixie's eyes were soft as she said, "I'm so sorry, Francoise. It must have been so horrible for you, to lose so much and then be made into a cyborg." She became pensive as she remembered her own past. "My mother died when I was small and it was just me and my father. He founded and owned Shimura Aviation and taught me to fly everything. Until he got sick and died over a year ago. Then I met Speed and his family kind of took me in."

Francoise smiled as she said, "That was very sweet of them."

"Uh huh. Speed and his family have made me a part of everything. His mother is so kind, she's like my own mother." Trixie tittered as she added, "Between us, I think she was happy to have me there because before I came along, she was the lone female in a houseful of men. Even Chim Chim, Spritle's pet monkey is a boy."

Francoise laughed as she said, "I know how she feels. Being the only woman onboard the Dolphin can be a bit much at times. Boys will be boys but Joe is so sweet and sympathetic, I know I can talk to him anytime about anything and he'll listen to me." Her lips curled up as she added, "He always listens."

Trixie smiled and nodded as she said, "So does Speed. He and I can talk about anything, we confide in each other all the time. He's my best friend."

"Is that all I am?" a familiar tenor teased as Speed's cobalt eyes twinkled from the open hatch. He climbed in and squeezed himself beside his girlfriend.

"Speed, you startled me," Trixie admonished. She smiled affectionately as he leaned close, turning her to face him to steal a kiss. As they greeted each other, 009 climbed in and addressed 003 in the same manner, cradling her face tenderly in his hands.

As they drew apart Francoise sensed something weird in him, an intense unrest. She gazed into his cinnamon eyes and whispered, "Are you all right?"

Joe looked deep into her tropic pool eyes and wanted to drown himself in them, forgetting all about the race, Black Ghost and everything. But reality was there as well in the calm resolve he saw. So he grabbed her hand and pulled her to leave with him.

"C'mon. I want to talk to you…alone." He glanced over at Speed and Trixie and stated, "We'll be right back," then took 003 out of the cockpit.

The Go Team couple exchanged a glance as they said together, "Uh huh."

Holding Francoise by the elbow, Joe took her to a secluded area surrounded by tall bushes and placed his other hand on her shoulder. His expression reflecting his heart, he attempted to speak it to her.

"I wanted to say some things to you. First I think you know that this is a very grave circumstance."

She nodded solemnly as she affirmed, "I have been feeling that, too."

"Francoise, I have a very bad feeling about all of this," Joe stated. "More than any other time we've battled Black Ghost. And if he succeeds this time with Spies Incorporated, you know he won't stop until he conquers the entire world."

She nodded and agreed, "I know."

He leaned closer and said, "We HAVE to get that uranium, tenshi. There's no room for errors."

Francoise stated softly, "And we will."

Looking deeply into her eyes Joe went on. "You know Dr Gilmore had briefed the rest of the team last night as to what their roles are. And 004 and I are in the front lines so you as my spotter…are my back up as my information source, so chances are that the Car Acrobatic Team, backed by Black Ghost will target and attack you. And that's why I want to make sure that you are very, very careful because when something happens I won't be able to protect you."

She gazed up into his earnest and handsome face and assured, "I will be. Remember you and I've faced them before"

But Joe shook his head and leaned even closer, only inches from her face. "Do you remember when we went to Computopia? And what happened there?"

Frightened by his grim manner she nodded silently.

He murmured, "When I thought that you had been destroyed before my eyes and that I had lost you forever, it was as if someone had pierced my heart with a katana." He lowered his head, his soft tenor ragged with emotion. "I never want to go through that pain ever again." He then crushed her to him and repeated brokenly, "Never again."

Francoise's eyes welled up as she wrapped her arms around his neck, lacing her fingers through his unruly sorrel mane and whispered, "Oh Joe."

009 pulled back, wiping the moisture from his eyes and continued in a soft yet firm voice. "So you have to promise me that you'll stay safe and come back to me." He cupped 003's face and leaned close again. "Please promise me, tenshi."

Francoise was momentarily speechless as she saw the strong and usually fearless cyborg commander appearing almost vulnerable as he displayed his human side. But she too had experienced the same level of pain and desolation when he had gone to defeat Scarl in outer space and then seemingly crashed to his death. So as she nodded it was her turn.

"And you must promise me the same, Joe." Her lovely face was just as somber as she entreated, clutching at his arms. "Because when you went up to fight Black Ghost and had crashed from space with Jet and I thought you had died, I never cried so much in my entire life." 003 lowered her head as she murmured, "Even when my parents were killed."

Joe's eyes widened in surprise and he said, "I had no idea you had been so upset. " He raised her chin then responded gently, "I'm sorry to have worried you so, koishii."

"Don't be." Francoise shook her head as she said, "It just shows that we have and always have had a deep bond, my love. One not easily broken."

009 nodded as he met 003 forehead to forehead and said, "Then we both have promises to keep to each other. And keep them we will, right?"

"Right."

"Because you are precious to me, watashi no tenshi Francoise. No matter what happens never forget that." Whispering to her in his native Japanese Joe wrapped her in his embrace, cradling her head against his shoulder. "I love you."

"And I love you, mon cher coeur," Francoise whispered in his ear. Then 009 and 003 sealed their mutual promise with a sweet, searing kiss…

Back at the helicopter, Speed and Trixie had their own heart to heart, sharing their worries with each other, seeking support as they always did. After Joe and Francoise left the cockpit the couple sat and stared thoughtfully out of the shield, holding hands. Speed's mouth was frowning as he held Trixie's hand in both of his, rubbing it idly as he brooded about Snake Oiler and the race in general.

Snake Oiler that piece of filth! Just what the hell was he implying anyway? He knows it wasn't my fault he crashed in the Alpine Race, yet he blames me for it, damn him. And it's pretty clear he's bent on revenge with Terror and the rest of the Car Acrobatic Team getting big time help from this organization Black Ghost that the cyborgs have been fighting. With them involved this isn't a race just for season points and a cup anymore, world domination is now at stake. His scowl deepened as his minds eye played all kinds of worse case scenarios.

Trixie, always intuitive when it came to the man she loved reached over with her other hand and brushed his overgrown bangs from his eyes. Her chief desire as usual was being as supportive of Speed as possible as she spoke to his concerns.

"Speed, you're very quiet. Won't you please tell me what's on your mind?"

He heaved a long sigh as he replied, "No matter how I try to figure it, I just can't put my finger on the change in Captain Terror. I mean, honestly Trixie after that trick race he assured me that he would race honorably." He shook his head as he continued, "And that he would be involved in a scheme like this after what he said is hard to comprehend. It gives me a very bad feeling."

"But the Car Acrobatic Team has always been on the rotten side," Trixie pointed out. "You remember how all of them saw you crash during the Alpine Race when you didn't make it across that bridge, not one of them helped you. They ran like the cowards they are." Her pretty face was flushed with indignation.

"We all drew lots and I got the first. It was the luck of the draw, honey," Speed said. He wrapped his arm around her and drew her close. "Besides, you saved my life, just like always." He smiled lovingly at her as his azure orbs radiated his heart.

She gazed back and said softly, "I'll always be there for you, Speed. And I promise to do the same for this race."

His smile faded as he again heard the enigmatic words Snake said after the drivers meeting echoing in his head. He then pleaded, "Then promise me one more thing, that you'll be extra careful and not take unnecessary and foolish chances. Because if something bad happens, I won't be near to protect you."

"I can take care of myself," Trixie insisted but Speed was adamant. He took hold of her shoulders and his grim expression sent a shiver down her spine. In the past he had always made a point about being cautious during races but this was different, she could sense a high level of fear in him. It unnerved her.

"Trixie, listen to me. With what and who this race is tied to, I think it is the most dangerous race I have ever run, even more so than the Around the World Race last year. And as you know, I didn't let you come with me then for that reason."

Trixie was getting an increasingly funny feeling inside. "But I'm not coming with you now Speed, so what's your point?"

His response was unusually fierce as he said, "I'm telling you that I don't think you should be involved at all. But I need a spotter and you're it so just do what I told you and don't be reckless."

Trixie was a bit put off by Speed's attitude and a retort formed at her lips. "I'm not reckless, I'm always careful. Why are you acting this way?"

Her eyes flew open wide as Speed pulled her roughly into his arms and growled, "You don't get it, do you? This isn't like anything else we've dealt with before and I'm feeling that we're gonna be facing life and death situations. This stinks to high heaven and I hate the idea of you being in the middle of it." His voice lowered as he added, "I wouldn't put it past these bastards to try anything, even trying to make you crash, so please at the first sign of something rotten back off and get in touch with Inspector Detector or the other cyborgs." He then murmured, "I don't know what I'd do if something happened and you…,"

Choked up Speed could not finish the sentence, just tightened his hold on Trixie as she reassured him shakily, "I-I will Speed, I promise. And you have to promise me that you'll do the same, be careful because no race is worth you losing your life." Tears flowing from her eyes she said sobbing, "If you die, I'll die. I-I can't live without you." She buried her face in his shoulder.

Speed silently cursed himself for frightening Trixie as he gently pulled back, cupping her cheeks in his hands. He brushed away the tracks of her tears with his thumbs as he said softly, "Don't cry, sweetheart. I'm not planning to die, at least not yet. I'm sorry to have scared you so."

She smiled tremulously through her tears as she shook her head. "You don't have to be sorry, you're just being careful like always. But I promise you I won't take any chances." She then penetrated him with her gaze as she finished, "And you have to promise the same because if you're reckless and you die, I'll never forgive you, Speed Racer."

Nodding he smiled and held up his right three fingers. "Scout's honor. And this'll be our sign, baby. Deal?"

Trixie smiled back and held up her right hand, with three slender fingers extended. "Deal."

Speed again took hold of her face and said, "Let's seal it with a kiss."

His mouth found hers, and they kissed to finalize their mutual vow, as always their lips speaking their hearts without words. However, this time there was almost a sense of urgency in the passion Speed and Trixie were expressing to each other; a hunger as if they would not see each other for a long time. And feeling such they stayed entwined as long as possible until Joe and Francoise came back. Sensing that they were no longer alone, they reluctantly broke apart when the cyborgs re-entered the chopper.

"Oh I'm sorry," Francoise said as Speed and Trixie hastily attempted to regain their composure, looking for all intents like two kids caught at the cookie jar. She stifled a giggle, exchanging a glance with Joe, who was hiding his own grin.

"We didn't mean to interrupt you guys," he said. "But it's just over an hour 'til race time and we need to game plan."

"Uh, right," Speed agreed as he gestured to Francoise to take the empty seat beside Trixie. He then reached back in his pocket and fished out his notebook, opening it to the notes he took at the driver's meeting so the two drivers could plot out the race with their spotters…

Meanwhile, the two intrepid pals, Spritle and Chim Chim had slipped into the caterer's tent and finding an empty box, began to fill it by surreptitiously snatching a large quantity of assorted wrapped sandwiches, fruit, cookies, donuts, bags of chips, pickles, and of course, chocolate cake wedges. Spritle was doing his best to gather as many provisions as possible for the long race but as he was, his simian friend was shoving the food into his mouth. This went on until thinking he was done, the boy stopped momentarily to check on the amount of his booty and was dismayed to discover that the box was only half full. He cast a suspicious eye on his hairy companion.

"Chim Chim, you have to stop that or we won't have anything for the race. It's your fault we have to steal all this food to begin with," Spritle hissed as Chim Chim looked at him, again all innocence. Not fooled this time and keeping a wary eye on the chimp, he resumed his task and so caught his pet ignoring his command as Chim Chim resumed stuffing his face.

Finally catching the chimp in the act, Spritle scolded in a harsh whisper, "Cut it out, Chim Chim! We need this food to take with us on the race or we'll starve 'cause if we try to sneak out during the race, Speedy will catch us and the jig'll be up. So stop being such a hog, I mean it."

He punctuated his statement with a fierce glare that bore dire circumstances and the chimp got the message as he grunted and nodded his head vigorously and the two continued to horde food…

Over in the designated pit areas, the racers were all getting last minute adjustments as the drivers were going over coordinates as the final pre-race preparations were completed. And that was the case in the pit of the Shooting Star, the machine built and raced by the enigma known by most as Racer X. The tall figure in white with his black mask was standing by the raised hood as his chief mechanic, navigator, partner in crime and butler Joseph Grimes did the final adjustments to the supreme racing machine. He finished the last adjustment and then extricated himself from the motor and closed the hood. Wiping his hands on a rag, he sided over to his employer, who was intense in his study of the Car Acrobatic Team pit.

"You seem to be concentrating on the Car Acrobatic Team exceptionally hard, boss." Grimes pointed out.

Racer X sighed as he said in a dry tone, "Once again Joe, you have an amazing grasp of the obvious." He continued watching with interest as Captain Terror met with Snake and Python Oiler, the trio in deep conversation. With a determined glint in his midnight blue eyes, Rex turned and started over to the Car Acrobatic pit.

Grimes called out, "Hey boss, where the hell ya going?" but his question went unanswered as Racer X made his way toward his long time nemesis's…

Meanwhile back at the Go Team pit, the trunk lid of the Mach 5 was open as Sparky was stockpiling all kinds of replaceable auto parts such as air and fuel filters, spark plugs, fan belts, timing chains, and in addition to those a brand new super powerful generator and a turbo charged fuel injector. He had practically filled the vast space in the trunk just as Speed came over to join him.

"Geez Sparky, do we really need all of those parts? The Mach 5 is in groovy shape," he wanted to know as the crack mechanic hoisted a box containing four rotors and brake pads and likewise placed them into the trunk.

He stood up and heaved a sigh as he finally replied, "True, but better safe than sorry. The pit and checkpoints will only have oil, fuel, and fresh tires so I'm comin' prepared."

Speed chuckled and clapped his best buddy on the back. "Just as always Spark, you're on the ball."

"Of course," Sparky said airily as he wrapped his arm about Speed's shoulders and both headed for the gasmen to go over fuel ratios one last time before the start of the race. However, just as they left the two miniature food thieves crept up to get back into their favorite hideout.

"C'mon Chim Chim," Spritle said huffing as he dragged the box of goodies to the back bumper of the Mach 5. "The race is about to start, we gotta get back in the trunk." He peeked around and saw his brother and Sparky at the gasmen talking and urged, "Let's hurry up and get in before Speedy catches us."

Spritle said to his trusty companion, "I'll get up in the trunk first Chim Chim, an' you hand the box up to me as you get in." He then stepped onto the bumper and was about to hop into the trunk well when he discovered that it was already filled to capacity.

"What's all this junk?" Spritle demanded hotly as he saw all the tools and auto parts. He tried to move a box of spark plugs, huffing and puffing with the exertion. "C'mon up an' help me, Chim Chim."

But the chimp looked around the car and saw Speed and Sparky both coming back toward the pit stall and began chattering excitedly pointing and jumping up and down. Curious, Spritle jumped down to see what all the ruckus was about and when he saw his older brother coming over hurriedly grabbed the box of food and said, "C'mon Chim Chim, we gotta take it on the lam or Speedy'll kill us!"

He and the chimp dragged the box away from the Mach 5 and hightailed it behind the next pit wall, which happened to belong to none other than the Car Acrobatic Team. They scurried along between the stacks of tires, boxes and other obstacles, paying no attention to where they were going until Spritle halted in mid stride and just stared.

"Wow!" was all the youngster could say as he saw a tall figure, swathed in a black cloak and a hideous skull like mask, standing and watching the race preparations like a mighty overlord. His eyes were wide brown buttons as he just stared, momentarily stunned.

"Beat it kid, afore you get hurt," a raspy voice growled as Snake Oiler crouched down and scowled into Spritle's face, startling him and causing him to jump in fright.

Chim Chim, however saw his beloved master threatened and in typical chimpanzee manner became the fierce jungle beast he was born to be and leapt upon Snake's back, attacking him with his teeth and claws.

"Yee-ow! Hey get offa me ya stupid monkey!" Oiler howled as he tried to pull Chim Chim from his back without success as the chimp was in a frenzy, wanting to inflict as much damage as possible. But the commotion created brought many of Oiler's teammates on the run, and then the melee ended abruptly with a thundering bellow from Captain Terror himself.

"JUST WHAT IN THE BLUE BLAZES IS GOING ON HERE?!" The Car Acrobatic leader came onto the scene and observed the goings-on with puzzlement as Chim Chim finally ceased his beat-down of Snake and looked up at the grim caped figure, who appeared as stunned by the scene as his subordinates.

Spritle saw their chance and screamed, "C'mon Chim Chim, let's get outta here!" and then the two took off, scattering the box of food in their wake as the amazed Car Acrobatic Team stood there speechless wondering just what had happened…

Meanwhile, the spotters were gathered getting last minute weather reports and among them were Trixie and Francoise who were taking appropriate readings for the proper coordinates for pre-flight. As they got the information, the fleeing duo of Spritle and Chim Chim spotted the blue chopper and made a beeline for the open hatch.

"C'mon Chim Chim, let's hide here in Trixie's helicopter so we can still go along on the race. We can't ride with Speedy so we might as well ride with Trixie," Spritle whispered as he and the chimp jumped into the craft. They hurried to the very rear of the cabin and hid themselves behind the box of smoke flares, covering themselves with the blankets kept back there…

The start of the race was still about twenty minutes away when the drivers and their navigators were strapping themselves into their vehicles, all final engine checks completed and ready to go, waiting now for the opening ceremony. And over in the pit for the Shooting Star, Joe Grimes was getting nervous as he watched as his boss continued conversing with their most serious adversaries. He simultaneously watched the official Longines clock counting down the final minutes to the start of the race and silently urged Racer X to return. He observed with relief as Racer X finally shook hands with Terror and the Oilers and made his way back to the car. Leaping into the cockpit and behind the wheel, he casually strapped himself in as Grimes peered at him with a jaundiced eye.

"Uh, you mind explaining to me just what the hell that was about?"

"Nothing, just promoting good sportsmanship."

"And since when have those cretins become good sportsmen?"

Rex Racer shrugged his broad shoulders and replied benignly, "Relax Joe, I was merely meeting with Terror based on the promise he made when we last competed. And also practicing one of Sun Tsu's golden rules in 'The Art of War' as this is a war of sorts. And that is 'keep your friends close, but your enemies…,'"

"…closer," Joe finished with a nod, understanding…

At last the time arrived for the opening ceremonies led off by the presentation of the Soviet flag and anthem played by a military band. Then the Soviet Prime Minister addressed the crowd about the greatness of the government to provide this wonderful sporting event for the people to enjoy, typical fodder for propaganda as reporters and photographers from Pravda came to record everything. Wrapping things up, the national weightlifting champion, a gold medal favorite for the upcoming Olympic Games in Mexico City, was to announce the words that have begun every race…

In Russian first, then in heavily accented English he boomed through the microphone:

"GENTLEMEN…START YOUR ENGINES!"

The air was then filled with the roar of twenty-five high-performance power plants coming to life, revving to heat up as the drivers all got into their game modes, faces set with grit and determination for the long haul ahead of them.

In the Mach 5, Speed Racer and his navigator and long time pal Sparky Sabu were primed and ready giving each other a thumbs up sitting in the pole position as the mighty machine rocked like an impatient racehorse in the starting gate …

Over in the Dolphin Team position the Tempest was ready as well, with "Hurricane" Joe Shimamura, Cyborg 009 and his navigator Albert Heinrich, Cyborg 004 each exchanging a glance and a nod, ready to roll for the race and to retrieve the stolen uranium…

A few rows back in the black and gold Shooting Star sat what was known in Formula 1 circles as the mysterious Racer X AKA IPF Agent 9, his hands gripping the wheel as his eyes were riveted to the Car Acrobatic Team entry, the rebuilt Hebi where the Oilers, Python and Snake sat.

The pace car, a classic 1931 Bugatti cream roadster in mint condition, one of the spoils taken from Italy following World War II by Stalin's army and used by the Soviet government for special occasions rolled out to the front of the pack amidst fanfare and cheers. And so, the racers all followed as the parade laps around the square began and then at long last the cars screamed off out of Moscow to the southeast Russian countryside along the Volga River towards the first checkpoint in Yekaterinburg.

But unbeknownst to most of the pack, trouble was waiting ahead, far more ominous than the typical obstacles associated with a challenging race…

NEXT….ATTRITION