Season 02 Episode 13: CO2 Sensor + Tree Branch
Alex and Mac clinked glasses to Jack's 'coronation'. The employees of the Phoenix Foundation used thankfully the opportunity to relax and celebrate. There were not many reasons for that, but too much situations when they needed to be at their best. The results of their daily work were more than just important and they all knew it.
"Let me guess," Mac tried gladly his luck, "you weren't also a homecoming queen, right?"
"Right." Alex confirmed laughing. „I was a plain Jane."
"I was the nerd. Therefore, no coronation for me."
Bozer gave Mac a pat on the back. "You were not even at your prom night."
"That makes matters worth."
Alex laughed out loud.
"And we won't get the Korman-Trophy this year." Matty joined the group. „It's questionable if there will be a challenge next year."
Mac stood there in thoughts. "The idea for the challenge was good. The way, Korman wanted to hint at the mistakes was definitely wrong."
"That reminds me of the mission we had at the Racing Team."
With a bump of his elbow to Mac's side Jack also joined his friends. Mac got goosebumps at the rememberance.
Jack drove the last laps for the day. It was late and most of the other teams closed already their garages. In Jack's opinion his car wasn't feeling fine. The speedup wasn't effective enough. At least less then he wanted it. Mac heard the comments of his driver over the comms. Finally he interrupted him.
"You say you have an understeer at the turns to the right and can't get the power on the track at the apex?"
For one moment there was silence.
"Uhm- yeah I think so."
"Are you sure?" Mac knew that Jack was really good when it came up to assess the driving features of a car, but his way to explain it was query.
"Yeah I'm quite sure about that. You're the expert." Jack's voice was accusatory and annoyed. He was tired and wanted to finish for today. Mac observed the car, slowing down and coming into the pit lane. His night would be a long one. He wouldn't want to risk Jack's life at the high speed of the race. The car needed to be at best when Jack had to start tomorrow. One mistake could be the last in a car racing. That's why Mac sent Jack to bed and checked the car over again.
They both were undercover as a hobby racing team for a private class. There was the suspicion that some of the drivers were hired for illegal transports from Mexico. The other government agencies didn't want to be involved in investigations because the owner of that racing league worked at a distinguished IT company which gave most of the earned money from the racing events for charity projects. That's why Mac and Jack found themselves as mechanic and driver of a hobby racing team, who were hopefully be asked if they want to earn some extra payment. Not knowing who would hire them. Mac's nightshift was worthwhile, when Jack drove a lot faster than the day before. Even when they didn't reach the podium places Jack could convince with a fifth place. It was a very good result between thirty starting teams. During the national anthem Mac and Jack celebrated their result with their own glass of champagne, when a man came into their garage. He made just a few words and they were booked for a tour to Mexico.
They identified the operating officers of the IT company responsible for financing medical treatment of children whose parents couldn't afford it. Unfortunately the donated money wasn't enough and for an unknown reason they were involved in illegal transports to equalize the deficit. With discovering these deceptive business practice the medical treatment for the kids stopped. At the end of their mission Mac wasn't sure if his work was for a good reason or if he caused more harm. For his relief Patty founded a real donation work without any illegal background for the kids, first at DXS, later with the Phoenix Foundation.
Patty looked very seriously at him, when he wanted to thank her.
"Mac, you can't save the whole world."
"Why not?"
"To build a vehicle which comes autonomic for soldiers in a warzone, is a wonderful idea. Maybe we can continue the Korman-Challenge in the future like it was primary intended?"
Matty looked pitiful at Mac.
"Blondie, you know, the army makes a weapon out of everything, if there's the least possibility. Nothing will change that attitude, even if you fire with pepper spray and bean sacks. The first thing they will do, if they take your vehicle is that they change it to fill it with real ammunition."
"Yes, but it would be a nice thought." Mac answered quietly.
Alex laid her hand on his forearm. "Excessive ambition, errant idealism or one-sided perceptions will always lead to extreme actions. A strong character is the anchor, that's grounding someone and prohibits that something good turns into something bad."
Mac looked after Jack, how talked and laughed with some of his S.W.A.T. team. With a careful motion he pulled up his crown again and smiled from one ear to the other.
"For me Jack showed a strong character." Mac stated clearly. "He hates Jimmy as well, but even before he knew that the man betrayed at the election he didn't want to have his revenge. It would be nice, if more people would be like Jack. He earned his crown today."
Alex agreed with that and the two toasted to Jack.
