Author's note: Hello. I apologize for taking some time off, but…sickness just has a nasty way of sneaking up on you… Anyway, this chapter is another character-ish chap, so please don't throw rotten tomatoes at me for depriving you of action. Haha. There WILL be some racing action next time, I promise. Hope you enjoy! ~Hilts.

Sudden pounding threw her unwillingly from sleep. She jumped awake with a slight gasp, leaping to an upright position to instinctively grab for the pistol lying on the nightstand. Colors blurred and her momentum pitched her too far off the bed. She fell to the floor with a yelp, crumpling uncomfortably against the table. The pounding came again. Squinting in the harsh light streaming into the room from the surrounding French windows, Jyil worked irritably to untangle herself from the sheets. She moved to crawl back into bed, thinking it must have been a confused member of the cleaning staff, but the series of thuds sounded once more, much more forcibly this time. Jyil threw her head back and groaned, muttering swears under her breath. She left the bed regrettably and padded from her room to the door, her bare feet slapping against the hardwood floors. Sunlight had poured into the living room and she cringed, walking sluggishly past the large wall-sized window that overlooked the eastern bay of Kras City.

Rubbing her eyes, Jyil reached for the door and yanked it open slightly, the chain pulling taught. She poked her head around to greet the visitors, still clearing the blur from an eye.

"I'm sorry; you've got the wrong place."

"Miss Jyil, I presume?" a deep voice drawled.

She jumped, her heart automatically pounding a little faster. Two burly men stood outside in the entrance hall, dressed sharply in black suits. They each had jagged scars across their faces and muscle-bound arms bulged through the fabric of their jackets. Jyil edged behind the door to further hide her scantily-dressed form.

"Uh…can I help you…gentleman?"

"We were sent to escort you to the racing garage this afternoon, Miss. Boss' orders."

It was apparent they were attempting to be polite, but they only succeeded in scaring her. Jyil fumbled for words, painfully aware of the fact she was only dressed in a baggy purple t-shirt and her underwear.

"Alright…let me get dressed and I'll meet you downstairs."

One of the men smirked at her. "Hurry please."

Jyil quickly shut the door, running back to the bedroom to rummage through her suitcase for a new outfit. She had only been living out of the Penthouse for two days, and she'd slept for most of it. Wrestling into a pair of jeans, she swiftly pulled her belt tight, snatching up a brush from the dresser. She ran it hastily through her hair, wincing as the teeth snagged on a few snarls. Throwing the brush on to the bed, she grabbed for a shirt and pulled it over her head.

"Miss Jyil," came the deep voice.

She buttoned up the blouse as fast as her fingers would allow, shaking her head.

"I'll be right out!"

Jyil quickly checked herself in the mirror before leaving the bedroom. She was sure they were laughing at her, or they were steadily becoming annoyed. Either way, she ran faster about the Penthouse, jamming her foot into the boot she'd left in the hallway. The other one had somehow found its way into the breakfast nook, and she pulled it on with a grimace as yet another pound sounded against the door. Muttering curses, Jyil snatched up a banana from the bowl of fruit on the table and leapt for the exit, her fingers fumbling to unlatch the chain from the wall. She pulled the door open, finding the men staring back at her in the exact same positions she'd left them. The first to speak to her dipped his head and smiled. Jyil cleared her throat, brushing the hair from her eyes.

"I'm ready," she said.

It was a tense elevator ride back down to the main lobby; the men walked close to her, their shoulders pressing tight against hers. They both towered over her, and their build made her trim 5'8 frame look scrawny by comparison. Jyil was surprised a luxury car was waiting for them outside, and slid into the back seat almost hesitantly, clutching the banana tight in her hand. One of the men sat in the back with her and she gulped. The subsequent car ride was even tenser than their time in the elevator.

Jyil was positive they each had a weapon on them, and they had to be specially trained; one look at their muscles and those scars told her enough. Their 'charming' personalities sealed the deal. She mentally kicked herself for not bringing a gun. Unable to find words for small talk, she reached for the banana and peeled it, eating the fruit in uncomfortable silence.

Way to make one hell of first impression…

***

Razer watched calmly as the car pulled into view up ahead, sunlight glinting brilliantly off of the tinted windows. He put the cigarette to his lips once again and waited, slipping his hands into the pockets of his coat. There was a brief pause as the car slid to a stop, and one of the men stepped from the back doors, keeping it held open for their weary passenger. Jyil appeared a few seconds later squinting in the light, clutching what was left of a banana in her fist. Razer arched an eyebrow.

My god. That's a first.

She said something to one of the men before he slumped back into the car. Jyil did him the honor of slamming the door closed. As they drove away, she stalked up to the entrance, cramming the last piece of fruit in her mouth. Razer slowly blew out a trail of smoke, though a faint expression of disgust had crossed his face. Jyil walked right past him, oblivious to his presence, heading for the doors alone. He stopped her with the words,

"I take it they weren't too rough with you."

She turned on her heels to face him, one cheek protruding slightly with food, the banana peel dangling from her fingers. A strange look of embarrassment had crossed her face and she spun back around to hide her shame. Razer allowed himself a roll of his eyes, stepping closer. Jyil had finally composed herself, carefully wiping her lips.

"Are you alright?" Razer asked, flicking ashes from his cigarette. His tone was devoid of any compassion.

"Just finishing my breakfast," she huffed. Looking up at him, she added, "Since I didn't order a wake-up call, I'm a little…rushed."

"Don't think I won't keep tabs on you. And you're quite late, besides."

Razer smirked and walked inside the building. Jyil followed behind him, barely convincing herself not to throw the banana peel at the back of his head. It thudded into a garbage can instead as they continued down the long corridors of the garage. She scowled as a blue-grey cloud of smoke puffed into her eyes. They stopped in front of a twin pair of doors and waited. Razer took a drag on the cigarette, embers glowing in the semi-darkness.

"Since we're pressed for time, let's get right to it. If your car needs repairs, upgrades, what have you- this is the place to get it," he explained as the doors hissed open.

Jyil couldn't help smiling as her eyes caught sight of the racing vehicles lying at rest inside, nestled in their respective spots. The lights reflected off of the polished surfaces as Razer led her past; she watched longingly as their shadows swiped across them, unaware of the sudden bounce in her step. Her fingers started twitching and she buried her hands in her pockets in effort to quell the need to touch anything.

"So which one of these is mine?" Jyil asked as her eyes held on a particularly attractive car in the corner.

Razer chuckled; smoke puffed above him in quick little clouds. Jyil continued on behind him, her fingers now tightened into fits to stop the twitching.

"Be patient. You'll get something with four wheels at least."

Jyil gave him an odd look, but her attention remained on the race cars around them. Her inner child was threatening to leap right out of her. She felt like running up to each vehicle and squealing excitedly at all the colors and modifications, but she highly doubted Razer would appreciate that. She welcomed all familiar feelings as they came rushing back; a thick smell of motor oil, rubber and a hint of gasoline hung through he garage. Her smile broadened.

"Once you are assigned a vehicle, you will be allowed to use this garage whenever you like. Depending on how well you do, you may be permitted your own private space to work," Razer informed her as they walked along.

The cars had decreased in class as they walked along. Some of them were beat up and their armor was dented, much less impressive than their 4th class counterparts. Jyil blinked at a shower of sparks off to her right, the thudding tones of rock music sounding much louder in the hallow space. Several mechanics ran around urgently, covered in grease and sweat, tattoos visible on their arms.

A chorus of giggles suddenly came to her ears, clashing with the natural sounds of the garage. Jyil looked over Razer's shoulder ahead to see a gaggle of women, each wearing something reserved for the strip clubs found in downtown Kras. She scowled at their flirtatious looks and bright smiles. Umbrella Girls- or 'Paddock Girls' as many of the racers so thoughtfully called them- did not always sit well with her. They'd been associated with the sport since Blitz had come up with the idea a few years ago. All they did was stand and look pretty, holding umbrellas over the drivers as they waited on the track before the race.

"Hi, Razer," they collectively cooed.

Jyil heaved a sigh. Of course.

He nodded to them. "Afternoon, ladies."

The girls fell into giggles after he smiled at them. Jyil rolled her eyes, disgusted. Quickening her pace to match his, she felt the eyes of the women follow her. Their laughter faded away; Jyil felt her cheeks flush. Each of the girls fixed her with a warning glare as they passed by. Razer didn't seem to notice. Jyil took a brief moment to look back at the Umbrella Girls and shook her head slightly. They all wore skirts or short shorts, dressed in 'modified' racers outfits, colored to match the members of the team. Blonde, brunette and red hair bobbed amidst the small crowd. Razer laughed, having finally caught the expressions on their faces.

"She's only a racer, girls. Strictly a business matter."

All of them giggled once more, as if relieved. Jyil snorted as Razer started forward again, still puffing on his cigarette. The women waved as they departed, some of them twirling their respective umbrellas. Razer had a smug smile on his face; Jyil shuddered.

"You sicken me," she said, "You really do."

The retired racer narrowed his eyes at her, but refused to reply. They turned a corner and lines of 1st Class vehicles waited for them, considerably beaten than the previous models. Jyil was too busy holding back laughter to notice.

"It takes a special kinda guy to have groupies," She said with a grin.

Razer shot her another disapproving look, but she ignored him. He finally stopped walking, breathing a fairly long trail of smoke. Jyil came to stand at his shoulder, and he pitched the cigarette, grinding it out beneath his boot. He gestured forward.

"This will be your vehicle for the rest of the season."

Jyil followed his gaze, the odd smile still stretching across her face. She bit her lip in anticipation; Razer watched curiously as her expression fell almost instantly and her jaw dropped.

"I don't believe it…"

She spun around to face him, the braid at her temple briefly slapping across her nose. Razer widened his eyes, ask if asking what was the matter.

"That? That's what you're giving me?"

Razer nodded his reply. Jyil laughed in disbelief, spinning strangely back toward the car. She gestured to it with her arms, letting her hands slap back dramatically at her sides.

"What a piece of junk!"

Razer frowned, studying the combat racer before them. "She's faster than she looks," he said.

Jyil rolled her eyes and stalked up to the vehicle, which appeared considerably worn than all the others before it. The paint was scuffed and had faded into a less-than-admirable goldenrod that made her cringe slightly. The armor was cracked in a few places and she could even see rust along the chassis at her feet. She kicked the tires a few times to test their strength, surprised her toes didn't sink into them. Her eyes widened as she circled around to the rear fender, yanking on a strip of black. She fixed Razer with a dark stare.

"Is this…duct tape?"

He shrugged. Jyil muttered something through her teeth, irritably peeling the tape away from the car. She inspected the rest of the vehicle, finding more tape covering holes in the upholstery and dust caking the dashboard. Screwing up her face, she dragged her finger across the space, leaving a clean streak along the gauges. Jyil regarded Razer once again, holding up her dusty finger.

"When was the last time someone used this?" she asked in a low voice.

He looked thoughtful, stroking his chin. "It's got to be roughly, one or two years since she's seen any action."

"Are you serious?" Jyil whispered harshly. She walked up to him, pointing furiously at the car behind her. "You're giving me a lemon. A big, dusty, piss-yellow lemon!!"

Razer frowned at her choice of words. He calmly reached into his breast pocket to pull out a pack of cigarettes as she fumed.

"Are you aware what car that is?"

"No. Do tell!" Jyil snapped.

Razer tapped the pack of smokes against his palm and another stick came sliding into view. He took it in his long fingers and placed it calmly between his lips. Jyil crossed her arms, clearly impatient.

"I can assure you it's as good as any," he told her, the cigarette bobbing up and down as he spoke, "The old Falcons are some of the best. You should only be so lucky I'm giving you this one."

Jyil's jaw dropped for the second time. "A Falcon? The last person to use a Falcon was Nathan Blitz! I was eight when he raced for the last time!!"

Razer cupped his hands to protect the small flame of his lighter. Jyil pursed her lips and stood at an angle, blinking instinctively as he flicked the silver and red object closed. A puff of smoke once again curled into her eyes and she glared at him.

"That is what makes it interesting, wouldn't you say?" Razer told her with a grin. "The car still runs nicely, despite what you think. Perhaps it hasn't been properly restored, but…I think it suits you just fine."

Jyil looked back at the Falcon, automatically hateful of its yellow armor and crooked front bumper. She shook her head.

"How do you expect me to win anything in that?"

Razer sighed, running a hand through his hair. He took the cigarette in his fingers and carelessly flicked ashes to the floor.

"A challenge will be good for you. I started with less; I'm sure you can work something out."

Razer turned to leave her alone in the parking space, heading back out into the corridors. Jyil stared at the car with growing frustration. How was she going to be taken seriously driving something that hadn't been seen on the tracks for ten years? It was such a drastic change from her Javelin; she was sure the moment she got it out of the garage it would fall apart. Of course he would have given her a crappy car- why hadn't she seen it coming? She sensed sudden movement beside her and jumped as a large tool box clattered to the floor at her feet. Wrenches, washers and screwdrivers clanged loudly against the concrete. Jyil winced, shifting her eyes to meet Razer's. The cigarette pointed up at an odd angle as he regarded her with a tight-lipped smile.

"When life gives you lemons…"

He said it with such nonchalance it made her blood boil. His laugh rang slightly in the hollow space as he headed back toward the exit.

"I trust you know the rest, Angel."

She glared at him until he was gone from sight.

***

The practice track was loud, dusty and dirty- just the way he liked it. Shiv wouldn't admit to it, but there were times when he missed the blistering heat and stinging sand of the Wasteland. It was where he'd been born, after all, and Kras City bored him at times. He folded his arms over his chest and leaned against the side of his orange-painted combat racer, watching a few of the newbies fumble through their laps.

"You know we're getting a new teammate today, right?"

Shiv nodded, swiveling his eyes to look at his new companion.

"Yeah."

"I don't like it already; sounds fishy to me."

Shiv heaved a sigh, rolling his eyes. Edje always thought things sounded 'fishy' or 'smelled a rat.' The guy was more than a little paranoid.

"I doubt he's any good," he continued, moving to stand beside Shiv.

"C'mon. The Boss never chose anyone who wasn't any good."

"Sure, but none of them ever lived past the first championship. I think losing last year did more than piss him off; it fucked up his brain."

Shiv snorted. "Like you're one to talk."

Edje scowled at him but decide to let it slide. Both of them watched with indifferent expressions as the racers continued to circle the track, kicking up long trails of dust as they went. One of the vehicles came veering off the track to come toward them, screeching to a halt mere feet from the back bumper of Shiv's car. A large cloud of grit washed over them soon after. Edje coughed; Shiv squinted as the engine abruptly growled to a stopped and the driver pulled himself from behind the wheel.

"I wasn't kidding when I said I'd kill you if you wrecked my car," he snarled.

"Thought the newbie was here- wanted to scare the shit out of 'em," was the reply.

"Well, you're gonna have to wait, Cutter, because no one's showed up yet."

Even from behind his racing mask, Cutter looked disappointed. Shiv shook his head as the third member of their team joined them. Edje absently cracked his knuckles as they went back to waiting.

"Does anyone else think it's a bit strange for us to be getting a new teammate when we can just use the damn robot?"

Shiv raised his eyebrows; he actually had to agree with him on that. Cutter sighed, which sounded more like a rattling growl than anything.

"I hate that bucket of bolts. I swear it tries to kill me every time."

Edje grunted a laugh. "Maybe Blitz used to program it to kill you."

Shiv rolled his eyes again, catching the familiar crimson of Razer's trench coat ahead. He thumped Edje on the shoulder.

"Shut up, the Boss is coming."

They all collectively straightened up, an action that was now automatic. Razer looked at them strangely for a moment as he walked up to them. He smirked.

"You're all here as I asked- it's a miracle."

"Where's this new racer you told us about?" Shiv asked him, wanting to cut right to the chase.

If Razer thought his actions were too daring, he didn't show it. Instead he took a thoughtful drag on his cigarette.

"She'll be here in a moment."

Before Shiv could say anything, Cutter beat him to it.

"Hold up, Boss. You said 'she'?"

Razer looked at him crookedly. "That's right."

Shiv fell into disbelieving laughter, massaging his forehead with his fingers. Cutter had fallen silent; Edje was at once defensive.

"A woman is joining the team? You're kidding right?!"

Shiv shook his head. "Explain the math of this to me, Boss."

"None of you have balked at a new driver before," Razer interrupted, voice firm, "Are you really going to waste my time with this?"

A beat of silence fell over the group, disrupted only by the roar of the combat racers circling the practice track behind them. Edje cracked his knuckles again and Shiv heaved a sigh, pursing his lips. Cutter remained strangely quiet, as if thinking something over. Edje took in a breath then stopped, as if debating on whether or not he should say anything. Razer allowed him to speak with a slight nod of his head. Emboldened, Edje spoke.

"A woman. It doesn't seem like the greatest idea to bring one into our affairs. How do we know she's good at anything? Does she even know her way around a toolbox?"

Shiv stared at him, as if he were stupid; Razer puffed tendrils of smoke into the air, frowning. He leaned against the nearest vehicle and crossed his arms.

"Clearly, you aren't thinking about this, and I suppose I should have explained more for your benefit," he began, flicking ashes into the wind. "I wouldn't bring someone into this if I didn't think they were up to the task. And it just so happens a woman meets the criteria this time around."

Edje grunted, understanding the insult to his intelligence. When he spoke, his tone was less threatening.

"I'm just saying, Boss, why not use 86? What's the sense of having to pay someone when you can hire the robot?" Awareness suddenly softened his scowl. "Unless…are you, like…banging this chick?"

Shiv muttered a swear, half-laughing. Cutter gurgled something that sounded like laughter. Razer heaved a tired sigh, a thick cloud of smoke coiling into the air above his head. He rolled his eyes.

"No, Edje. The racer and I are not…romantically involved," was the stiff reply.

"Well then what's the point?!"

Shiv groaned, shaking his head for the umpteenth time. He was never really one to question Razer's actions, seeing as how they'd known each other since they were teenagers. Edje and Cutter were notoriously difficult to deal with and often explanations would continue in circles before they understood anything. As they attempted to argue further, Shiv's gaze settled lazily back to the building ahead. He was surprised to spy someone he'd never seen before. It was a girl- an attractive one at that. She looked toward the track for a moment, and odd smile crossing her face. Shiv watched curiously as she headed for a group of mechanics, her hair bouncing slightly as she walked.

"Boss," he said, jerking his head forward, "Is that her?"

Razer followed his gaze, pitching his cigarette. "Why, yes."

Cutter and Edje matched their lines of sight; Shiv couldn't help smirking as he watched their eyes widen. In the distance, the mechanics pointed in their direction. The woman thanked them and began walking forward. Edje laughed a strange cackle, biting his lip.

"You have one hell of a sense of humor, Boss."

"Hm," Razer mused, "So it would seem."

The woman racer was almost upon them. She stopped as Razer went up to greet her. Shiv arched an eyebrow; he couldn't help but notice she'd definitely missed a button on her blouse, not leaving certain things to imagination. He could tell Edje and Cutter were desperately holding back less-than-admirable remarks, their eyes firmly set on a particular aspect of her figure. Razer's voice managed to snap them all from their shameful daze.

"Gentleman, I'd like you to meet the newest addition to our team, Miss Jyil."

She appeared cautious of them, though strived to be polite, wiggling her fingers at them in a silent greeting. It was apparent she was slightly unnerved by the way Cutter was keenly leering at her form. Shiv nodded to her and she almost smiled. Edje could only smirk. Razer seemed to sense what was going on and his lip curled slightly at their boyish behavior.

"Jyil, these are my racers: Cutter, Shiv and Edje," he informed her.

She winced somewhat under their gaze, clearing her throat.

"I uh…I look forward to the season."

They didn't say anything in response. Cutter laughed lightly from behind his mask. A few more tense minutes followed as Razer took her aside and explained which combat racers belonged to them, when she could use the practice track and which mechanics were to be working there. Shiv found his eyes wandering, watching as she walked along the track with a slight swivel to her hips. He smirked. Razer let her wander on her own, though he kept an eye on her as she walked out of earshot. He came back to the group, waiting for their response. Edje was the first to speak.

"Her. That's our new teammate?!"

"Yes. What part of that don't you understand?" Razer huffed, trying to massage away an impending headache.

Edje looked from him to Jyil and back. "Am I the only one who thinks she looks familiar?"

"No," Cutter spoke up, "I know who she is." He stared after her with an almost threatening shine to his eyes. "She's won tons of the exhibition races. One pretty little rookie you got us, Boss."

"Preseason doesn't mean shit," growled Shiv, "I'll have to see what she's got."

Edje came back into their group, having finally torn his eyes from Jyil's receding figure. He buried his hands in his pockets and turned to Razer.

"Correct me if I'm wrong but, wasn't she all set to race for Rayn this year?"

Razer raised his eyebrows, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"She had a slight change of heart."

All three of his racers fixed him with skeptical expressions. Razer let out a short sigh, straightening up. He stared back at the three men with a critical gaze. Absently smoothing away a wrinkle on his trench coat, he spoke.

"I understand you all have questions. But this is not the place or time. Let me gather my thoughts, and we'll sort this all out later. Until then…" Razer held out his arm, gesturing to the dusty practice track. "You have some racing to do, gentleman."

Edje grunted, as if in agreement. Cutter gave a slight nod, heading to climb back into his car. They both drove away, leaving behind thick clouds of exhaust and dirt. Only Shiv remained, his arms still crossed firmly across his chest. He arched an eyebrow, and Razer returned the gesture, as if awaiting a response. Shiv laughed.

"I can see the gears turning in your head, Razer," he said, "What did you pull us into this time?"

Razer smiled. "Don't you trust me?"

Shiv smirked; it was habit of his boss to answer a question with a question. Turning his gaze back to their newest teammate, Shiv could see she'd sat down on the rickety bleachers, chin in her fists, watching as the cars screeched through the turns.

"I don't know about this one. She just seems so…different."

"Hm. Well, a little variety never hurt anyone," Razer sighed. "And she's talented. I almost hate to say it, but…she has potential."

Shiv grunted a laugh. "And a nice ass."

Razer allowed himself a chuckle, training his eyes once again on Jyil sitting by herself in the empty stands. He tilted his head slightly, reaching for another cigarette.

"I'm sure that goes without saying."