Sayre Gauntlet Aftermath: Yui Kusaka

[YenExios]

SAYRE GAUNLET AFTERMATH: YUI KUSAKA

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ALLENTOWN BASE, PENNSYLVANIA SYSTEM.

At a certain Junker base next to a certain race track, the bar was filled with peoples of varied walks of life. People who hailed from distant houses, those who enforce the law, those who hunt targets for money, miners, explorers, and everything in between. Yet as different as they were, in this moment they were one and the same. All were consumed in the excitement created by the event that was the Sayre Gauntlet.

The race was concluded, and the results of the fastest times were revealed by the Junker Reginald. The crowd erupted with cheers as the winners were announced, although some could be seen groaning in despair as they lost their bets. Though the event was over, the drinking and the eating would surely continue at the bar until the next morning.

At the bar counter sat Yui Kusaka; a blonde haired kusari woman clad in a red outfit. The same woman who would be named the victor of the Sayre Gauntlet. As she watches the screen display the fastest times, a small smile emerges on her face.

She starts thinking to herself: (This track was certainly more troublesome than the one in Provence. Despite it all, it looks like I was able to keep my word.)

During her attempts to record a worthy time, nearly all of her recordings turned out to be underwhelming. Many of her times seemed progressively slower than her previous attempts. Although Yui wasn't one to back down so easily, she started to wonder if her win at the previous event in Provence was a fluke.

After examining the onboard systems, it turns out that her recorder was not functioning properly, and was not displaying the correct time. In a hurry, Yui was able to get it fixed, and after reexamining the footage, attempts that seemed slow were now properly displaying faster times. After seeing notable progress, she regained her confidence, and continued to attempt the track. Eventually, she found a winning time that surpassed the then current record holder.

"My efforts weren't in vain after all. With this, I am now at two wins," she says as she softly speaks to herself in kusari. The bartender who barely heard her makes a confused face.

"Hm? Did you say something? the bartender asked.

"Ah apologies. It was nothing," Yui answered. She stood up from her seat and paid the bartender. "Thank you for the drink." Yui makes her way to the exit.

"Leaving already? The night is still young," the bartender asked.

"I couldn't agree more, but a girl's gotta work," Yui answered. She waves goodbye to the bartender, and exits the bar.

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Yui arrives at the hanger where her Dagger Raikou was waiting. A mechanic who was nearby runs up to her.

"Hi. Is she ready?" Yui asked.

"Miss Kusaka! You have good timing! We just finished maintenance on her. She is refueled, and restocked. Since you paid in advance you're good to go," the mechanic answered. "Great showing by the way. Crazy how it's all freelancers in the top three."

"Ah yes. I imagine the Starfliers and Spa & Cruise aren't too happy about it. If there is another race, hopefully they have improved enough by then," Yui said as she voices her thoughts.

"Rather unfortunate though for them. Despite the placings, it was a close race. Any amount of luck could've change the outcome," the mechanic said. "But another race huh. Think you'll be there too?

"Of course. Surprisingly, racing has turned out to be a rather entertaining diversion from the usual work," Yui answered as she walks to board the Dagger. "And if I'm not there to provide a challenge, who will?"

Yui waves goodbye to the mechanic, and boards the Dagger.

As she sits in the cockpit, she closes her eyes and thinks to herself: (Though I say that, there was a bigger turn out compared to last time. Not only that, there were some racers that got close to taking it... Those that didn't place well will only be better next time we meet.) She lets out a small chuckle. (If it does happen, it looks like I'll have something to look forward. Hopefully the next location they choose will have less asteroids, and debris.) She flips a switch and activates the communication systems.

"Allentown control, this is Raikou. Requesting permission to depart," Yui said.

"Affirmative Raikou. Prepare to launch. Initiating launch sequence," a man said. As Yui runs preflight checks, the engine is brought to life. "Preflight checks complete. All systems green. Moving to docking bay." Raikou slowly makes its way to the docking bay. The docking bay doors slowly open to reveal Pennsylvania space.

"Raikou, this is Allentown Base. You are cleared for launch. Good luck out there."

"Roger that," As Yui switches off the comm, Raikou slowly advances out of the station, and the bay door closes behind it. Suddenly, a message appears on screen. Yui quickly checks the message, and smiles.

"Your account has received a deposit."

"Well it's back to Barrier Gate Station, and back to work." The Dagger activates it's cruise engine, and flies off; leaving behind Allentown Base, the race track, and the Sayre Gauntlet.

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