He had to avoid that fate at all costs.
Something was wrong. He lacked information. There had to be some detail his focus had slipped past.
So he watched.
He waited in silence for any sign of weakness.
Chrono-cycles passed.
Nothing.
What cursed hell could have forged a species like human?
When an unexpected message arrived from Vegrun, it felt like a perfect chance to reclaim solid ground. Vegrun had forwarded an invitation to the grand opening of a new racetrack on the station, transferable for two guests. It granted unlimited track access within a certain time window.
Khar could barely hide his grin as a plan took shape.
Maybe the Usurper had surpassed him in almost everything.
But not here.
Khar had survived the hardest pilot trainings. He was an excellent driver. He would show her. With luck, that would bury the damned challenge once and for all.
Everything would be fine.
He forced his features into a neutral, even friendly mask as he presented Lily with the invite, pretending his nerves were not stretched to breaking while he waited for her answer.
“Look. Want to try a racetrack after shift? It is rare. Usually it is very expensive and booked out chrono-cycles in advance.”
The roots of his horns throbbed from stress. Too much depended on her answer. She hesitated, then, as if remembering something, nodded.
“Okay. I just don’t know what kind of vehicles we’ll be driving. I don’t have experience with… well, those.”
“Do not worry. You said you drove vehicles on Earth. However primitive they were, there will be plenty to choose from. You will find something you like.”
Khar was right.
The new track combined cutting-edge tech with the renaissance of mechanical vehicles sweeping the IMPERIUM. In a civilization optimized for assisted operation, only artificial difficulty could satisfy adrenaline-hungry daredevils. Khar loved how the ring coiled around the station, each sector simulating different weather and terrain to test the drivers’ skills.
Their guide, a tall, slim Dak’ri female in the track’s blue and white colors, tapped along ahead of them on the tips of her jointed arms. She led them from the stands to the skydeck, then into the garage, where imported classics from every quadrant waited, tailored to local species’ tastes.
“As you can see, we offer a wide selection so species of all sizes can find their perfect racer. Gravitational fields protect the track’s edge to minimize collision risks. The vehicles are mechanically driven, but we can customize every characteristic, including controls and output, so that only reflexes and piloting skill decide the winner. May the best pilot prevail, yes?”
She smiled with her yellow teeth, an expression not typical of her species, but a good host tried to match Divani preferences even if she knew nothing about Lily.
Khar ran his hand along the iridescent skin of a red machine with serpentine externals, admiring the rainbow sheen.
Lily drifted uncertainly, studying the skids, air-cushion models, and designs with soft pads and sucker arrays.
Then she spotted a four-wheeled car with a single steering device.
Her eyes lit up and she ran to it.
Of course Khar noticed. He always watched her from the corner of his eye. He could not take the greatest challenge of his life lightly.
“How does this one work, Karora?” Lily asked the Dak’ri guide.
The name surprised Khar. He did not remember anyone mentioning it.
