Ayr quickly passed the main avenue towards the exit of Ruan heading to the wheat district in the Farmlands. He had purchased the terrains of an old silo and had slowly made adjustments in order to utilize as a workshop for MAC's.
He had arrived at the entrance booth, the gate opened as it recognized the signal from his pcom. Once inside there was a big building, which originally had been 2 warehouses. Next to it was a parking lot with few vehicles on it, Ayr parked his gravflyer there.
The big building still looked like a warehouse on the edges, the middle had been covered with plain concrete and steel, that had made the connection between the once separate building, a small glass frame covered part of it, giving a modern look.
Ayr went towards the entrance located at the new part, his pcmom suddenly rang.
-Excuse me sir, Mr. Jenkins from Gauss Relay, would like to speak with you, do you want me to transfer the call, or should I inform him, you will cam him later- Mrs. Abigail voice came from his pcom on his wrist.
-It is ok Mrs. Abigail, pass him through-
-Certantly sir- after a small beep
-Hi Mr. Jenkins, how have you been lately?- Ayr asked
-Please Ayr, it has been 6 years already, you can just call me Peter, you know that- Mr. Jenkins replied.
-Thank you sir, I appreciated it-
-I could never get you to it, right?-
-I am sorry sir, I was raised that way-
-Well, that's that. Were have you Ayr, I haven't heard from you ever since you left my office that day, is everything okay? Have you perhaps changed your mind?-
Mr. Jenkins had been the person who offered Ayr the opportunity to become one of Gauss Relay pilots, he had seen his ability as a pilot, and at that time ,risked his position by suggesting him as a candidate for the last spot on the Gauss Relay MAC racing team. He had just been promoted as the team talent manager, and made his first proposition to the board, purchase the rookie pilot from team Nova Nebula. He have had a marvelous rookie year, even managing to win some races, his performance on his home soil of Beta Prime, had been outstanding.
Many teams were gonna bid for him, Nova Nebula was an old team, it had gained some notoriety on the firts seasons of the MPC, with the legendary pilot Dorian Tur, but that was it. The team had managed to survive always on the edge of elimination. They had discovered a prominent rookie, but their main pilot was good, they could earn a lot of needed cash for the team as a trade for the rookie.
Gauss Relay was a second generation team, but they had been contesting for the top spots ever since they were officially accepted in the MPC. At the time of the offer they had a great pilot Lance Dubris who ended that season on third, they had bought him 2 seasons prior. They also had the experienced pilot Vander Meir, and on that season they were testing the rookie pilot Galeni Vindare who made a regular season for a rookie.
Mr. Jenkins payed a visit to Ayr, on Beta Prime. There were 2 other interesting rookies on season 64, but Jenkins liked Ayr, he was hard working and well mannered, the Gauss Relay team already had a flashy star with Lance, he taught this rookie would not create a conflict with him, and could help them on their way to the top.
He was surprised by how well prepared Ayr was, he was aiming to convince him to a season contract, that way if his debut season had been just luck, there would be no harm done to the team by only having him for a year, and he could keep face to his superiors. He knew however that other teams might look for him, so Ayr might asked for a more solid contract.
He was surprised that Ayr was, like him, only interested with a 1 season contract, but had asked to receive training with the mechanics from Gauss Relay. He was aware he would have to sign a non disclosure agreement and was fine with it, as well as to have the ability to choose whom they would sell him to, if they wanted him to leave at the end of the season, but only if the money they offered exceeded what the team had payed for him from Nova Nebula, and last, if they still wanted him next season, they would have to renegotiate the contract.
Jenkins had agreed to all conditions, it was a great deal for him, he had secured a high profile rookie for the team, and had left the team with a good trading card and no real downsize. He had later found out that another team had offered Ayr a 5 season contract, which was something never offered to a rookie at that time, yet, he had refused.
As soon as season 65 roster had been announced, many people were going wild. The rookie Ayr "The Gentleman" had been purchased by Gauss Relay, their fans were ecstatic, just 2 season before the team had brought Lance who was on his prime, they had the firm Vander and now, they had a awesome rookie, it appeared as if they were preparing to create a legacy in the coming years. The team executives congratulated Jenkins on his decision, even Lance was happy with the attention they received and the new rookie.
By the end of the season team Gauss Relay were on track, Lance had stepped to the second position, Ayr had surprised with a 14 position, and a time record on his local track of Beta Prime, but Vander made an incredible year, he had reached 7th place. He had always been a solid pilot, he had been rookie groomed by the team, and was the senior, but he had never been the star. He and Ayr had found and incredible chemistry, and he had shared part of the support position on him, allowing him to race more freely.
A renegotiation followed with Ayr, this time they pushed for a 5 season deal, but he wanted a 3 season deal. Jenkins was mad at the beginning thinking, last season might have gone to his head, they wanted him as he had place superb and had proved really valuable as a support for Lance, and even Vander who was approaching his twilight year as a pilot. They believed that they could watch on those 5 seasons, if he could replace Lance as a star, or became their next secure pilot as Vander had been.
Jenkins knew Ayr, was smart, so he had a private chat with him, he had believed he could convince him, he was mistaken. Ayr was adamant on the 3 season deal, however it was not because he wanted to increase his value as a pilot and then forced them for a juicier negotiation or a big purchase for another team. In 3 seasons would be the end of Vander contract with the team, and it was not likely that Gauss Relay would extend his contract. Ayr was aware of what they were aiming with him, and he would certainly not neglect his work as a support, but he was not sure if Lance would be his ideal partner once Vander left.
Ayr then offered a clause in his contract, Gauss Relay might choose whom they would sell him to, after the 3 seasons, but they would have to pay him the biggest offer for him, even if the team did not decided to sell him to the biggest bidder, Gauss Relay would have to cover that difference. He would not seek another team, and by the end of contract, they would once again renegotiate the contract, being established that it would be for 3 more seasons.
Jenkins smiled after those conditions, he needed to perform, that was the only way his value would rise, they had the choice to sell him to a new or low tier team. He had also added that the next contract would be for 3 more seasons, that would be about the time when Lance career had reached its end, with that they had the opportunity to once again renegotiate with him, purchase a star pilot, or a promising rookie. The deal was made.
The Gauss Relay team was ready, and their fans prepared, season 66 would have been one of the best for team, Lance was competing for the 1st place, Vander had already reached the 5th place, and Ayr was at the 8th place on the board. But on the 21 track of the season, Vander suffered and accident. Another pilot had grazed a wall, and ended colliding with him. He somehow managed to avoid crashing heads first, but ended up injured. He could not end the season. Team Gauss Relay ended the with Lance once again on 2nd, and Ayr managed to push to the 5th place. He had managed to won the last race of the season, in which Lance finished 4th.
This brought some discussion, some said that if Ayr from the 1st place, managed to slow down those behind him, perhaps Lance could have ended on a better place and earned the championship, that was what the "drama" media was promoting. The more professional media, had consulted with coaches and experts who said, that Lance was not able to overtake, and trying to slow down the other racers would probably made Ayr lose the race, and in turn, Gauss Relay would gain less points
The Gauss Relay team, had made a decision during the race, Lance needed to overtake the 3rd position, and he could do that Ayr, would try and slow the second one, but Lance could not do it, so the team decided to answer by stating that it had been a team call. Lance however had an interview before the official statement from the team was published, in which he said that Ayr, was a dedicated pilot, but by no means a "gentleman", and laughed with the interviewer.
The team was mad at Lance, he had not only gone against the team decision but had left Ayr as a selfish pilot, and possibly started a conflict within the team. Jenkins in particular wanted to fine Lance, and made him issue a public apology, Lance had 4 seasons left on his contract and would share 2 of those with Ayr. The management decided to fine Lance privately and made him apologize public and in close quarters with the team.
The press however had managed to find Ayr, they cornered him about Lance comments, to which Ayr replied, with this:
-I have always felt honored, by the nickname you had given me "The Gentleman", I have made and effort to really earn it. What happened that race, was not a selfish act on my behalf, but rather a mistake by my inexperience. I had overtaken Mr. Roiken, on the double turns by chance, and was trying my hardest to keep that advantage. I am not as experienced as Mr. Roiken, and I am sorry to say this, but as I am, I was unable to slow him down, had Mr. Vander been in my place, I am certain he would have. My grand mother said, that a gentleman takes responsibility in everything he does, and it is not afraid to apologize for his mistakes as long as he does something to never make the same mistake again. I will train harder, and will strive to one day be as good as Mr. Vander, I once again sincerely apologize to my team, I take responsibility in not bringing the championship this season, but I do promise to improve and work hard- He even made a small bow.
The interviewer was at a loss of words as he had expected drama to unfold. Every expert had already accepted that letting Ayr finish first was the best decision. His answer however had been incredible, he had reassured the fans, avoided more drama with Lance, and even praised Vander and Roiken.