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As Han backed away, one of the mechanics lowered the carbon fiber door and offered a thumbs-up Kurt eased the car out onto the track and spent the first two laps getting used to the layout, the navigator and the instant and precise feedback that ca wheel

By the third lap, he took the back straight at over a hundred hts glistened on Nagasaki Bay He slowed considerably for turn five and yet as the track tilted to the right while turning to the left, the car still felt as if it was going to fly off the track and into the bay He ran each of the next two laps at slightly higher speeds and then pulled into the pits, ready to begin the race

He stopped thirty feet fro a yellow and blue version of the car Kurt was in The paint was different and the CNR logo was plastered all over it, but aside from a few additional antennas, the cars were identical

Kurt popped the door open Despite the cool night te in the cockpit He pulled his helmet off for some air

Akiko ca to be my hero?”

“Your hero?”

“Defending the cause of huy”

Kurt had to laugh “I’d say yes, but, in all honesty, I’et our host off balance Keep an eye on him while I’m out there”

She leaned in and gave him a kiss “For luck”

The robot car roared to life and, once it was up and running, Han walked back over to Kurt “Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be”

“Good,” Han said “We’ll have to keep it short There’s a stor in and we don’t want either vehicle out on the track if it starts raining”

Kurt nodded

“Enjoy your ride,” Han said “First car across the finish line wins”

Kurt pulled on his helhtened the strap and nodded The doors were closed and the cars lined up in a staggered formation, with Kurt thirty feet ahead