Time and Tides Archives

The pilots wait nervously for the starting klaxon to go off...

The course they have to follow is clearly marked out by glowing pink nodes floating magically in the air. Stray out of the defined course and you are automatically disqualified. Luckily, the course is wide except for a few tight corners.

To start, we have the opening straight: out of the docks and into the sky over the city. The course here is wide enough for all eight airships to fly abreast.

Next, we come to the Industrial District, which starts with a couple of tight corners and then becomes fiendishly difficult with an almost U-turn, heading for...

The Business District. Here we have an S-shaped series of turns which will test any pilot's skill, for they not only twist to the left and right, but also up and down. Dipping low enough to skirt a tower, the course then turns sharply right, on towards...

The Theatre District. Here the course actually dips down into the street at its narrowest point, an alley barely wide enough for the biggest ships, before soaring up and around in a semi-circle...

To the final straight. The course is clear and wide again: it's the last dash to the finish point, back at the docks.

The countdown has begun. Lights flash in front of each airship. Five... four... three... two... one...

Go!

From:

unlimitedcid.livejournal.com

It basically killed the poor young blond getting Rachael up and running. Sleep wasn't going to let this be the best of him. But finally the prestigious Rachael was done and everything was in working order, all flight systems were proving to be working properly, the crew had all their jobs to make the ship run, and the ship rolled up to the starting line. Everything was fine.

Except for the pilot, Cid.

At the wheel was the young man who built the ship, almost ready to collapse on the floor with sleep. He heard announcers and people instructing him on what to do. As much as he was trying, he was almost ready to keel over.\

"NO! I will not let the Rachael down! I will not let the Comodeen down! I will not!"

He thoughts jolted him awake as the countdown began. He called out into the intercom throughout the ship, "Everyone, whatever happens I'm happy you all were here to experience it. But for the sake of it, let's do this to win!" As the lights reached green, the airship managed to burst out of the line and make it's way through the course!

(deleted comment)

From:

shatterhearted.livejournal.com

Fran had ensured the Strahl was in perfect racing order. She had done plenty of pre-race checks and last minute work on the engine to ensure the Strahl was running smoothly.

She sat in the captain's seat, bringing the Strahl's engine to life, powering the glossair rings. Of course, once the race is under way, she won't be the one piloting.

From:

xredthespianx.livejournal.com

An airship race! Now this is what life was all about. There were few things more exciting than thievery and acting, and this was one of them. The Prima Vista was polished to perfection; her engine tweaked and fixed to ensure that nothing would go wrong.

Blank didn’t expect to stand much of a chance against some of those airships from other worlds, but he and the Vista would give it everything they had.

From:

tantalus-born.livejournal.com

Zidane was, to be honest, less than thrilled about the ship he was flying. Mostly because he knew there was an ace in the hole ship he should've been flying but couldn't. Still, the race itself seemed like it would be fun, even if he lost.

He couldn't help but grin at Selphie's enthusiasm over the coms either, as he swung his own ship up into the starting area.

From:

gtfomyhighwind.livejournal.com

Given an airship that wasn't his? Now that didn't sit well with him at all. It wasn't familiar at all. Not the feel, the weight, the smell; everything was off. And even worse, he didn't know what it could take. Back home, Cid could get his ships going and roll them if he wanted. He knew they could handle it. But with this 'Falcon', he just wasn't sure.

But he was still as arrogant as ever, still a pilot, and he would pull everything he knew on this ship to see where it could take him. He was about to reply something cocky back, but the countdown started and he couldn't help but to focus. Though he was just psyching himself up, the slight nagging in the back of his head kept his stomach filled with butterflies. 'Don't eat your words.' The light flashed to green and Cid pushed the ship to its limit.

From:

royalpiracy.livejournal.com

To be honest, Faris had more experience in water than clouds. Never had it crossed her mind to enter an airship race. At least, not until she'd had a chance to speak to Balthier. Call her courageous, wreckless, adventurous, whatever you liked, but Faris Scherwiz had guts, and a thirst for something new. Whether she could win or not, she was gonna give it her all, prove she could run with the best of 'em.

She revved the engine and, on the signal, punched it forward.

The thrill was exhilarating!

From:

unlimitedcid.livejournal.com

The only one's voice who echoed through the intercom was that perky one in the giant red airship. As Rachael came towards the Industrial Sector, the airship was taken full control of the mechanic. Not before he quipped on the intercom, "Alright, time for you all to see what an airship can really do!" Cid's pack opened up as many different metal prongs and devices dove into the console, as Cid's visor was down and online.

The airship gunned it as fast as the engines could take it making very cold and calculated turns around the sector. Course the length of it cause him to be careful and slow down on some of the tighter turns. He wants to win, sure, but he's not going to risk Rachael's paint job for it!

From:

shatterhearted.livejournal.com

Fran pushed the Strahl forward, kicking her into full life as she began to manoeuvre the course. No doubt Balthier would insist on taking control of his beloved airship any moment now. He was, after all, captain.

From:

xredthespianx.livejournal.com

"Good luck, guys. May the best man - or woman - win." Blank murmured as he pilotted the rather large theatre ship out of the stands and onto the course. He had been looking forward to this for weeks.

From:

[The viewing platforms are all fitted with loudspeakers which are airing the race commentary provided by none other than Gilgamesh. For those with Sky Phones, you can also live stream the event and see the race up close as filmed by flying moogles. For a small fee, of course.

The speakers crackle as the commentary begins. We start with Gilgamesh reporting from the docks. As he passes each airship, he discusses the competitors' merits...]

Ladies and gentleman, may I present the inaugural Lady Eiko Sky Race! Today, eight would-be champions will take to the skies, eight masters of the air, all competing for that coveted first place, and a ten thousand gil cash prize. Not bad, huh? Let's meet the pilots and their airships!

Starting off with Bay One, we have Lindblum's own champion pilot and master of the Lindblum fleet... Give it up for Erin! Flying Lindblum's premier airship, the Hilda Garde Six, the fastest and most efficient of its class, she's definitely one to watch out for.

In Bay Two, we have Fran, the beautiful rabbit-eared viera, and her airship, the Strahl. What a fine piece of workmanship she is. And the airship's not bad either. Heh heh... I'll feed you a carrot any time, bunny girl, you've only gotta ask.

In Bay Three it's Selphie Tilmitt of Galbadia Garden, in the driver's seat of the Ragnarok. Our smallest competitor in our biggest airship! Take a good look at this baby: Ragnarok is a goliath. You can't miss this scarlet giant with its dragon's prow and its high-tech engines. A must-see for any airship enthusiast.

Moving on to Bay Four, we have Cid - no, not the Regent - a young man rumoured to be the Regent's protégé. His airship, Rachael, he designed and built himself. Definitely one to look out for in the future.

In Bay Five, it's our very own Zidane Tribal! The boy with the monkey tail is said to be awfully close to a certain Alexandrian queen, heh... But apparently not close enough to get his own Alexandrian airship. He'll be flying a standard Lindblum Falcon. Best of luck, kid.

In Bay Six, flying our second Lindblum Falcon, we have Cid Highwind. This pilot scared off quite a few of our Lindblum ladies with his foul mouth. Let's see if his bite is as good as his bark.

In Bay Seven, we have another local, Blank of the famous theatre troupe, Tantalus. He's flying the Tantalus airship, the Prima Vista. Now some say that Tantalus are nothing but a band of thieves... Who knows, maybe Blank will steal the race today.

And finally, bringing up the rear in Bay Eight... It's Faris Scherwiz, flying our third and final Lindblum Falcon. Faris was our last pilot to register. He'd better hope that he's not so tardy in the race, eh? Heh heh heh.

So those are all our competitors. What a bunch. They're counting down to the start of the race... Five... Four... Three... Two... One...

And they're off!

From:

[Regent Cid is now regretting having employed Gilgamesh for this.

Still, as the race begins, he leans forward eagerly. This should be good.]

From:

lastsummoner.livejournal.com

[Eiko's standing at the edge of the balcony, up on her tiptoes to watch.]

Did you build any of those airships, Father?

From:

The Hilda Garde Six. My finest creation yet. I incorporated ideas from the latest technology we've discovered - something of a mishmash, but she's definitely airworthy!

From:

captain-rusty.livejournal.com

[Steiner is standing behind them, accompanying the Queen.]

She is magnificent, Regent. A testament to your genius! I must say, I do not fancy Zidane's chances against these ships.

From:

crowned-jewel.livejournal.com

[Garnet is standing near the edge of the balconey, dressed nicely for the occasion, but approprietly -- hair swept back in a loose braid, red riding pants, black boots, and a white silk blouse with a very nice lace-up bodice.]

He probably doesn't stand much of a chance against some of them... Ragnarok and the Strahl both look like they could keep up with even the Invincible!

[A pause, and a little smile]. But it's all in fun anyway, isn't it? And so much less dangerous than the Festival of the Hunt. [and for a minute, she's lost in memories]

From:

lastsummoner.livejournal.com

[Well there's a predicament: root for Erin or Zidane?]

I think Father's airship will win! His are the best.

From:

[Cid acknowledges the compliments with a regal nod.]

We'll see!

From:

[What's this? Irvine in the stands cheering]

Kick their asses Selph! Show'em how SeeD race!

[Supporting boyfriend is supporting I guess]

From:

[Mjrn frowns upon hearing the announcer speak of Fran in such terms. However, she turns to Irvine with a smile upon hearing him nearby. Since there's room, she moves over.]

Hello, Irvine.

From:

[Stops to hear a lovely lady. Oh it's Mjrn!]

Hey! [Bows taking off his hat] An honor to meet with you again...Mjrn was it?

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Aye, that is so.

[She nods politely, then winces a little as the cheering grows louder. It's harder on bigger ears, after all.]

I may be allowed to cheer for both? I would not want to choose between my sister and friend.

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Of course you can...As much as I want Selphie to win [Looks at the race] I kinda want Fran to win too. [Sighs] Selph would kill me if she heard me say that.

[Looks at Mjrn] So, I take it things have been well for you?

From:

[Mjrn flashes him an understanding smile, then nods.]

Very well. Vaan and Penelo have returned, and we have an airship. I am not very confident in my piloting skills, or perhaps I would have entered this race.

From:

Glad you didn't cheering for two women looks bad enough, if there were three I'd look like a hussy. [Laughs]

But I'm sure you're better than you say...hell I would love to ride along with you. After all after you've had Selphie drive an airship you're in, you're used to anything. Ever.

From:

[Mjrn looks amused at Irvine describing himself in such a manner.]

Selphie must be more skilled than I, with such experience. Yet, I have not been aboard this new vessel, only Garden.

[She eyed Selphie's vessel curiously, wondering if it was anything like those of Ivalice on the inside.]

Edited Date: 2010-03-21 10:12 pm (UTC)

From:

I won't lie to you, I'm not sure about your sister's ship or the others...but the Ragnarok...[Eyes the race] I would not be surprised if it takes the cup. This thing was originally meant for space travel, during a crisis in our world.

But...the ship is only half the parts needed for a race. A good ship is only as good as its captain.

From:

...space travel?

[Mjrn's eyes widen.]

I am loyal to the Strahl, but it has not this ability.

[Not that is was required for the race, but...wow. She nods at his other advice, though.]

Fran has flown for decades. There is little she cannot manage with the Strahl.

From:

Then this should be a good race, best machine taking on the best pilot.

...Strangely enough I want Fran to win more, just cause I know Selphie will be unbearable to deal with later on.

[Blinks] Don't say that I told you that, she'd kill me.

From:

[Amused, she shakes her head.]

My lips are sealed.

From:

Thanks Mjrn. [A small chuckle]

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[Rinoa's cheering too.]

Go, Selphie! Go, Selphie! Woo!

From:

[Adding to the Selphie supporters, Refia's managed to finagle an old bedsheet from her landlady and used just a bit of the shop's supplies to paint "FLY SELPHIE FLY!" like a banner. She got there early to hang it on a railing, and as the crowd grew thicker, she eventually was forced to actually climb up and sit on the railing herself to be able to see anything going on.]

[Which doesn't stop her from cheering!] Come on Selphie! You can do it!

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[Rinoa spots the girl on the railing and recognises her.]

Hey! Refia!

From:

Rinoa! Hi!

[The white mage leans out what some people would probably consider too far to wave to her friend, glad to see her looking happy again.]

Selphie's airship is so big!

From:

[Rinoa waves back.]

It's amazing, right? Hey, I didn't know you knew Selphie!

From:

Just over the network, but she's been really nice to me! She told me about where I could get a job and the owner took me on!

From:

Cool! That banner is amazing! Can I help you hold it?

From:

Oh, I tied it on with some string! [Refia pats the banner-sheet under her to prove it's secure.] But you can come sit up here if you can make it! The view is so much better!

From: