Access level: basic.
Report of Explorer We-E about a chance meeting with Jacques Kremer.
Having found me in the wilderness without communication, I was expecting to get into trouble, but I was lucky — by night I noticed a car in the distance and sounded a distress signal. There was a response.
My saviour's car had racing car genes, but it was perfectly upgraded further. Its pilot saluted me:
— Bad luck, buddy?
I was surprised — meeting a peaceful traveller meant tremendous luck. The stranger glanced at me, noticed the Explorer badge and lit up:
— You're from the Order, aren't you?! Well, now I'm even happier I plotted the course through here today. Jacques Kremer, the best driver in this dusty range!
I introduced myself, described my predicament, so Jacques picked up his tools and immediately dived under the hood of my car. He worked like a pro. Noticing that I was watching, he smiled:
— Don't worry, I won't break it. I've been around cars my whole life, long before… everything.
Anticipating some interesting material, I asked Jacques to tell his story.
— Not much of a story here. I was a test pilot. I dreamed of racing. Kept waiting for a moment to break into the world's tracks, but it didn't work out. When the chance came, the world was over.
For a moment Jacques' voice turned sad. I wanted to apologize for pouring salt on the wound, but he waved his hand and continued:
— When everything around here turned into a dump, I thought it was over. Not gonna lie, I was really down. And then I heard about the races in the Valley, and my blood started flowing once again. I found them, the best! Together we brought my beauty back to life, — Jacques nodded affectionately at his car. — Now her name is “Moby 935”, and she's the harpoon I threw at victory.
Turning to me, Kremer grinned.
— Even in the Wasteland, there's a place for dreams. Mine kicked me out for a ride today, and you see, I found you.
After rebuilding my car, Jacques gave me his frequency to communicate — just in case — and drove away to do his thing.
Indeed, sometimes the Wasteland presents us with amazing encounters.
Explorer We-E