The Xi Persei Dash

X: "How many times have you done this one?"

Tych0: "I dunno...maybe twenty?"

X: "You know most people who do this shit just run it about five times as practice, right?"

Tych0: "I know, but I really enjoy this one. Plus, the solar currents become a bit of a bugger about 43.1u into the course. Can't hurt to learn about them more."

X: "Fair enough. Three years since the last major, right?"

Tych0: "Aye. Three years."

X: "Perhaps you'll win it this time."

Tych0: "Don't care if I do, don't care if I don't."

X: "See, that's what I'm worried about. You're never going to get any real sponsorship with that attitude."

Tych0: "Perhaps. But consider: bollocks to that."

X: *sighs*

Three years since the grand time trials at Theta Orionis, the next trials are held in an equally challenging setting: Xi Persei. Immense amounts of stellar debris and dust make for a course really only suited to synthetic life and even they need powerful shields.

Three years ago, the amazing Synthpara drew me this commission piece, which was their first ever commission. Since then, they've really gone on to develop their style and talents, which has been wonderful to watch! As a complete surprise and incredibly generous thank you, they decided to repaint that piece as a way of also showing how far they've come. I think you'll agree that the difference really is evident. Beautiful work, Para. Thank you <3

(The original is still a proper favourite of mine, too.)