Hello Hurricane {English Translation}

36. Daniel - Bischofshofen - Day of competition

"The grand finale today on NRK. It starts 16:45 o'clock, "said Tom in a monotone voice into the camera and sat down on a bench in front of the Norwegian container. In his hands he held a small red anti-stress ball, which he repeatedly threw in the air and catched. He seemed bored. "But don't blame yourself if you miss it. I missed the qualification ... So... for those who want to see more of me, we have Ski-TV. Or you can check out my social media channels. "

Already from a distance, Daniel had seen Alex coming purposefully toward the container in which he stood and watched the action outside through the blind.

"Hey!", Tom rubbed his neck indignantly. "What- Oh. Hey boss, "he said sheepishly as he recognized Alex and Daniel was pretty sure, that he dabbled an innocent grin, which was betrayed each time by the mischievous glow of his eyes.

Restless, Daniel turned away. Began to pace back and forth. He pulled his phone out of his pocket. No news. Nothing. Nervously, he stared at the wall as the door to the container opened and Alex came in. "The weather forecasts are unchanged. The wind shouldn't matter today. Maybe some snow, but you shouldn't worry about that. The tactic are as we have discussed today: Everything as always. This is a competition like everyone else. That means: Keep warm and active but stay focused. Your trial jump was good. Nice hip pose. Very well turned over the ski. That's the key. If you can do that again, you will be able to rival with Kamil. Just focus on your jump. There will be a result at the end of the day, no matter how it will go. Everything all right so far?"

"Yes, everything's great," Daniel replied automatically.

"Good", satisfied Alex nodded. "Oh, the press knows: No more interviews until the competition is done. As we had discussed. Should anyone try it, it's your decision, "Alex continued businesslike, glancing at his watch for a moment. "Should you need anything else ... or want to discuss something ...?"

"No ... no ... all right. I can do it. No problem. Everything as always, "Daniel replied and met Alex glance, who suddenly looked skeptically at him. "I mean, I know what I have to do."

He would do it. No panic. Peter would shut up for sure. At least that's what he hoped. They had chosen the best possible strategy to defuse the situation. and at least they had survived the trial round unscathed. That meant it worked.

"Good. Then I suggest, you find something to kill time. Still more than an hour until it's your turn, "Alex nodded, satisfied. The skepticism from his coach's face was gone. He was such a master in lying, Daniel thought bitterly. "And I will now deal with Anders and Johan and their questions for NRK," announced his coach when the door was opened behind him. Tom, Andreas and Robert came in loudly.

"-Can you imagine that?" - "No!" - "You should stone them!"

"That's my cue," Alex said goodbye to them as the other three sat down. Andreas and Robert were still wearing their jumpsuits from the trial round, which they would quickly change again to keep themselves warm.

Annoyed, Andreas looked at Daniel and rolled his eyes. Robert wasn't bothered by that, he was far too busy to get upset: "Yes, I think so too. I try so hard! And I still have things to say, just by the way. After all, it's not me, who cuts the speaking times every time, but those incompetent bunglers who call themselves journalists ... "

"What's going on?" Daniel asked Andreas quietly, while Robert continued to rant on. He was fine with every distraction. Any reason to stay in the container was good. And actually, everything was as usual. Absolutely normal.

"Those from the Austrian station looked for interviews and gave Robert to understand, as he sacrificially offered himself, that they would like to hear other jumpers, too" Andreas whispered and couldn't resist a chuckle. "You should've seen his reaction. The tips of his beard have practically swept the floor."