“Speed Demon or Savior? Shane West and the Infamous V-TAG Drive”

By Jorrah Quince, Pulse Contributor

Veridion’s streets have a rhythm—chaotic, relentless, and often unforgiving. But if you’ve ever been caught in the blazing tail lights of a modified racer tearing through Steel Verge or weaving past collapsing towers in the Apex Spire, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Shane West. The enigmatic tech-runner is known for his uncanny ability to outrun drones, enforcers, and death itself, all thanks to his legendary V-TAG Drive Module.

The Ghost Racer
Shane West isn’t just a driver—he’s a ghost. Rumors swirl about his past: a street racer gone rogue, a former smuggler, or just another thrill-seeker trying to survive the chaos of Veridion. What sets him apart is his V-TAG Drive, a handheld device said to sync seamlessly with any vehicle, turning ordinary street machines into lightning-fast legends.

Witnesses describe seeing West’s car vanish into thin air mid-pursuit, only to reappear blocks away. Others claim his vehicle has overridden city infrastructure to create shortcuts, disabling barriers and scrambling drone targeting systems. If true, the V-TAG isn’t just a tool—it’s a weapon against Veridion’s entire surveillance state.

Outlaw or Innovator?
While the details of the V-TAG’s creation remain shrouded in mystery, tech insiders suspect West himself may have developed the module—or at least heavily modified it. The device’s ability to hijack signals and manipulate vehicle functions suggests advanced AI integration, something typically reserved for corporate elites.

Corporate forces have labeled West a criminal, citing “unauthorized network intrusion” and “vehicular sabotage,” while underground circles hail him as a hero. “West’s got guts,” one source close to Steel Verge said. “He’s not afraid to take on the system, and that V-TAG makes him untouchable.”

Caught in the Crossfire
Shane West’s story isn’t all high-speed glory. Just weeks ago, he was spotted near a blast zone in the Neon Quarters, where rival factions clashed over stolen tech. Unconfirmed reports suggest West played courier, smuggling a data drive containing sensitive blueprints. Whether his involvement was intentional or a case of wrong time, wrong place, the repercussions have painted a target on his back.

Jenn Power’s forces are allegedly hunting West for what they call “corporate theft,” while resistance groups like Robert Kilpatrick’s faction are eager to recruit him for his skills. As for West? He’s not answering questions—he’s too busy outrunning them.

What’s Next for Veridion’s Fastest Man?
As Veridion teeters on the brink, Shane West’s V-TAG Drive represents more than speed—it’s a symbol of freedom in a city drowning in control. But with every shortcut he takes, the streets grow more dangerous, the enemies closer, and the stakes higher.

One thing’s for sure: Shane West won’t stop moving. And as long as he keeps driving, Veridion’s streets will never belong to anyone else.

Jorrah Quince writes for The Veridion Pulse, covering tech, street culture, and the people who define our city’s chaos.