Cyberpink

Chapter 5

DROP TEN

“Remind me again why I didn’t do this over the phone,” Hector said, driving back home.

“Because,” Pickle said from the passenger seat, “you need to start showing up. Half the deals are made simply because someone knows somebody.”

“Okay, I get it. I just hate that place, makes me wanna barf,” he gestured, making a face.

“That’s the whole point, isn’t it?” Cherry chuckled from the back seat.

“Ugh… I am gonna barf, let’s stop talking about it,” Hector said, making a left. “Pickle, what’s up? Are they good?”

She bobbed her head left and right, mincing her words. “Ungh… yeah… For now, I guess?”

“Show me.” He pulled up their stats.

Name

Consuela Briones

Alias

Cadena

Strength

1

Speed

2

Strategy

1

Sexiness

1

Cup Size

C

Augmentations

11%

Team

Unassigned

Position

Chain

Wins

1

Losses

13

Income

1500

Sponsorships

None

Name

Lorelai DeSilva

Alias

Dainty Feet

Strength

1

Speed

1

Strategy

1

Sexiness

2

Cup Size

D

Augmentations

5%

Team

Unassigned

Position

Enforcer

Wins

0

Losses

44

Income

2500

Sponsorships

None

“Hephaistos’ mighty hammer and balls, Pickle, even I can tell these two are below average,” Hector exclaimed, swerving to keep his focus on the road.

“I can… hammer them into shape,” Pickle hesitated.

“Awesome use of the pun there, Pickle. Your banter is getting better every day,” Cherry noted unhelpfully from the back.

“No, no, they suck. We’ll find someone else,” Hector said, shaking his head.

“What if we can’t find them in time?” Cherry said.

Pickle sucked air through her teeth. She thought about for a moment. “Well, if we can’t find anyone else, I’m sure I can train them to at least hold their ground,” she finally nodded.

“You sure?” Hector asked, ignoring her.

“Yes,” Pickle said, looking confident, chin lifted.

“Okay. If you say you can, I’m with you,” Hector said.

Pickle turned back to Cherry. “This means we’re gonna have to carry the entire team, you, me and Bobo.”

Cherry snorted in a very unladylike way. “What else is new?”

Hector looked through the mirror, Cherry looked very excited, smiling and practically brimming with energy. “Love the positive attitude. But seriously, who’s Bobo?”

Pickle slapped her forehead. “Oh, right, I’ve been meaning to fill you in. I have an athlete in mind, I think she’ll be perfect for us.”

“If you think so. When can we see her?” Hector asked.

“Um… There’s a match tomorrow afternoon. Can we go and check her out?” Pickle said, checking her veil.

Hector nodded, eyes on the road. “Sure, book us two tickets. Now, about us getting officially in the Cyberpink Tournament, how much time do we have?”

“Until the qualifiers? Four weeks,” Pickle said, and he could tell she was feeling the burden of responsibility already.