Pathways of the mind - Nano 2016

Chapter 4 - Roller, we need a bath tub for Risty

Before Risty could start swearing at the woman some of the other teams came over and congratulated them. A few even gave them their names. That was a definite change of pace which she hadn't honestly expected. She knew what Roller had said but after one race they said hello? She was even more startled when they were invited to join the others that evening for a small party.

Sten knew Risty was going to be confused but he didn't say anything until they were back at their container, "You know I didn't expect much else from that bitch. Did okay? Not too bad? We could have been hurt out there several times." He flopped down and leaned back against a cushion he had found. It was in his usual spot next to the container, "I wonder what portion of the money we got. I am going to assume maybe a fifth of the total pot."

With a grumble, she checked the card and there was what seemed like a nice amount but what did that really mean? It could be a million bucks but if clothing cost 100K then the million really wasn't that much, "No idea how much this is or isn't. It looks like we made 500 credits today but no idea how much that really is." She tucked the card away in her jacket, "So Roller, what pithy statements do you have for us now?"

He pulled his pith helmet off and ran a hand through his hair, "Did decent, take the afternoon off, relax, and get ready for harder training tomorrow. You came close to being disqualified several times but squeeked past by the skin of your butts. Other than that good place in the race. Second isn't bad. Not first but still a good showing." He put the helmet back on before taking a sip of what looked like a beer.

"Good, I am going to use the showers and collapse for a while. My body isn't happy with me right now. I think I used up a months worth of adrenaline during the race." Sten stretched, "Maybe we can get some new clothing. I am tired of wearing the same damn thing day after day."

That was something she could agree with. Using the same clothing day after day wasn't what she liked or was used to. They had to clean them in a sink and hang them out to dry. It was rather uncomfortable for her since that included her underthings. They had found towels but sitting around in that and nothing else was disturbing, "Good idea, after we cool down we can go to the mall and see what there might be."

Roller smiled slightly, "There are a few shops I can suggest. They are second hand but will save you money. You might consider some upgrades to your flyer. All the racers today had fairly basic models with few if any upgrades. As you advance through the levels in the races you will need to add power, heavier safety features, and even a better paint job. Use the money wisely."

Risty had to think about what Roller had said since to her the flyer was already too powerful. There had been a time or two during the race she had maxed it out but not for the entire race. Maybe better safety systems and some sort of night vision for the helmets. That tunnel had been really dark and they had almost crashed several times in it, "Second hand? Well I suppose we can look but not something I have ever had to worry about. Maybe a list of places for spare parts as well?"

As she was talking Sten had finally broken down and opened the gift box he had been given. When he pulled a shirt and long coat out he snorted, "Great, now we are advertising material." Both had the logo of some store he hadn't heard of before. The shirt was white with the logo in brilliant colors on the front. The jacket looked like some sort of duster. It was light weight material so it wouldn't be too hot to wear. Based on the length it would probably go down to about his knees. When Risty opened her package, he laughed because it was almost the same.

When she sat up and pulled her shirt off and put the other one on he had to look away. She was cute but he didn't want her to see him staring at her. Chances were, it would make her uncomfortable and that would cause problems with racing. Considering how close they had to be physically while racing if she thought he was doing more than just helping her it would become awkward.