AAOOOSC! Rivalry!

Back with the CWHLers, Julie is still sitting at her desk behind her computer with Erica and Dru working on the massive computer is behind her.

Then her computer begins to ring: Ding ding ding!

Julie gazes up at her screen, spotting yet another notification of the NWHL power players calling.

“The NWHL’s calling again,” Julie states flatly.

From behind her, Dru throws her head back, dropping her hand occupied by a wrench to her side. “What do they want now?” she groans.

“OW!” Erica defends her head as a pad of buttons topple over her from the control panel. She dusts herself off with frustration. “Maybe we should just give this thing back to them.”

“No!” the skater snaps at her. “We need it!”

Julie accepts the call, sending sends the video chat to the television.

The four NWHL power players appear on the screen just like the last time, except a new lady has joined their conversation.

The CWHL Master raises her eyebrows at the newcomer. “Jessica!”

Jessica gives her a warm smile from the other side of the screen. “Hey, Julie!”

“What are you doing with them?” She holds her hand out toward the big screen.

“We have a proposition,” Hilary states.

From the background, Dru rolls her eyes while letting out another groan. “Oh goodness.”

“Which is?” Julie asks, ignoring her sidekick’s grumbling.

Hilary whirls her head to the goalie, her long brown hair swishing behind her. “Jessica?”

Jessica turns to the camera, looking directly at Julie. “I already explained this to the four, but I’ll explain it to you five...well, three at least.”

Julie nods her head. “Continue.”

“You two groups have one purpose: to save your careers. With that, you two should work together to defeat Matthews. You two as one can beat him easily AND it’d be one less worry to have.”

Julie responds by gawking at her.

“We already agreed to it,” Hilary jumps in, clasping her hands in front of her. “We’re willing to work with you.”

Emily slides closer to the camera, throwing an index finger in the air. “AND we will NEVER sabotage you guys! You have our trust!” She flashes her a toothy grin.

Nicole gives her a thumbs up and a closed smile.

Katie nods her head with a tender smile, agreeing with her sidekicks.

From behind Julie, Dru and Erica are also staring slack-jawed at the screen.

Dru points the wrench to her chest. “Us? Work with you?” She reverts her wrench to the screen.

Jessica nods her head. “Yes. And I’ll work with all of you guys too, if only you two agree to work together.”

“Did you know that all of us together can defeat our groups separately?” Emily points out with an awe-filled voice.

“And if we’re alone, we’re more vulnerable,” Nicole adds in philosophically. “Together, we have more options and more power to do more.”

“I’ll even show you guys how to work the database,” Katie finishes off promptly.

Erica stares at the screen with hopeful eyes.

“And so far, you’re doing it wrong.” Katie gives the two an uneasy expression with pursed lips.

“No, duh!” Dru flings the wrench against the ground in frustration.

Hilary gazes at Julie. “So?”

Julie leans back in her swivel chair. “Let me think with my group here.” She peers up at the ceiling, her hands on her head. She then nods her head and leans forward, facing the screen once again. “Okay, we’ll try it out.”

All of the five ladies on the other side of the screen throw their hands in the air in exhilaration. “YEAH!!!” They exchange high-fives with each other.

“You have our trust as well,” Julie tells them meaningfully. “But if any of you sabotage us, it’s over.”

“Deal.” Hilary gives her a thumbs up. “Same here.”

Jessica reverts her head from Hilary to Julie. “And I’ll keep you both in check.”

The NWHL Master turns to the goalie. “Awesome!” She then whirls over to the camera. “Thank you, Julie! It’s honestly great to work with you again. We’ll be down there in a bit.”

Julie scrunches her eyebrows together in bewilderment. “How come?”

“To start working together.” Hilary gives her a prideful smile.

Notes