by REM
They traveled up a floor and then down a few corridors. I would’ve thought for certain the casino would be on the first floor, thought Josh. He glanced to his left, where a small outer platform was at the end of a side hall. It’s overlooking the space lots. He bumped Jill gently with the back of his hanging hand and gestured his head subtly toward the outer platform. Perfect for recon.
Jill glanced that way, then back toward Josh. She dipped her head faintly.
Josh felt certain she knew what he was thinking.
A couple of corridors later, they arrived at the grand casino. “One of the finest gaming dens in all the galaxy,” said Lisk, in a truly regal manner.
Josh and Jill strolled into the enormous hall and gazed around at the abundance of games being played. The entire room was draped in red, carpets included, all made in elegant design. It pleased Josh to see the establishment was busy, but not overly packed. Most of the many species of alien were dressed in graceful robes. There were even a handful of wealthy humans, three of whom were in robes, the others sharp business suits.
“Allow me to give you a tour,” said Lisk.
“Sure,” Josh responded.
“Lovely,” said Jill.
Lisk guided the pilots past round tables where pinballs were being shot onto the surfaces and participants took turns sliding puck-sized objects to try and knock the ball of their color into a prize hole.
Interesting game, thought Josh, glancing at Jill and seeing her checking it out too.
Then they came across small arenas where species stood around watching rat-like animals with huge teeth fight to a bitter death. Josh happened to glance when one of the creatures had ripped off the other’s ear and then sunk its fangs into the other’s already blood-gushing neck.
Jill snapped her head away from the cage. “Eewgh!” she let out. “Did you see that?”
Josh nodded. “Sure did.”
Lisk grinned. “We offer twenty-six different species for fighting. You can select and purchase one of your choosing from our farm on the first floor. Some wagers prefer to bring their own from other planets. This is fine, but any creatures competing must be inspected to ensure they fall within regulation.”
“Excellent,” said Josh, nodding, in order to play along.
Jill looked at him as if he’d lost his mind.
Next were racing tables where mice-type creatures raced around different courses. Then there were booths where players sat down to a screen that flashed a hundred or so thin sticks with different symbols and color schemes. The players were shown a color scheme on a card and had to match it from a group of symbols.
After those, Josh saw a few human games, of which there were pool tables, as well as—Good old-fashioned poker, thought Josh. Poker had become an alien favorite, and there were many of such tables available.
Lisk steered the pilots past many more games, until eventually they’d made their way back to the front. “Over there is where you can cash in for chips,” said Lisk, pointing to a counter shack. “I must now see to another guest, but shall return shortly to wander the playing hall in case you have further questions.”
“Thank you,” said the pilots.
Josh felt the need to tip the host, but knew the trip package was all inclusive.
Once Lisk had departed, he turned toward Jill and said, “That outer platform I alerted you to on the way here, it’s overlooking the space lots. I think we should scan the area and figure out how we’re to go about performing our search. This way we’ll be ready later.”
“I agree. We should definitely do that,” said Jill, touching her hair that was up in a bun.
The pilots exited the casino and traveled down a few corridors till arriving at the outer platform. Josh pushed open the glass door and walked outside. Jill too. They strolled to the far railing.
“All right. Time to map this out,” said Josh, peering into the distance. The space lots were checkered, every other square lot dipping six feet lower than normal ground. “Looks like the lots go on for about five miles before ending at that body of water.”
“How weird. I’ve never seen purple water,” said Jill.
“That’s just what we’re calling it. Who knows what it actually is.”
They were silent for a moment.
“There’s a wall outside of the courtyard’s, separating the city from the lots. I also see a large gate. I wonder if it’s guarded, or even accessible,” said Jill.
“Meh, it’s only about twelve feet high. Looks climbable in the worst-case scenario.” Josh glanced at Jill. “You can climb, right?”
“I’m pretty sure I can make it over if you give me a boost.”
“’K. Hopefully it won’t even come to that.”
“You know we’re going to have to do a lot of jogging for this mission, huh?”
Josh tilted his head slightly. “What do you mean?”
“We can’t just walk the five miles straight across. The expanse is probably a few miles wide. In fact, we’d do better splitting up, but I don’t know if we should in a place we’re so unfamiliar with at night.”
Josh pondered her words. “Aye.” He waited a second and said, “We have to complete the mission no matter what. Even if it involves splitting.”
Jill looked him dead in the eyes as if searching for something, then said, “Agreed.”
He wasn’t certain of her true confidence level, but was pleased to see her at least trying to be tough. She drinks beer like a man; she’ll be okay.
The pilots kept examining the space lots, plus a section of the courtyard leading up to it.
Not more than a minute passed when a voice called to them from behind. “Is everything all right?!” said Lisk, who was walking toward the pilots from about fifteen feet away. His expression seemed confused and he was looking the pilots over carefully.
Josh snapped around with his eye wide, but lowered them quickly in an effort to seem cool. He felt a rush of nervousness, and could tell Jill was feeling the same. Her face was contorted. “Uh… yes. We’d seen this magnificent view when you were showing us to the casino, and just had to have a look before we start gambling.”
Jill nodded with a sudden smile. “Once we start playing—we go on for hours. I didn’t want night to come without getting a peek at this beautiful planet.”
Lisk had made it to where they were standing and took a look around for himself, as if double checking things to make sure nothing was out of place. He turned toward the pilots and said, “Very well. Do you remember the way back to the casino?”
Josh glanced at Jill. “Well, we’re done with our sight-seeing. Maybe you can lead us back there since you’re heading that way.”
Lisk adjusted his monocle with his chin held high. “Certainly. Follow me.”
He led the pilots back into the playing hall. “May I recommend a game of Voloco Slide,” he said, pointing to the game where players slid disks across the table.
Josh glanced in that direction, then turned toward another. “We were actually planning on poker to get started.”
Lisk smiled and said, “Ah, yes. The human game. Of course. It is a truly marvelous one at that.”
Jill’s face brightened.
“Allow me to show you to a table,” said Lisk.
Josh and Jill nodded. “Thank you,” they said.
The pilots sat down to a table with a Boden and two Notles. All three aliens glanced up at them upon their arrival. The two Notles smiled. The Boden maintained a straight face. His appearance reminded Josh of Comm, who’d died on planet Skurier.
Lisk held out a card reader and asked, “How much would you like in chips?”
Josh swiped the card Rolly had given them and said, “Two hundred thousand to get started.”
Lisk’s lips curved pleasantly upon hearing the amount. Josh saw the Notles bouncing their heads and whispering out the corner of his eye.
“You go get ’em, cowboy,” said Jill, tapping a fist against his forearm.
; Lisk left and returned with the chips. After that he distanced himself from the table and watched the playing hall for anyone requiring assistance.
Josh leaned toward Jill and whispered, “I wonder what happens if we run out of money?”
Jill shrugged in thought. “Rolly would probably just have it recharged. The mission’s too important.” She stopped and stared at Josh. “But I would hope that would be damn near impossible. We’re not going to run out of chips, right?” she said, as if insisting that Josh didn’t go overboard with his bets.
Josh smirked. “No, no. Just wondering.”
“Something to drink?” said a suited Grusk, who had walked up behind them.
“Two Thors!” said Jill, before Josh could respond. She grinned his way.
Then they anteed up. Hold ’em was the variant.
Josh got a pair of kings to start off. This is looking like a good night already, he thought, peeking at the cards. He glanced over at Jill, who kept a straight face even when glancing back at him. If she wins, we win. I like these odds. He examined the other players’ faces. The Notles were near impossible to read. The Boden seemed confident with his hand.
The first Notle bet five thousand, which caused the second Notle to fold.
The Boden called. So did Jill.
Josh raised ten thousand and saw Jill’s curious face twist in his direction. He smirked, relishing the attention.
“Hah,” the Boden let out, turning up his lips as if unimpressed.
Guess we’ve got a tough guy here, thought Josh, giddily.
The remaining Notle called. As did the Boden.
Jill folded.
Josh checked.
Three, seven, and a queen were dealt on the flop.
All players checked.
The turn card was a king.
Josh felt as if he were going to explode inside, trying to hold back his pleasure from the other players. He looked at Jill’s curious eyes probing him and wanted to laugh, but didn’t.
The remaining Notle folded.
The Boden raised to fifteen thousand.
“You sure about that?” said Josh.
Jill peered at her crewmate as if astonished.
This time Josh couldn’t hold back a grin.
The Boden grunted a few times and motioned with the back of his hand in Josh’s direction. “Bark big, but, uh… bite small,” the Boden responded.
“No, no. Bite is big too,” said Josh, raising the pot to twenty thousand.
The Boden motioned another backhand Josh’s way. “It’s nothing.” He then called the pot.
Josh checked.
River card was a jack.
The Boden checked.
Josh raised to twenty-five thousand.
The Boden called.
Josh checked.
It was time for the showdown.
Josh spread his three kings on the table and said, “Read ’em and weep,” smiling from ear to ear.
Jill glanced at his hand with her mouth opened, then turned to see what the Boden had to play.
The Boden tossed his cards face down toward the dealer in defeat.
Josh reached out with both arms and pulled his winnings in close. He leaned toward Jill’s ear and whispered, “We’re going to leave here a lot richer than when we came. I just hope Rolly lets us keep all of it,” he said, merrily.
“You’re quite full of yourself, aren’t you?” said Jill, half-heartedly. “I never mentioned this, but I’ve been playing poker for years now. So, I think you’re going to have your hands a little fuller than you expected, chief.”
A waiter placed a tall mug next to each of the pilots.
“Punk beetch,” the Boden uttered under his breath.
Josh and Jill looked at each other in pleasant surprise, and fought to hold back their laughter.
By the end of the first hour of play, Josh had moved from tied for fifth with Jill, into clear third place. His alcohol buzz had kicked in, and he was having a swell time of boasting when winning a pot, or spatting back and forth with the disgruntled Boden who was sitting in second place. “Poker was invented by humans—therefore humans will naturally be the better players,” said Josh, staring at the Boden with a goofy grin.
“Uh… you are luck, yes. Smart, no,” said the Boden. “I will teach.”
Josh pulled in the pot and shuffled a few chips noisily. He held up a stack so the Boden could see before mocking the alien’s speech. “Yes teach. Please. More teach.”
Jill snickered uncontrollably and smacked Josh’s wrist.
Josh was so giddy he felt as if his emotions were going to spill from his body.
During the next hour of play, Josh took the chip lead. Jill had moved into fourth.
Even at second place, the Boden kept a tight lip and a constant scowl at seeing Josh leading the table. Josh was having so much fun that he ordered up a round of Apocalypse drinks and toasted happily with Jill. Then he ordered a round for the three other players. The Boden declined, but the Notles raised their mugs in appreciation.
After that, fortunes started to change at the table. In nearly two hours’ time, Josh had fallen from the top spot all the way to fourth. Jill had moved to third. The Notles to second and last. And the Boden now held the chip lead by over sixty thousand.
Upon laying down a full house in a showdown with Josh, the Boden cracked his first grin of the night and said, “I guess it’s like you human’s say, huh? Uh… talk shit now. Yes, talk shit now!”
Josh gripped his chips tight, trying not to look in the Boden’s direction. I was doing fine until downing that second mug. Jill and her damn ogre drinks. He looked over at her droopy eyelids. Wonder if she even remembers what planet we’re on.
He and Jill kept playing.
Then, somehow, after a few bad bets from the Boden, Josh managed to rise back into the lead. Even he couldn’t believe the turn of events. When he’d managed to build up a seventy-five-thousand lead, Josh tightened up his stack and said, “That’s it. I’m out.”
“Good call,” said Jill. She yawned, and wiped at her tired eyes.
“Night is young. More play,” said the scowling Boden.
Josh looked up slowly, beaming a smile the Boden’s way. “Better luck next time.” He stood from the table.
The Boden shot up to his feet, bumping the table and pushing back his chair. Josh could hear the alien’s heavy breaths.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” said Jill, standing and extending her arms toward the Boden with her palms up.
“No win quit! Make play a little more!” said the Boden.
“I kicked your ass for hours. Don’t be such a poor sport,” said a smirking Josh.
The Boden started for Josh with his fists balled. Both Notles jumped up to restrain him. Jill stayed in the middle, but backed into her crewmate.
Maybe it was the alcohol, but Josh couldn’t stop laughing at the situation. “Here, here,” he said, sliding about twenty-five percent of his winnings across the table, but maintaining an amused grin. “I’ll be nice and give you some of it back. All right? Is everything okay now?” You fucking poor sport.
The Boden had his chest puffed out and face screwed up, but ceased his struggling to break free from the Notles. “You come back tomorrow, and we play.”
Josh smirked and nodded, even though he was uncertain if that would be possible.
The dealer held out a box for Josh to swipe his card and obtain his winnings.
“Let’s go,” said Jill, turning away from the table.
When they’d made it a few feet from the poker players, Josh caught sight of two robed aliens walking down a side aisle. Their garments were some of the most elegant he’d seen so far. Both were walking with their heads held high, as if they owned the joint.
Josh froze in place.
Jill noticed. She looked at him and then in the direction he was gazing.
Mercens! thought Josh, before saying it aloud.
It was the first time Jill had ever seen one
in person. Josh glanced in her direction and saw she was even more captivated than him. “What are they doing here?” she asked.
“Well, we are in neutral domain. They’re probably just enjoying themselves, the same us.”
“They’re walking like they own the place.”
“Yeah, I noticed that too.”
“Maybe they’re from the secret base.” Jill turned toward Josh. “Or possibly they’ve even taken control of the planet.”
Josh thought for a moment while looking the Mercens’ way. “No, I doubt the Grusks would surrender their planet without a fight. If that happened, Creston forces would’ve heard about it. My guess is they’re just wealthy residents, or tourists.”
“You think they’re friendly toward human civilians?”
“That’s a good question. But how much could we really trust a species that looks at us as a food?”
“True. I keep forgetting we’re a part of their food chain.”
Josh didn’t like the sound of that, or the feeling of inferiority. “Honestly, the hell with them! How do we know they aren’t edible for us? Maybe we should serve their asses up and see how they taste.”
“Eew, Josh. That would be absolutely disgusting.”
He managed a wee smirk and said, “Never know.”
They broke off from their gazing. The Mercens had seen them and were staring at the pilots.
“They see us,” said Jill.
“Yep. Just play it cool, like normal tourists.”
“We have to walk past them to get out of here.”
“Should be a good test to see if they’re hostile or not. I doubt they’d make a scene in here either way. Come on. We can try greeting them when we walk by.”
Josh started forward. Jill kept at his side.
The Mercens were chatting amongst themselves, glancing occasionally at the pilots.
The roughly forty yards of carpet between the two parties felt like a mile to Josh. He was eager find out how the Mercens would react to their greeting. I mean, there’s a few other humans in this joint. They can’t not be accustomed to seeing our kind on this planet.
Once they’d crossed paths with the Mercens, Josh said, “Hello,” and Jill waved a hand. The Mercens had locked eyes on the pilots well before passing them—but didn’t respond. Instead, they stared Josh and Jill down the way wolves would a strange predator in their territory.