Floating Sin is a purely pleasure and recreational space colony. This whole thing is populated with sex workers, gamblers, smugglers, and of course scavengers. This colony is designed with an interesting tier system. The areas you can freely roam is solely dependent on your credit value. And luckily through some backroom deals, I found myself in the most exclusive casino Floating Sin has to offer.
The entire place looked like a mix between a classy bar and professional poker room. People play at different tables, different games. Some just loft around just to drink and socialize. The entire place smelled with expensive wines and perfume. As the night continued the casino lights dimmed. The spot light illuminated the stage, then suddenly a comforting hum echoed around the casino. Everyone went silent and smiled, others closed their eyes as the hum developed into astonishing notes of song. The singer sang a beautiful serenade that would make any opera fan weap.
It almost took ten minutes until the singer finished her number. Everyone clapped in awe, the room was clearly filled with a civilized crowd. It really makes you wonder if every performer here is well known. As the singer exited the stage, the lights opened and the moderate noise returned. Everyone placed their bets on the table. This is the real reason why people go here.
"That number almost drew me to tears." A middle aged elf looking alien in a very expensive suit announced.
"By numbers do you mean her singing or the odds against you?" I asked while I masked my smile with the cards I hold.
"I meant the song, Mr. Hawking. A very wonderful song she sang."
I chuckled a little. Not because of his comments but because of the clothes we wear. He clearly is wearing a very expensive high fiber count tux while I am wearing a suit made with spandex. That's right, I, Rover Hawking is wearing a spandex suit for a reason. And trust me I'm not wearing this just because I'm broke.
"I would like to raise." The elf looking alien said as he placed more chips on the table.
I looked at my card, clearly I have no idea if this is the winning card. I don't even know what kind of game I am playing. It's funny that I stayed as long as I could, but regardless I shoved all my chips in the center and boldly proclaimed. "All in good sir."
The elven alien chuckled. He shoved his remaining chips on the center. "All is as well."
The crowd around us began to gather.
"You know what... I don't think going all in is enough." I lightly taunt the alien.
"And what better bet exceeds going all in?"
"How about my ship?" I snickered.
"Are you serious?" The alien asked.
I simply smiled. Then my earpiece, which is very well hidden, started receiving messages.
"Please tell me you aren't serious." Strife asked in his robotic voice.
"You're not serious." Celestine stern voice scolded.
I then looked at the alien as if I was just listening to him.
"Of course. I have something better than my ship." I said as I lowered my cards and looked him dead in the eye.
As we locked eyes everyone in the room felt tensed and thrilled. I know my odds of winning this game aren't very good. But knowing the Prozden, which is the species where this elven alien is from, they are irresistible to two things. One, very rare ancient artifacts and two, the offer of lifelong servitude.
"I'd like to bet my life. If I lose I'll be your slave forever more."
"Interesting." The Prozden sipped his drink. "I shall match your bet." The alien put down his drink and raised his hand.
Immediately a man brought him a briefcase. The man opened it and everyone gasped in awe. It was a knife. From the looks of it, it might be a newly forged knife but in actuality it's an ancient ritual knife of the Prozden that is very well maintained. A very rare item ingrained in their history which means its a million credits for a starting bid.
"I raise you the knife of my ancestors." The Prozden presented. His entourage placed the briefcase on the table.
I raised my hand to signal one of the waitresses. One approached me. She wore the waitress uniform with elegance. It doesn't hide the fact that her auburn hair, ruby eyes, and porcelain skin completed her attire. But she is no ordinary waitress, she's our captain, Celestine. Which if I have to be honest I am the captain, but I digress.
Celestine replaced my empty glass with another drink. She then walked away from me but still within the table. People started to exchange empty glasses for filled ones on her tray.
"My grandfather used to tell me, giraffes are just oddly proportioned horses." I said that line with all seriousness. The entire table was puzzled. Celestine groaned.
"If you are joking then it is funny. But if you're not-"
Before the Prozden could finish his statement the light went out. Everyone stayed still and waited for the power to return. It was a good minute or two until the lights returned. Everyone sighed with relief. Everyone looked around to see that the people around them were still there, why wouldn't it be? It's just a two minute black out.
We were about to resume our game until someone noticed the table. Everyone noticed it as well, why wouldn't they. I mean a briefcase containing an ancient knife worth billions is no longer seen on the table. The Prozden and I exchanged looks. My eyes conveyed the same thought as him, where did that knife go?
Before we could start pointing fingers a deafening explosion reverberated throughout the entire casino. Before anyone could panic, the fire alarm instantly sounded and within the next second the sprinkler showered everyone. It forced everyone to evacuate the casino. Everyone near my table is overwhelmed with worry, they started to form theories. Some started to murmur about the knife being the target of some thief, others suggested terrorist attack.
Even though they kept talking they still managed to move outside. They looked out to see what building exploded only to find out that nothing was on fire and the whole thing was just a false alarm. Everyone was disappointed and relieved at the same time except the Prozden who just lost something very valuable.
I didn't get a glimpse of his exact expression because I vanished amongst the crowd and went back to the port where my ship, The Swift is parked. As I walked closer to my ship, Celestine walked besides me. The Swift's door opened. Stife, a polar bear in pants with guns, stood on the ramp. He welcomed us in as he closed the door.
"C.H.R.I.S. take us out of here." I ordered the ship's A.I.
"Will do sir." C.H.R.I.S. replied as he turned the ship on and started to lift it.
Strife looked at Celestine. Celestine smirked as she pulled out the Prozden's ritual knife.
"I can't believe we pulled it off." Celestine said as she handed Strife the knife.
"Well I can't actually believe Rover managed to say that phrase with all seriousness." Strife replied as he examined the knife.
"And both of you still doubted that this would work." I proudly told them as I went to the captain's chair and sat comfortably.
"We still executed your plan so that's something." Celestine replied as she stood in front of the captain's chair. "Now let's deliver this to our employer."