FORSAKEN II - Eternal Dawn

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

At the entertainment center of the city, the other half of the crew arrived at the Flip the Credit. The walls of the loud casino were chipped and scratched. The smoke extractors didn't work, leaving an acrid cloud hanging in the air. Some of the receding lights didn't turn on either. A band of Shistavanens played Wroonian blues.

Hondo took a whiff of the stale alcohol-infused air. "Ah, there's nothing like the smell of civilization."

"That spice in that mine must have burned your sense of smell," Theleema said.

"I guess there's a Level 1313 in every planet," Elynn said.

The group headed to the bar, tended by an overweight Rodian wearing a purple coat. Hondo spotted an upset skinny Rodian with angular features, leaving a sabacc game.

"What's this? The great Ten-Suckers Madoom is quitting?" said a Patrolian gambler.

"You wish," the Rodian said. "I'm just hitting the refresher. Don't let anyone take my seat."

Hondo touched his stomach. "Ooh, I think those molluscans we had in Savareen didn't agree with me—if you know what I mean. I'm going to the refresher. Don't wait for me; it might be a while."

"Jarriss Marrow." The bartender wiped the counter with a rag. "What brings you to this part of the galaxy? I didn't expect to see you back until the Great Protector's Gladiatorial Festival. Are you staying for the Day of the Hunter Ceremony?"

"Not this time, Avaro," Jarriss said. "Is that doctor still boycotting the festivals?"

"Veedo Vaocan? Yeah, but nobody pays attention to him. What are you drinking?"

"A round of Rodian ale. How's business?"

"Same—you know." Avaro began to pour drinks. He would rather die than admit business ever did well.

"Is Clezo around? I need to talk to him."

"Let me see if he's in."

Jarriss knew it was code for, "Let me see if wants to see you."

Avaro called over one of the bouncers and spoke to him in Rodese.

Slyder walked in and sat on an empty booth by the wall. He ordered a Rodian wine from the waitress and placed a small holocam on the table, pointing at the Je'daii. Outside the refreshers, Hondo bumped into Ten-Suckers Madoom.

"Hey, watch it," the Rodian said.

"My friend, I've noticed you're having a hard time at the sabacc table," Hondo said.

"Yeah? What is it to you?"

"I happen to be a professional gambler and couldn't help but notice how much money you're leaving on the table. If you had the right partner to work with—"

"I don't need to cheat to win. I'm just having an off night."

"Why not turn it on then?" Hondo mimed flicking a switch. "We can both leave with heavy pockets." He took out a handful of the credits he won in Savareen.

Ten-Suckers Madoom ran a fingerless hand across the spikes on his head, looking down the hallway toward the casino. "How much is that going to cost me?"

"We split the pot fifty-fifty... and you let me make a call on your comlink."

"What? Are you kidding me?"

Hondo extended his hand.

"This is pathetic. Fine. One call." Madoom put his comlink on Hondo's palm.

At the bar, Avaro scratched his arm. "Hey, doctor. I have something I want you to check. I think it's a case of dry-scale hives."

"The best cure for that is to dip your body in a pile of dianoga poodoo for thirty minutes."