Smuggler's Blues: A Storm Hawks Story

Chapter Five - High Stakes Card Game

After learning of the card game, Blackjack Jet and Tara made it to the location of the card game. It was in a crowded bar. The pair then walked up to a shady looking bouncer guarding a private room. 

Blackjack Jet: Know where I can play cards? 

Bouncer: Invitation? 

Blackjack Jet: Tommy Two Fingers said I could play. 

The bouncer took a moment to inspect both the Blizzarian and Tara. It didn't take long for the bouncer to respond. 

Bouncer: So you're the one Tommy sent? Wasn't expecting a Blizzarian.

Blackjack Jet: No one does. Now are you going to let me in or what?

Bouncer: You go in. The girl stays. 

Tara: What?! But I'm with him!

Bouncer: Sorry. The only people that are allowed in are the players. No exceptions. 

Blackjack Jet: He's basically saying no kids allowed. I'm sure a clever girl like yourself will find a way to keep yourself occupied. 

Tara was not amused with the smuggler's sarcasm as he was escorted to the private room. He could see three crime bosses as well as a well dressed woman. 

Blackjack Jet: Hey there Tammy! Pretty quaint place, ain't it?

Tammy: This location offers ample discretion as well as store the winner's prize. 

The Blizzarian smuggler then addresses the crime bosses.

Blackjack Jet: Evening Kaiser, King Ty, Jimbo. Lovely night for a game!

The three crime bosses paid no attention to Blackjack Jet. 

Blackjack Jet: Well this shouldn't take too long then. I'll just win my ship back and I'll be on my way. 

The crime bosses chuckled as Jet takes a seat at the table. Tammy then introduces the game. 

Tammy: This is three card brag, gentlemen. That means that three threes is the highest, then three aces and then running down accordingly; then it's a running flush, a run, a flush, then a pair: An open man can't see a blind man, and it will cost you twice the anti to see your opponent. Don't fuck around, fellas; you all know the rules and you know I won't stand for it.

At that point, the game had begun. Blackjack Jet was off to a fantastic start. He immediately began piling up chips much to the surprise of the crime bosses. At one point, Jimbo was eliminated. 

Jimbo: What the fuck?! How did I.....

Blackjack Jet: Ah sorry about that Jimbo! Guess I was born lucky!

At that point, Jimbo became enraged at Blackjack Jet's apparent luck. He jumped onto the table and looked at the Blizzarian. 

Jimbo: You fucking cheat! I'll fucking kill you! 

Tammy: You're out of line Jimbo! Out!

As Jimbo was about to charge at Jet, the bouncer entered the room and restrained Jimbo. The bouncer then dragged Jimbo who was kicking and screaming. 

Jimbo: GIVE ME MY MONEY! GIVE ME BACK MY FUCKING MONEY! GIVE ME BACK MY MONEY, YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE!

The bouncer then threw Jimbo out of the bar. Despite the hectic situation, Blackjack Jet retained a smile on his face as he took a sip from his drink. 

Blackjack Jet: Guess some people just have plain bad luck. Now then boys, shall we continue? I'm having a lot of fun! 

The card game then resumed with Blackjack Jet stacking up chips. As the game continued, the final bet was at hand. King Ty had folded. Blackjack Jet and Kaiser observed on another.

Blackjack Jet: 20 grand. Open.

Kaiser: I'll see you at 30. Back to you.

Blackjack Jet: All right Kaiser. I'll double it. 60 grand. 

At this point, the room became tense. A moment of silence had occurred between the two. Both Blackjack Jet and Kaiser retained their cool. 

Kaiser: I'll see you at 80. Back to you. 

At this point, Blackjack Jet was in an interesting position. If he messed up, not only would he lose his ship, but end up in debt. A gamble had to be made. 

Blackjack Jet: How about this? I'll raise you half a million. 

When Blackjack Jet said this, then entire room was stunned. 

King Ty: Half a million?! That's a lot of money for a ship!

Blackjack Jet: You're not in, King Ty. So no one gives a shit what you have to say. So Kaiser, what do you have to say?

Kaiser: You're bluffing. 

Blackjack Jet: Guess there's only one to find out. You can either raise me or you can fold. Your call. 

Kaiser had no way of telling whether the Blizzarian was bluffing or not. With that being said, Kaiser didn't want to take the chance of owing the Blizzarian a million. 

Kaiser: I fold. 

Blackjack Jet: Does that mean I win?

Tammy: Yes. With all the other players folding, Blackjack Jet is declared the winner. All that's left is for both you and Kaiser to show your cards.

Blackjack Jet and Kaiser then showed their cards. Kaiser's deck was a Two Pair while Blackjack Jet had a Royal Flush. 

Kaiser: Goddamn it.....

Blackjack Jet: Good thing you didn't raise me Kaiser, otherwise you would've owed me a lot of money. Now then Tammy, where do I claim my prize? 

Tammy: The ship is being held at these coordinates. This keycard will allow you access to it. 

With a smile on his face, Blackjack Jet exited the private room and met with Tara who was sitting next to the door. She noticed the big smile on his face. 

Tara: Did you win?

Blackjack Jet: Damn right I did! Now let's get the hell out of this dump!

Blackjack Jet and Tara then exits the bar and begin making their way to the place where the Highway Star was being held. Little do they know that they were being followed.