Episode 1b - A Game of Chance

The streets of Blue Sector are dark and quiet, except for the near constant wail of sirens in the distance. You walk with your collar up and shoulders hunched, your steps are fast, just two blocks to go. Somewhere in the distance the lights of Treasure Ship Row gleam and twinkle invitingly, but that isn't your destination. Not yet. You don't have the stake for those tables.

As you pass an alley two punks stand up straight and stare at you, but they make no move. Maybe they're waiting for somebody. Finally you get to your destination. It is just as dark and grey as all the other buildings around here, but this is the address you were given. After the briefest hesitation you approach the door, and it opens before you reach it. An old model battle droid is standing there looking you over, blaster at the ready. Its metal is tarnished ad its joints look stiff, but the blaster is pointed right at your torso at point blank range.

"What do you want?" it asks in a low buzzing growl.

Tisha puts her hands up in mock surrender and smiles slightly. Don't shoot, buddy, I'm just here to watch some men play Sabbacc. I was told this is the place to go to if a girl wants an.. exciting night.

The droid creaks to the side,

"Enter," it growls.

Inside is dark and dingy, and most of the people look like they're on the wrong side of some spice. Tisha threads her way past people sprawled on the floor into a back room where she finds a small bar and a sabacc table. She sees no sign of Lek.

The droid creaks to the side,

"Enter," it growls.

Inside is dark and dingy, and most of the people look like they're on the wrong side of some spice.

The barman gives Lek a "you're new here, aren't you" look and nods.

"The game is always running. Just buy in when there's a space. And there's always a space."

"200 creds for the player," says the dealer, "no minimum, winner take all. Please make your wager."

The two other players simply nod, not even looking you in the eye. The guy to your right has a pile of 300 credits, the old lady to your left has 400.

The other players follow suit and 150 credits sits in the pot. The dealer deals.

The guy to Lek's right seems to be part of the furniture in here. He has a glass of something corrosive in front of him and his wild-eyed stare indicate there's more than alcohol in his system. He's looks in his fifties but he could well be much younger.

"First hand to the new guy," says the dealer.

The lady cackles,

"Ha, beginners luck," she says, but her smile seems to contain genuine warmth.

The dealer pushes the 150 credits to Lek, increasing his pile to 200. The lady has 350 and the guy has 250.

"Any more players?" the dealer asks perfunctorily, and without waiting for a response he moves on, "Wagers please."

Lek keeps a stony face and glances to the dealer. "One-hundred"

"One hundred," says the dealer looking at the other two players. The lady just pushes her child in like a droid, but the guy is more hesitant. After some internal deliberation he nods and throws his own 100 in.

The dealer gives everyone a new hand .