Her name was Glenn, her purpose in life was gambling. There’s nothing she loved more than a coin and a good gamble with high stakes. She found herself aboard the Scylla, a cruise ship for the wealthy. There she expected to make the big buck.. Or hoped to at least.
But that’s just part of the story. His name was Ernest. He was a croupier at the Scylla’s casino. 1 of 20 on duty, his sole purpose was to deal cards, his specialty was 3 card poker and skillfully won almost always without anyone noticing. In the end, the casino’s sole purpose is to win, no matter the methods.
It was the first night of the cruise. Glenn walked down the stairs into the main casino hall. Her dress was a slit leg design, decorated with glistening pearls along the length of it, and a spiderweb pattern on her back. “Welcome Miss, would you like anything to drink?” greeted her 1 of the servants, she smiled warmly at him, dismissing his offer – “Later, where are the poker tables?”
He gestured her to the right side of the casino – “Poker and 3 card poker are all alone the right wall miss, enjoy your stay”. She nodded and walked down the carpeted floor toward the poker tables. Her glance scanned the croupiers of the tables. A total of 7 tables were offered. 2 high stake tables of standard poker, 3 medium stake tables, 2 low stake, and 3 card poker tables. The croupiers were vastly different.
“They say a good croupier is part of the luck! Well I say BULLSHIT!” complained a man walking past her, at his companion – “that guy was TOTALLY CHEATING!” said the buzzed man, brushing his shoulder against Glenn. In that moment, a swift swing of the arm, a gentle touch on his shoulder to distract him, and a confident flick of her wrist, which she instantly hid behind her back. – “Pardon mister, which table? So I know which 1 to avoid”
The man squinted at her and grunted – “ughh! THat bastard over there!” he pointed rudely at 1 of the 2 low stake, 3 card poker tables. She smiled at him in return “Very well, thank you”. The man turned to leave, 2000 crels poorer than he was before. She turned and opened up her palm, grinning slyly – “nice, good starting sum.” in the palm of her hand, she held 2x 1000 chips.
Her gaze scanned the other croupiers. An older man, a woman, another woman, an older lady.. None whom she could easily seduce and distract by fluttering her eyelashes at. But he, the 1 the man pointed out… seemed like an easy target. She confidently approached the table at which Ernest was a dealer. “Please have a seat ma’am, you can join the next round.” He gave her a quick smile and turned his attention to 1 of the other 4 people at the table “call? Or fold?”
She sat down and watched the round go on. The other people at the table seemed ever as ordinary as imaginable. Except for one, a man in a dark suit, armored dark suit.. He was a bodyguard, a bodyguard to the count of the Rafe. She licked her lips excitedly. The round came to an end, it was her turn to play. She tossed 1 of the 1000 crels chips on the table “break it into 100s” Ernest nodded and did as she requested. The game was on.
“Your turn miss” she looked at her cards, then pondered for a moment – “raise, 300” she slid 3x 100 crels chips onto the table. Ernest nodded – “of course!” the other patrons folded or called, the man in a suit was drunk beyond comprehension, he called every time, and Glenn quickly found herself doubling her crels. But seemingly, the luck came to an end.
Or so she thought at first, but her eyes were not easily tricked. Ernest dealt another hand, a new round, his movements were top tier, his trickery would be unnoticed if it wasn’t for the shiny glass standing at the corner of the table, which allowed Glenn to see him swapping cards with precision and speed of a true con artist.
She ordered a drink but stayed in the game, his skills amused her. Patrons left, and others joined. The games went on. He was skillful, not ridding her of all her crels, only a bit at a time every few rounds. Truly, an expert at his deed. ‘She noticed me’ thought Ernest to himself while dealing another hand, he pressed a button at the side of the table, and a light above his table lit up – “Dealer change next round” he announced to the security guard walking past.
Glenn clicked her tongue – “soo..” she leaned on the table “Hands off the table please” requested Ernest while shuffling the cards. She blinked at him and bit her lip – “Ernest, right?” he looked down at his batch and sighed – “that would be correct miss…?” she leaned back pressing her arms together – “hmmm, I’m Gven!” He watched her eyes dart to the side momentarily – “No you’re not”
She grinned – “and you’re not a fair croupier, so what of it?” he squinted at her – “That you lost 1500 crels at my table has nothing to do with fairness.. Your luck just seems to be lacking” she smiled slyly at him – “no, you’re just REALLY good” the security watched the interaction closely, Ernest glanced at the guard and then back at her – “Miss please don’t accuse our staff of anything you can not prove!”
Shall she try to prove to the other patrons that Ernest is cheating? Maybe up and leave? Or should she remain in the game?
*****Audience Input*****
Atheris Hispida: I doubt she can prove anything as of now.
Leona Lucifra: Huh… I get a choice. Now I am even more unsure of what to do…
Saria GogumaShiva: “Yeah, there is no prove.”
Ildiko SaerenZodiark: Mm, and doesn’t seem the type to just walk away..
Ildiko SaerenZodiark: Stay in for a chance to catch something?
Crashh Boi: hello everyone. idk what’s happening but I say keep playing to beat the cheater
Arsen Hysen: I agree with you, Sir. She cannot prove anything, she’ll only attract trouble.
Nith’ira Kaz’ior: prove and perhaps fail, be trownin a cell and then something :3
Leona Lucifra: Huh… she noticed him cheating so she likely also knows how…
Arsen Hysen: I say she beat him at his own game and they fall in love!
M’iyu Fhey: atay for now and leave when the guy leaves
Leona Lucifra: You sure are set for them to become a couple, aren’t you?
Leona Lucifra: I say, play his game and approach him later when the security isn’t around
M’iyu Fhey: atay for now and leave when the guy leaves
Leona Lucifra: You sure are set for them to become a couple, aren’t you?
Leona Lucifra: I say, play his game and approach him later when the security isn’t around
Misuzu Takane: Well they are currently shipping
Arsen Hysen: I sure do!
**********
She stays and plays ‘I’d be sad, if the money was mine… that’s a month worth of rent.’ As Ernest begins to pass the cards around, a crash, followed by shouting – “I GOT ROBBED! WHAT IS YOUR SECURITY EVEN DOING!?” She heeded the commotion with no attention, instead, she took the opportunity to swap 1 of her own cards with 1 of the dealer’s cards when others got distracted. Checking her cards, she grinned and mumbled to herself “that fucker…”
The commotion was quickly subdued, and the troublemaker was dragged away. Back to the game, Glenn slid the remaining 5x 100 chips onto the table – “All in!” Ernest stared at her for a moment, round over, most others folded, 2 called. If she wins, she makes back at least a bit of what she had lost. The cards are revealed, and she wins with a straight. Ernest smiled a sarcastic smile at her – “Well played miss..??” he inquired again. She chuckled – “Glenn” he nodded- “That you are”
Ernest got replaced by a different dealer, Glenn took her cue to leave and headed to the bar, following the drunk stumbling and now broke bodyguard of the count. He crashed past the stool at the bar and Glenn quickly seized the opportunity to bring him back up to his feet. Helped the drunk man into the seat and even ordered him a drink. “Zo… misszyy.. You uhhmm.. From around here?” inquired the drunkard almost passed out at the table.
She chuckled in response – “I uhmm, have never been called a mermaid before” She flicked her black silky hair and grinned – “No.. i’m neither a mermaid nor am I ship crew, so hardly from around here” he raised his head confused – “Shi.. ah yeashh! I’m here to.. Guard!” She grinned – “Guard WHO?”
The drunk man slumped, his head audibly hit the bar – “uh.. The man! Importshant man! A count of..” at that moment, Ernest’s voice interrupted him – “A count of Rafe, our VIP” Glenn’s eyes wandered slowly in a displeased fashion toward Ernest – “oh if it isn’t the..” he winked at her – “your lucky charm? I know ma’am, it was my pleasure not pointing out you swapping the cards” She grinned at him – “you cheating son of a..” he sat down – “a wonderful woman yes, I know”
She struggled to peel her eyes off of him, his dark green eyes, firm jaw, subtle stubble, and charisma were getting to him. “Anything you wish to drink Glenn?” she smirked – “ohh.. How about something light and sweet” he nodded – “barman? 1 of your specials, the tropicana viridius” Moments later she was served a fruity cocktail, green in color.
“So, done with your shift?” inquired Glenn. “2-hour timeout, gotta let my hands rest, tricks aren’t easy and require precision” he winked at her. She bit her lips “Wonder what else those hands can..” her thought was interrupted by a sudden cough from the guard – “Oh no.. mister guard of count needs another drink, barman? Won’t you serve him some more ale?” Ernest glanced at the guard – “interested in guards? Or the VIP, miss?” her eyes wandered the casino hall.
“Oh you know, single lady, bored, looking for company, or something like that” Ernest shook his head – “no, not you.. I know your type” she leaned in – “Oh yes? I’m listening”. He proceeded – “Sly, sneaky, mysterious, resourceful..” she nodded – “keep going, I might just..” a sound of a mug hitting the bartop interrupted her once more. The guard half asleep reached for the mug, brought it closer to himself, and seemingly passed out from the mere thought of drinking even more.
Ernest laughed – “hah! Well if your plan was to put him asleep you succeeded” she sighed – “my plan was to not get interrupted by a cheaaaaatteeerr!” he smirked and downed his drink – “well then, maybe I should leave you alone” she shook her head – “no, you stay now, you know my secrets, I know yours..” he chuckled – “negotiations? The security will be quick to lock you away for caution a commotion, I advise against bringing up your observations with anyone..”
And thus they parted ways, that night, Glenn brought the guard back to his room, and left her room’s number in there, taking in exchange, his badge, as a means of luring him into her room the morning after. Her plan succeeded, the guard needed to be on duty that day. “Missy? I uh, my erhm, badge?” he smiled inviting him inside. What happened after is for none to know, but him to think over, but only when it’s far too late.
At lunchtime, Glenn sat alone, sketching something in her notebook, when a sudden but familiar voice interrupted her “Well fancy seeing you here”, causing her to jerk, draw a line through her sketch, and then in panic close her notebook. “My goodness! Ernest!!! Have you no manners!? Sneaking up on a lady!” he chuckled and put his tray down – “my deepest apologies Glenn, but I thought your senses would be sharper than that.. You seemed quite absorbed in your doings.”
She pushed the notebook aside and continued eating her meal – “i uhhm.. Was just sketching down the..” “ship plans, VIP and living quarters” interrupted her Ernest taking a bite of his muffin – “what for?” she squinted at him – “For..” (Should she try to lie? Or tell him the truth (and you as well since we still don’t know what she is after))
*****Audience Input*****
Nith’ira Kaz’ior: semi truth
Leona Lucifra: How should that work?
Nith’ira Kaz’ior: that she’s after something in the same area but not the real “item”
Misuzu Takane: Lawyer lies. *nods sagely*
Nith’ira Kaz’ior: well she says that gold chain, but the wants the book of secrets… or something like that.
Crashh Boi: I say lie lie lie
Leona Lucifra: Naming a different objective might be a good idea, but if he were to blackmail her, would it make a difference what kind of crime she is telling him that she intends to do?
**********
She sighed – “I get easily lost” he snorted, almost choking on his food – “You? No way! Got another excuse up your sleeve or are you only good at noticing things?” she let out a sigh and took a sip of her tea – “Very well, I’m here after YOU” she smirked at him – “well for me to be your target, I wouldn’t know what I had done, but that’s almost flattering, mind the ‘almost’ part though Glenn.” He eyes her carefully – “So?”
she nodded – “yeah yeah, I’m after a ruby the count carries with him” he grinned satisfied – “And here I hoped you weren’t joking when you said you were after me.. Shame” she winked at him – “maybe if you made fewer smartass remarks and tried to invite me for dinner” he nodded – “Sure, tonight, star dome at 7”. Her eyes widened for a moment, blood rushed to her cheeks, turning them slightly pinkish – “i.. Uhmm.. okay I guess..”
They finished their meals in silence, and just as they were about to part ways, Ernest leaned in and whispered – “Count will be there, at 7” she gasped, her mind rushed, but yet Ernest’s intentions seemed unclear.
The evening came and at the star dome, Glenn found herself in the company of Ernest. He guided her through the dome, a massive glass dome with various telescopes of varying sizes. Each allowed the observers to see something different. In the middle of the ocean, clear night sky. “And this 1 will allow you to see a nebula.” A staff member of the dome targeted the telescope and through it, Glenn got to see something spectacular, a collection of space dust, shaped like a ring. “I didn’t..”
Ernest interrupted her – “Me neither, he’s late..” She pulled away from the telescope – “No I meant..” but he paid her no attention. The count walked through the dome, with 2 guards at his sides, 1 of whom, Glenn had the pleasure of meeting before, and the other, a young lad. She nodded at Ernest – “So, what’s YOUR intention? You’re pretty much throwing me at him” he grinned – “oh I just find it amusing watching little cat burglars such as yourself attempt something impossible”
She stretched – “well.. Then watch this” he leaned against a pole and watched her confidently make her way through the rather sparse crowd, grab a glass of wine from 1 of the servants at the location, walk up behind the guards and tap the man from the other night on the shoulder – “Hmm? Ohh Gle..” exclaimed the guard before getting a glass of wine splashed into his face.
“GOD DAMN IT! YOU PROMISED TO SEE ME AFTER LUNCH!” The count was dragged off a few steps by the other guard who watched in confusion the events before him. “I uhh.. Di..did i??” stuttered the confused and startled guard – “L…look I uhh.. I can’t talk right now I’m on..” “YEAH! YOU ALWAYS ARE!” Your DUTY above MY feelings!” the crowd gathered around to watch these theatrics.
Ernest admired her performance for a while, then like a shadow, he slid through the crowd skillfully without drawing attention to himself. He snuck up to the count, and bumped into him while simultaneously pushing the other guard aside, in that moment he stole the key to his quarters. “Ah sorry sir, I just realized I’m late for my shift” Before the guard had a chance to react, Ernest was already a few bodies away.
A few short minutes later, Glenn stormed out of the crowed and was greeted by Ernest around the corner in the hallway, holding a key in his fingers and leaning against the wall – “mmhh, I give that 1 a 6 out of 10. You’re not THAT good of an actress” she glared at him – “and you’re so incredibly slow at acting” He chuckled – “couldn’t pass on the opportunity of watching your theatrics.”
She tried to reach for the key but with a swift gesture of a stage magician, Ernest showed her his empty hands and grinned – “now let’s talk… business” she sighed annoyed – “Knew you were after something as well” he nodded – “mhmm.. In his quarters, in the safe there’s something I need.” Her eyes widened but she tried to not let her surprise show, still, he caught on to her momentary surprise.
“Well? What is it?” She inquired but he dismissed her – “no no, you first.. A ruby ring you say? Surely not this 1, is it?” he held out a ring that he had stolen from the count along with the key. Her eyes darted to it and then back at him “yea, it sure is” he tucked the ring into his pocket – “I thought as much, else you wouldn’t so patiently wait for me to hand it over. So? What’s your REAL goal?”
With a deep and annoyed sigh she made it obvious that she didn’t want to speak of it – “th.. there are documents I need” Ernest smiled a satisfied smile – “How funny, me too…” he tucked the ring away – “that’ll come in handy later. Anyhow, what I”m after is a land contract that dearest count desires to deliver to the lord of Thane.” Glenn gasped in shock – “who.. Hired you?”
He brought his index finger to his mouth – “shhh, some things I can not say.. But I would assume, the same one who hired you” she gritted her teeth- “As if it was my choice.. I got dragged in here to repay my debt, but I was not aware they would hire anybody else.” Ernest raised his eyebrow – “Debt huh?” Anyhow, let us get to the safe while we have the opportunity.”
It was not unusual for staff to appear in the VIP section of the ship and quarters, so they quickly and without obstacles made their way to the count’s suite. There they took a while to discover the safe “Shouldn’t you know where they are?” complained Glenn while looking through the books at the bookshelf. “How should I? I work at the casino, not housekeeping!” It’s my first time here!!!”
At last, they found the safe, hidden, quite well, behind a mirror cabinet in the bathroom. To no one’s surprise, the key for the room did not fit the safe, and it was not pickable with a simple hairpin. But nothing that 2 skilled con artists couldn’t deal with. A glass cup, some patience, sharp hearing, and years of experience allowed Glenn to make rather quick work of the safe.
What they found inside were 3 different folders. Looking through the first 1, Glenn was shocked to discover tax reports, enough to blackmail half the kingdom’s nobility. Ernest, in the 2nd folder, discovered photographs of questionable nature, containing people of high social standing, letters, and other blackmail material. And inside the 3rd folder, were contracts of varying complexities, including, the 1, both of them were after “Bingo!” Exclaimed Glenn pulling the contract out.
She carefully folded it up and caught a glimpse of Ernest stashing something away into the inner pocket of his jacket – “we all done?” he nodded – “yes” holding his hand out – “I’ll take the contract” she shook her head – “not a chance in this life… I will be the 1 to deliver it, at best you can tag along” he squinted at her – “I think you forgot who the staff of the ship is”
She chuckled – “Oh? Abuse of power? And I was waiting when you’d pull that card” he sighed – “look.. I need it for personal reasons” she chuckled – “Oh no shit! So do I!? Want half of it?” he gritted his teeth – “I said..” she picked up a glass vase – “yea, so how about I call the ship security in here by breaking this vase against the wall? And you can explain to them whatever you have in the inner pocket of your jacket”
He tapped his jacket and sighed – “… it’s nothing..” “Uhuh, sureee. But I don’t care, my task is only this contract, nothing else matters.” The remaining 8 days of the cruise went uneventful. Seeing how both were stuck on the same ship together, they had no choice but to get along, all the while the ship’s security and the bodyguards of the count rummaged through people’s rooms in search of the contract, but to no avail.
On the last day of the cruise, Glenn came to her room flipped upside down, figuratively speaking. The contract, which she had hidden perfectly, was gone. She tried to search out Ernest but he seemingly was nowhere to be found. Only a letter remained in his room “I’m sorry but I had to. Your company was utmost pleasant, I hope we meet again.” Angry as she was, her goal was now to hide from the requestor for this job.
On a 2nd night after the cruise, Glenn was at a dark, gloomy trolley station, waiting for her ride. “Glenn, glad you made it” spoke a deep voice, followed by at least 7 sets of footsteps echoing through the station. From the shadows emerged a thick man in a suit. “Ah, Mister Truelove, of course, I did”
He lit a cigarette and sat down a few benches away. “A..are we waiting for something else?” asked Glenn, confused, pulling something out of her bag. Mr Truelove had at least 7 goons behind him, all carefully watching Glenn’s every move, hands on their guns. “Yes my dear, we’re waiting for 1 more ahem…special guest” he said in his deep voice, taking a puff of his cigar. Short moment later, hasty footsteps echoed through the station, and from the other entrance emerged Ernest.
“Mister Truelove, I’m sorry for my delay, my transport was delayed” he laughed a creepy laugh, creepy and self-pleased – “Very good to have you here, Ernest, my boy, I trust you met Glenn?” her gaze slowly traversed the dimly lit station – “Oohh you PIECE OF SHIT!” Ernest glared at her – “I .. told you it’s likely the same guy.. But I had hoped you’d not be foolish enough to seek him out, but make a run for it while you can!”
She gritted her teeth – “As if … one could run from them..” her voice travelled off, almost silent by the end, her mouth opened and closed a few times in an attempt to speak, but seemingly, fear rendered her silent. “Well, Mr Truelove, I have the contract.. Admittedly she put in most of the w..” “SILENCE! BRING ME THE CONTRACT! And you, Ernest, the other thing as well” Shakely Ernest approached him and handed over both documents.
“Hold him!” demanded Truelove while he examined the documents. 2 of his men in the meantime, brought Ernest to his knees and held him down by the arms. “And you, Glenn? Surely you didn’t disappoint me..” She smiled nervously – “o.of course not sir, here is the authentic contract” she held a folded-up piece of paper out waiting for 1 of Truelove’s men to grab it from her. “The deal is still on, right?”
1 of the men brought the contract back and after a quick examination, and a shocked Ernest’s expression, Truelove smiled satisfied – “Very good.. Your debt I consider paid off” He put both documents into a suitcase and handed it to 1 of his men, then clapped his hands, another 1 of his men brought out 2 photographs from his pocket, handed 1 to Truelove, and walked over to Glenn with the other. “Now now, you 2 are ever as good as the rumors said.”
“NO WAY! YOU BASTARD!” shouted out Ernest after looking at the photo presented to him -”Now, Ernest, my boy, is that any way to speak to one who holds.. You in firm grasp?” his sly grin sent shivers through Ernest’s body – “fuck.. I..” A frightened shriek echoed through the station the moment Glenn looked at the photo presented to her by 1 of his men. She threw her hands over her mouth, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“Good, now that I have your attention.. I’ll have you 2 work together on something for me. Your loved ones will be set free after this, YOU HAVE MY WORD” spoke Truelove sarcastically while enjoying his cigar – “excellent.. Details will come later, enjoy a week off for now, oh and.. Each other’s company, I’ve been told you 2 got quite the liking for each other so I booked your hotel as 1 room.”
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