FORESIGHT and SCOPE: BOOK TWO

C H A P T E R F O R T Y

"Deal me in, Gents." Athena tossed her entire supply of credits onto the table, where a circle of two male humans, a Trandoshan, and a Jawa engaged in a simple card game. The reptilian being hissed at her. "What if we refuse?"

"Stow it, Turdek." The man closest to her grinned, then nodded at the empty seat next to him. He had shaggy brown hair that curled around his ears and bright, blue eyes. "Like she said: she means us no harm. The name's Walt."

"Fern, and much obligied." Athena smiled and settled down, gulping down another slurp of broth. Crosshair lingered the back of the gathering crowd while he too filled his growling stomach, remaining attentive in each individual's reaction. As the next round was appointed, the bounty hunter tucked her oily hair behind both ears, fluffed her curtain bangs, and tugged on the hems of her grimy shirt. "Seems like you and your friend were hit by that storm a couple of days ago." Walt conversed.

"Yes, we were." Athena nodded politely. "Our shuttle was destroyed and we've been wandering since. We are grateful to have found this export. However, I'm afraid we are low on credits to purchase a new ship. I'm hoping you gentlemen don't mind if I earn a few thousand so we can go home."

"And where is home?"

"We're stationed on Felucia. It's been our home for months." She shuffled her cards in hand, her small simper wavered.

"And, what are you two doing here?"

"Hmm," Athena hummed, the corner of her lips pulled to one side. "I'm afraid that is classified. And my, I have to say, I think I will add three to the pot on this round." The players at the table matched and the play was revealed. The audience awed in shock as the female clone raked in her winnings.

"Nice call." Walt chuckled.

"Thanks, but the real fun has just begun."

Meanwhile, Crosshair observed carefully. He'd finally drifted to where he stood directly across his partner. Every once in awhile, she'd glance up and wink at him with reassurance. He admired her casual disposition and her knack to comfortably connect with her opponents, imitating harmless motives to her gambling. Despite shutting down his initial query, she and the blue-eyed man chatted like old friends. This logical persona of Athena Quinn was one Crosshair never imagined she was capable of demonstrating...and yet, he was fully captivated by her natural smile and soft laughter.

Eventually, the second human male folded and stepped away. The Jawa complied not long after. The currency pot was relatively evenly split among the three remaining players. From there on, the wagering grew more intense. The crowd had tripled in size since the beginning of the game; the murmuring amongst the locals caused each player to submerge in apprehension. Walt dropped his friendly act. He wiped the nervous sweat from his brow. Turdek growled in frustration. Even Athena scooched herself to the edge of her seat and leaned her forearms on the rounded rim of the table. Crosshair noticed her thumbs anxiously rubbing her set of cards. She inhaled deeply when the next card was flipped in the center.

The soldier recognized that expression...She was hesitant in her next decision. The Trandoshan hissed with boldness and increased the bet — his entire stash of credits. According to Athena's grimaced reaction, that was a distressing gamble. Walt nervously chuckled, and folded. He covered his mouth, percolating over his final decision to play, then glanced to the bounty hunter next to him. All eyes fell onto Athena, who oscillated her cards in her hands.

"There's no shame in walking away." The blue-eyed man sighed. "We all made a good buck."

Maybe it was because Crosshair had spent much time learning more of her quirks and demeanor, for the instant she gazed up and locked her dark eyes with his, he understood she was not backing out...but was also in trouble of losing. She was stalling, and she was calling for his help. The elite clone lowered his chin and shifted ever so slightly to his right. He covertly glanced for a peek at the Trandoshan's cards and retreated just as quickly. He covered his mouth to hide his reaction.