The First Nova I See Tonight by Jason Kilgore (the false prince .txt) 📕

"You're a crazy one, 'TakTrak!" He tried to make the clack-and-whirl at the beginning of the Corthian's name even though it's pretty much impossible for a human's mouth to reproduce correctly, coming out more as a click-tock sound. He felt it best if he didn't try again.

"Friend Dirken, old rogue," 'TakTrak said, his clacking, chirruping language translated into Terran by his translator necklace. He guided Dirken to an empty chair at the table. A mosaic of triangular goron'oc cards, each a different color, were arrayed in the center of the table with various types of currency sitting atop each card, as well as a small pile of coins in front of each player. "What brings you to this tumbling corner of the galaxy?"

Dirken ignored the dried smear of purple blood on the metal table and took a seat, setting down his rum. Across the table were two other smugglers. Seated next to 'TakTrak was a very muscular, scowling, human woman with an eye patch and missing ear, whom Dirken knew from prior run-ins was Feleesha, pilot of the Raptores. Next to her sat a gray-haired Umpba named Orn'itc whom Dirken knew made mafia runs to the outer systems. The furry, simian species with a bat-like head was rarely seen off their home planet. Orn'itc frowned at Dirken, one huge hand down near his weapons belt. Dirken kept a wary eye toward him since, under the table, the Umpba might very well be holding a knife in one of his prehensile feet.

"Well, 'TakTrak old buddy, I'm just dropping off a friend and getting a few repairs, that's all."

'TakTrak made his clacking laugh again. "Just dropping off a friend, he says!" The Corthian looked toward the other two, but they didn't share his laughter. "No one just drops off a friend in the Witch's Tits. It is not exactly an interstellar transport station! Or do you think Grimmag Ruby-Eye is a bus pilot?" This got a chuckle out of Feleesha.

Dirken nodded. "Yes, well. And how about you? I've never known you to make mafia runs."

'TakTrak shrugged. "You should know I will go anywhere I can make a profit." He turned his unblinking eyes to his cards for a moment, then back to Dirken. Dirken saw him covertly swap a green, triangular goron'oc card for a yellow one that had been in his waist pouch. "I have to make a coin here and there, you know. But this time I'm just stopping over on my way to pick up a VIP."

The Umpba snorted. "Get on wit duh game!"

'TakTrak tilted his head toward the Umpba. "If you really want to lose so soon." He laid down each of his four cards around the tile mosaic on the table, completing a star pattern, and placed two Proximan iridium coins on each one.

Feleesha whistled in response. "Too rich for me. I fold."

Their eyes fell on Orn'itc. The Umpba shook and grunted. He threw down his cards, grabbed what was left of his pile, and stomped away.

'TakTrak reached up and pulled the coins off of all the cards and toward his pile. "Another win today, Feleesha! Perhaps we'll be able to get that railgun fixed, eh?"

"Or," Dirken said, gingerly placing his left hand on 'TakTrak's wrist, his voice low, "you could pay me back for that cargo you lost near Epsilon Indi." Dirken's right hand was near his blaster handle. "Ten thousand UW chits."

'TakTrak stopped raking in his money and turned his head toward Dirken, clacking his bill in annoyance. Feleesha tightened all over, her hands moving toward her lap. Dirken shot her a look and shook his head. "Hands on the table." She raised her hands back up and did as told, her one eye watching him carefully. He also had to worry about 'TakTrak's very sharp, long bill, like a heron's, capable of taking out an eye.

"Dirken," 'TakTrak said, his words slow and careful, "I told you I did not 'lose' your load of Cygnus hash. There was a fire in our hold. It nearly killed me and my crew."

"I know. But that's not my problem, is it? You still owe me."

'TakTrak's eyes darted to Feleesha, then back again to Dirken. He shrugged and clacked in laughter. "Fine, fine, my friend. It is all okay." He took his feathered hands off the winnings. "Take what is here. Must be at least five hundred chits-worth. It is a start. I will pay you the rest after I go back to my ship." The Corthian waved a hand at Feleesha, and the pilot relaxed a bit.

"I knew you'd be understanding," Dirken said, pulling the currencies to him and filling his pockets.

"Besides, old rogue," 'TakTrak added, "I need your help with my next client. Come visit me on the Raptores and I will give you the details. My new client is very rich." He cocked his head and added, "The currency you just put in your pockets is a tiny sum compared to what he will pay me. He has even requested the sexiest escorts, well-trained and waiting to pleasure whoever comes on board."

Dirken stood, drained the last of his rum, and said, "I'll pay a visit to that ship of yours here in a bit. Always good to run into you… old buddy." He backed away, watching them carefully, hand on his blaster.

'TakTrak leaned back and nodded. "No hard feelings, friend Dirken. I always pay what I owe."

Dirken turned and stepped through the other gambling tables toward a back entrance. When he looked back through the smoke, 'TakTrak and Feleesha were talking, heads close to each other, watching him as he left.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

WANDERING

Dirken stepped out of the lounge, still glancing back to make sure he wasn't followed, whether by 'TakTrak or by anyone who might have witnessed how much currency he'd just pocketed. He didn't see anyone.

In the corridor outside the back of the lounge, the temperature plummeted again, so he