NOVEL NEXT CHAPTER 88: Thieves and Demon Dogs
Dealing with demon dogs was tough, but dealing with a thief in their newly formed settlement might be even tougher.
The tension in the air had a sickening quality. Alexander, who had been scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble, was surprised when Atlas called his name. “Alexander, grab Snedlie.”
Alexander blinked, the initial shock of his name being mentioned with the word ‘thief’ quickly fading as he understood his role. He turned and, with swift movements, caught Snedlie by the arm before the man could think about bolting. He dragged him to the front of the group, Snedlie’s face pale and his eyes darting around in panic.
“What the fuck! Let me go!” Snedlie yelled.
Atlas looked down at Snedlie with barely concealed disgust. “John, why don’t you tell everyone what’s going on?”
John stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. “We discovered Snedlie stealing coins from the group. We’ve never had a formal discussion about laws in our settlement, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. We all should know theft is wrong, and there’s no way we’re letting the accused get away with it.”
Atlas cut in, his tone sharp. “Accused? We have this cocksucker dead to rights.”
He turned back to John. “How many coins did you personally pass to Snedlie?”
“Three hundred coins, Atlas.”
Atlas nodded, turning to Noi. “How many coins did Snedlie give you today?”
“Two hundred thirty-seven,” Noi replied, her voice trembling slightly.
“Lark,” Atlas said, shifting his gaze to the nervous woman standing a little apart from the others. “Tell them what you saw.”
Lark hesitated, her usual discomfort with public speaking amplified by the severity of the situation. John placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, just tell them what you saw.”
Taking a deep breath, Lark spoke, her voice quivering. “I—I followed Snedlie to the latrine area. I saw him… I saw him drop the coins into the pit. Personally.”
Atlas turned to Amber. “How many coins did you recover from that shit pit?”
“142,” Amber replied, her tone hard. She was disgusted that this duty had been passed onto her.
‘If Atlas thinks he’s getting any tonight he’s out of his mind.‘
Atlas shook his head, a mix of anger and disbelief in his eyes. “142 coins. Do you know what we could have done with that? 142 coins is enough for emergency healing for one person. It’s enough for twenty weapons. It’s enough for all of us to have a good meal. That’s what Snedlie was trying to steal from us. And that’s why he’s not the accused—he’s the fucking convicted.”
The crowd murmured in agreement, their anger growing.
Atlas’s voice was steady as he addressed the group. “So let’s figure out what we should do with this guy.”
All eyes turned to Snedlie, who stood trembling in the harsh light of the group’s judgement.
—
POV : CELESTIAL WAGER
The Celestial Wager floated majestically in the vastness of space, its sleek metallic exterior reflecting the distant stars and galaxies like a cosmic mirror. Neon lights pulsed rhythmically along its edges, casting a mesmerizing glow that drew visitors from every corner of the universe. This was no ordinary casino; it was a marvel of intergalactic engineering, a beacon for thrill-seekers and gamblers alike, offering an experience unlike any other in the galaxy.
Inside, the casino was a sensory overload in the best possible way. The main floor sprawled out like a labyrinth of excitement, filled with a dizzying array of games that ranged from traditional card tables and slot machines to more exotic offerings like zero-gravity roulette and telepathic poker. The air was thick with the sounds of clinking coins, alien languages, and the soft hum of advanced machinery, all blending together in a symphony of anticipation and thrill.
The decor was a perfect blend of futuristic sleekness and opulent luxury. Floors made of a liquid silver-like material flowed beneath the feet of the patrons, reflecting the vibrant lights cascading from the ceiling.
All of this majestic spectacle though was ignored as the visitors were all focused on the big show.
The walls were adorned with holographic displays that showcased the latest betting odds, and live feeds of the ongoing events.
Zeltrax, his translucent skin shimmering with a soft blue hue, leaned forward, his three green eyes fixed on one of the massive screens displaying the latest events from a far-off Earth settlement. "Oooh, do you think they’re going to execute him?" he mused, his melodic voice carrying a hint of twisted excitement.
Seated beside him, Gorvax grunted in agreement, his massive, stone-like frame barely fitting into the luxurious casino chair. His four arms crossed in a show of casual confidence, he watched the screen with his small red eyes gleaming. "Definitely. I’m taking the bet. The odds seem to be against it though," he rumbled, his deep, gravelly voice vibrating in the air.
Perched on the edge of the table, Lurox, with her bright, iridescent blue skin chirped in with her usual enthusiasm. "Yeah, we’re a bloodthirsty bunch," she said, her compound eyes sparkling as she leaned in closer, feeding off the energy of the conversation.
Kroxar, lounging on a nearby chaise, smirked as he added his own thoughts. "Nothing like watching an execution after a good fight," he remarked, his sharp wit and cynical tone always a source of amusement for the group.
As the conversation flowed, Virelia, the lavender-skinned waitress, glided over to their table. Her luminescent tendrils held a tray of glowing bulbs filled with a vibrant, bubbling liquid. "Gentle beings, would you like some bulbs of alcohol?" she asked, her voice soft and inviting as she offered the drinks to the eager bettors.
Zeltrax sighed contentedly as he reached for a bulb, his skin shifting to a warm shade of gold. "Ahhhh, that’s why I love coming here to bet," he said, savoring the moment as he took a sip, the exotic beverage glowing and changing color as it slid down his throat.
Kroxar nodded in agreement, his tentacles curling lazily around a bulb of his own. "Yeah, me too. Sure, we could bet at home or on our own ships, but this is much more fun," he admitted, the usual sarcasm in his voice giving way to genuine enjoyment.
Lurox fluttered her wings excitedly, the bright blue of her skin pulsing with energy. "Truly, nothing beats the atmosphere of watching it live," she chirped, her enthusiasm contagious as the others chuckled and nodded in agreement.
The Celestial Wager wasn’t just about the gambling; it was about the experience. Patrons could engage in simulated battles or explore alien worlds in the virtual reality arenas, or they could relax in one of the many lounges, enjoying live performances by musicians from distant planets. The themed bars and restaurants catered to the diverse tastes of the intergalactic clientele, with one bar offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding star field and another serving delicacies that floated in mid-air, adding a playful challenge to the dining experience. Fried durian from Earth was surprisingly popular.
But what truly set The Celestial Wager apart was the way it made every visitor feel like a VIP. The staff, like Virelia, were selected for their charm and elegance, ensuring impeccable service at every turn. Personalized entertainment packages allowed patrons to request specific events to be broadcasted on the casino’s enormous screens, adding a personal touch to the already electrifying atmosphere. Most of the main screens were broadcasting the latest season of the show, and the Portal Crushers were a fan favourite.
As the group settled back into their seats, the tension in the casino grew. More aliens gathered around the screens, placing their bets and sharing in the thrill of the unfolding drama. Zeltrax, Gorvax, Lurox, Kroxar, were definitely loving their annual trip to Celestial Wager—the galaxy's most luxurious and exhilarating casino.
***
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