At 10:41 PM 01/2/96 -0800, Saf wrote:
Panda looks the three new visitors over and then looks at Chang.
Panda: "Chang, my man. Would you be so kind as to set up a table and a >> few chairs for our guests?"
Chang returns shortly with a card table and a dozen folding chairs. After
setting the table up, and seeing that everyone is comfortable, Chang
pours saki into a dozen glasses that ring the card table. The bottle
strangely does not seem to ever get empty. Panda finishes shuffling the
cards and takes a long look at each of the player's faces that surround
the table. Saf, Gopher, Nabiki, A wraith, Firehawke, Ozymandias and
SkyKnight all stare back with a determined look in their eyes (and
visors). None of them realizes that the black and white bear has just
returned from the Inter-Galactic and Parallel Universe Poker
Championship- as Grand Champion. And they would have a very difficult
time guessing this fact. For what better poker face to have- than a panda's.
Panda: Be my guest Sir SkyKnight. You may cut the deck . . .
Hmm...poker...Sure I'll play a hand or two, Panda-kun. Just don't ask me
to deal. I seem to deal out winning hands quite often...to other people.
;) I'd really like a chance at winning a game this time. ^_-
Saf
The sun peeks over the horizon as dawn approaches. The poker game has wound down to a climactic confrontation between the Blue Tigress and
Panda-kun. All eyes of the "folded" players volley back and forth between
the stony faces of the two remaining hand-holders (<g>). Panda transfers
the stub of his cigar from one corner to the other of his mouth. Sapphire
twitches her blue whiskers. Chang places two shallow glasses of saki at
the elbows of the two focused competitors, as they consider their next moves.
Panda: "Well, Saf. It's you and me. There's a pretty decent pot there. You
gonna show me your cards or make me a rich panda?"
Saf: [She ignores the panda's tease and continues to look over her cards,
betraying no emotion on her regal visage. She then lays down her hand
on the cluttered table, with a look of triumph gleaming in her eyes. A low,
growl of pleasure emanates from her throat] "Read 'em and weep Panda-kun."
Panda: [Panda stares at the cards thoughtfully, and then transfers his cigar
stub back to its original corner of his mouth. He glances down at his own cards
one more time and then gently lays them down on the table- face down.]
"You got me cat. It's all yours."
Sapphire's face lights up in disbelief, as she stares at Panda's face, a portrait
of defeat. She suddenly reaches out for the pot and cradles it, pulling it
toward her like a bulldozer.
The group groans in concert and exudes sighs of disgust. Sapphire hums merrily to herself as Panda reaches for the five cards that lay face down in
front of him.
The Wraith: "HOLD IT BEAR!" I wanna see those cards!" [The Wraith reaches
for Panda's cards but is stopped by a large, blue paw, its needle sharp claws
gently piercing the five cards in front of Panda.
Saf: "You know the rules Wraith. he doesn't have to show you his hand."
The Wraith regards the Blue Tigress begrudgingly, and then steps back. He
suddenly vanishes into the ground with a hollow laugh.
The rest of the group returns to their interrupted exit, their heads hanging low
with fatigue and frustration. Panda rises from his chair and stretches with
a long yawn, as Chang slides the metal bolt into place on Panda's pen door.
Sapphire finishes counting the pot out loud and then sections the total into
3 smaller piles.
Saf: "Chang here's your third, Panda here's yours, and of course the rest is mine. It's been a pleasure doing business with you gentlemen. [Sapphire
yawns and stretches in that glorious way that only cats can, as Panda casts
an admiring glance her way] "Well, I think I'll be leaving now. My plane to
the west coast leaves in an hour and I can't be late. Let me know when we
can do this again sometime hummm?" [Sapphire purrs and gives Panda a
peck on the cheek, and then leaves. Chang looks at Panda, who now has
a contented smile on his furry face] "God she's amazing. Eh Chang?"
THE END
The preceeding scenario was pillaged from an old western style film called,
"A Big Hand for The Little Lady".
Panda ^_^
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BG Cross
The Dark Traveller
askuse@execulink.com
Co-Maintainer of the Fanfic ML FAQ
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