Disclaimer: War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength, and I own 1984. (Also the cover image, which is in no way a trademark of the United States Playing Card Company.)
Author's note: If you're wondering why I'm reposting this - and why here, rather than in the 1984 subcategory itself - the short answer is that, when you post a story in a fandom thats name consists entirely of digits, any profile-based list that the story appears on apparently becomes impossible to sort properly. (For the long answer, send me a PM.)
"All right, gentlemen," said O'Brien. "You know the rules: aces high, suits rank as in bridge, low card fights alone. Chang?"
Chang of Eastasia reached for the deck, cut a packet, and showed it. "Ace of hearts."
O'Brien raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. Bronstein?"
The Eurasian cut. "Nine of clubs."
"And…" O'Brien lifted his own packet. "Ace of hea…"
He broke off, and he and Bronstein glared at their companion. "So," Bronstein snarled. "Ah Sin lives again."
"What would you?" Chang snapped. "Eastasia's fought alone six times this decade. It's demoralising."
"Filthy, two-faced, Death-worshipping…"
"Never mind," O'Brien intervened. "Let's try Rock-Paper-Scissors."