Introducton to "Carcharodon": The Subreality Casino is one of the least-frequented locations in Subreality. Indeed, apart from Obsidian Butterfly's introductory round robin, I believe this drabble is the only story ever set there. Under the circumstances, very little introduction is really necessary - except, perhaps, to say that "Katarina" below is its owner, and "Alexis" its pit boss.
This story was posted on the SCML on 27 July 2008, and makes reference to - well, that would be telling, now wouldn't it?
"Why did you even let him near the table, Alexis?" Katarina hissed.
"How could I stop him?" said Alexis. "Rule #1, remember? 'Never offend rich Mainstreams'?"
"And what good does his being rich do us if…" Katarina started, then sighed and fell silent.
The rest of the room, however, remained as noisy as casino main floors usually are. The slots kept whirring, the croupiers kept announcing results, the half-drunk craps players kept screaming at the dice – and, to Katarina's dismay, one voice from the blackjack table kept calling above the din:
"Six! Six tens or face cards! Ah, ah, ah!"
Rapid-Fire Disclaimer: Subreality: Kielle. Subreality Casino, Katarina, and Alexis: Obsidian Butterfly. The Count: Henson. And, since I forgot about it last time, Bunny slippers: Abyss