An hour later they were all sitting on the ground in hydroponics.
Harper was down to his boxers and undershirt and Trance had lost one shoe.
Lara, on the other hand, was completely clothed. They all turned around
when Tyr and Beka walked in arguing about something. They both did a double
take as they walked past Harper.
"Harper?" Beka asked trying not to laugh.
"Don't laugh! She said she never played before," he said in a whiny
voice.
"I said I had never played STRIP poker before," Lara corrected,
"Poker, on the other hand, I have played before. Would you like to play
again, Harper?"
"No thanks, babe, I don't think so."
"Scared?" she asked teasingly.
"No way!"
"I think he is, Tyr. Harper's afraid of a little girl!" Beka hooted.
"I resent being called a little girl," Lara commented grinning to
show that she wasn't angry. "According to my culture I am grown."
"And what exactly is your culture?" Tyr asked. Everyone grew silent
waiting for her answer. She just shrugged then pulled an ace out of her
boot.
"Always check the boots, Harper. Always. Some people cheat very
well."
"You cheated?" Harper asked angrily.
"Yes. I might have lost otherwise. It was a risk I wasn't willing to
take. Besides you know what they say 'it's only cheating if you get
caught'."
"I can not believe you cheated!"
"Always look out for the cute ones, Harper. They'll cheat you every
time," Beka said sagely.
"I think I'll return to my quarters now. Goodnight." Lara walked back
to her room hoping they'd all forgotten Tyr's question.
She lay down on the bed and drifted into a light sleep.
