Chapter 5
Meanwhile, Jack and Sam had wandered into a small arcade. Jack looked around at the myriad of young people and smiled.
-Well, Carter, I see you and I are in the minority here, but that doesn't have to stop us from having a good time.
-No, it doesn't, sir. So, where do we start?
-Well, I don't know about you, but I've got my sites set on that videogame over there.
He went over to the game, inserted a token and began to play. Sam's curiosity was peaked, so she went over to see what he was playing.
-Pacman?!
Jack looked up at her and smiled.
-Yup.
-They still have these things?
-Yup. It's the last of its kind. And the only game old schoolers like me will play.
-I see. Colonel...
-Shh...Carter, I'm trying to concentrate here.
-Sorry...
So, she stood there watching Jack play his videogame. Every once in awhile he uttered some sort of little cry or yelled at the game. Sam had to keep herself from laughing. He was acting just like a little kid. A cute little kid. Finally, Jack finished his game and sighed.
-That was fun. It brought back so many memories...
-So, uh... now what?
-Well...
Jack looked around at the various games and pointed to the far corner.
-Over there. Air Hockey.
Sam smiled.
-Figures.
-What, you don't think you can handle me?
-Oh, I can handle you, but can you handle me?
Jack grinned mischievously.
-I guess we'll find out.
20 minutes later they were tied 1-1 and still duking it out. By now they had attracted a crowd of youngsters. A pair of 12-year-old twin boys and their 16-year-old brother were rooting Jack on. Two 14-year-old girls and a smitten 18-year-old boy cheered for Sam.
-Come on, Jackie boy. You're not gonna let a girl beat you are ya?
Jack rolled his eyes at his young fan.
-Tommy, I'm doin' my best here.
-I know man, I know.
Sam smiled at Jack.
-Yah, Jackie, with all your pre game boasting I would have thought you'd have won by now.
-Well...Samantha, I'm trying to go easy on you.
-Oh please. Spare me the excuses. I've got you sweating and you know it.
-Sam...
Sam turned to look at one of the people cheering her on, a young girl with spiky red hair.
-Sam, you need to keep your head in the game here. Stay focused.
-Sorry, Jamie. You're right.
-It's sudden death.
-I know, Jamie.
-Sorry.
They traded the puck back and forth for a few minutes, blocking goals with neither of them gaining any ground. Then...the puck finally went in. The young crowd cheered loudly and Tommy came over to give Jack a high five.
-I knew you could do it, Jackie!!!
-I couldn't have done it without you.
-Thanks man. Listen, we're gonna go grab a bite to eat. See ya around?
-Sure thing.
After the crowd left, Jack walked over to Sam and grinned.
-Well, I guess I can handle you after all.
-It was a lucky shot.
-That may be, but luck or no luck it won me the game.
Sam sighed.
-Yup. So...what do you want??? Money, groveling...
Jack grinned. Before they had started playing they had mutually decided that the loser had to give the winner anything they wanted...within reason of course.
-Hmm. I'll let ya know.
-What, you're gonna keep me in suspense all night?
-Maybe. So...you ready to go enjoy the rest of the carnival?
-I don't know if I'll be able to enjoy it knowing I've got our bet hanging over my head.
-Yes well, maybe you should have thought of that before you so hastily agreed to it.
-Yah well I never thought you were going to win Are we gonna do see the rest of the carnival or not?
-All right let's go.
They left the arcade and went off to explore.