Since the explosion of several Guy Fox dolls in Lucky's Games, thenow-one-eared Lapi has been forced to relocate. The Guy Fox dollsweren't SUPPOSED to be explosive. Lucky would have consideredhimself, well, lucky, if he'd realized just how good of a deal he'dgotten on the stuffed dolls, for the non-explosive price, except for thecircumstances under which he discovered their true nature.

In any case, it seems that Lucky holds no ill will against Feli Kurai.In fact, he had delivered to Jynx a personal invitation to visit Lucky'snew establishment at a new location.

It even has a coupon attached for a free chance at the Wheel ofMisfortune.

Lucky's Hall of Games seems to be having its share of business. Now,a few are just gawkers, aiming to see just how "Lucky" turned outafter that phenomenal disaster, but there are plenty paying theirshekels to play at the automated games, try the shekelodeons(imported from Chronotopia), or else to play "friendly" competitionsagainst each other at the schpool and card tables.

Envoy circulatesaround the room, pausing to watch the various games and gamersuntil someone shoos the Exile off to another spot.

The familiar blackkhatta finally enters the establishment from outside. ( Gee, Lucky'sone heck of a rabbit, I woulda thought he'd want my head bynow… )

The night is young, just past sundown, just late enough most of thecubs and kits to have been dragged off by their parents so that theolder clientele can enjoy the establishment. This is reflected by theshift in range of beverages available. After all, this place USED to bea bar, and it easily serves appropriate beverages. Lucky is, ifanything, flexible.

The mostly-white (save for scorch marks) Lapi smiles broadly withclenched teeth when he sees the black Khatta enter. "AH! JYNX! MYFAVORITE CUSTOMER!" he shrieks through his teeth. "WELCOME!"

Jynx looks around wide-eyed. This place is much larger than the oldstore, and the Khatta gets the vague feeling he is the youngest here.The Khatta jumps as the Lapi approaches him rather loudly, "Oh! Uh,Hi Lucky… um, sorry about that little thing at the old store… " Hedecides to change the subject, "So, nice p-place you have here… "

The Lapi's expression is frozen in place, still grinning like an idiot,one hand waving. The other hand, half-hidden from view, isbandaged – as is the stump which used to be his left ear."WELCOME!" he repeats. "MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME!"

A form is silhouettedin the doorway by the last dying light from outside for a fewmoments: medium height, billowing cloak, and an impossibly longfeline tail. The shape steps inside, and in the light of theestablishment, a gray spotted Khatta, dressed in an elegant butrugged manner, is revealed. He hands his cloak off to the check girlat the door and heads for the tables. An odd-looking holster with anodder-looking weapon grip resting in it is strapped to his side.

Jynx flattens his ears embarrassedly at the shouting, "Uh, okay… " Thekhatta finds a place to sit down, and looks around in a rather lostmanner. ( There's a rabbit with problems… )

Envoy steps up behind Jynx, and taps him on the shoulder. "HelloFeli. Do you know how to play any of these games?"

Jynx JUMPS! "WHA?! Oh, Envoy! You shouldn't sneak up like that!" Hesighs, "As for the games, I know a few… "

The Aeolun blinks, not realizing she was sneaking. "Are they anyfun?"

Galand wanders amongst the tables, waving and smiling to some ofhis old acquaintances and opponents, looking to see what's open…

The Khatta shrugs, "Some of them are, but it really depends on howmuch money you win." ( Or how much you lose… )

"I need to win at least three gold," Envoy says. "Which game will letme do that?"

Several players look to Envoy at mention of three gold, with mixturesof interest in disbelief. After a moment of sizing up Envoy, perhapsthey decide she's not serious (for better or worse) and return to theirgames.

Jynx looks at Envoy with a look of question, "Three gold?! That maybe a bit too steep for one night… I don't think any will let you do itautomatically."

Galand's ear twitches as he catches the 'three gold' comment. Heturns and looks at Envoy, then hides his face as he tries to suppress alaugh and an almost predatory 'gambler's face.'

Envoy slumps, "Oh. What games are you going to play then?"

Jynx shrugs, and looks at his free ticket, "I guess the wheel of for- er,misfortune." ( Wonder why he changed the name? ) "It won'twin you three gold, but its got some interesting prizes. Wanna give ita try?"

The Exile smiles and nods.

Galand hmms as he looks around, trying to find an open spot at asab'hak table. Failing that, he wanders over to the Wheel ofMisfortune.

Jynx stands up from his seat. "Its over this way, follow me." Thekhatta makes his way over to the wheel, free ticket in hand.

The Wheel of Misfortune is a separate display from the Wheel ofChance. The Wheel of Misfortune is special in that it is in an enclosedwhicker cage – just next to the Wheel of Chance – and with a big"WARNING" sign on it.

Next to the warning sign is a post with lots of small print on it thatreads of heavy legalese.

Jynx blinks, and peruses the warning sign…

Envoy leans in close to read the sign, assuming it to be the rules.

Galand pauses next to Jynx and Envoy and reads the sign. He glancesover at Jynx and murmurs, "Rather… ominous-looking, isn't it?"

Roughly translated, the sign indicates that, by entering this cage, theplayer of the Wheel of Misfortune (that is, the person who enters thiscage and thereby consents to these rules and is assumed to be aplayer) relieves the proprietor and any employees of Lucky's Hall ofChance (that is, the establishment in which this game is located) freeof any obligation, responsibility or liability in accordance to anydamages suffered during play of this game… blah blah blah.

Envoy looks over her shoulder and smiles to the Khatta.

The game itself looks fairly ordinary. Just the Wheel of Chance, butwith a lot more skulls on it – in different colors, with betterdecoration.

Jynx flattens his ears as he goes over the writings, then nods to theleopard.

However, further inspection reveals that there is a lot of machineryBEHIND the wheel that appears to have something to do with itsoperation. Perhaps some Titanians are involved somehow. Themachine DOES look a tad beat-up.

"So, what do you win by playing this game?" Envoy asks Jynx.

Jynx grimaces, "Not too safe looking," he mutters. Then he shrugsinwardly: what the hey? He doesn't have anything better to do, andit is free…

The snow leopard smiles. "Ah, but safe usually means little to nopayoff… if you want the big rewards, you have to take the big risks… "

"Uh… I'm not exactly sure… " The Khatta replies. "Guess I should findout. Hey Lucky, I guess I'll use this now! Lucky?"

The Lapi, with a big grin frozen on his face, walks up, holding agolden key in one hand. "The prize," he says through his teeth, "isthis GOLDEN KEY! If you win at the Wheel of Misfortune … youbecome the MASTER of this marvelous contraption!"

Jynx eyes the snow leopard a bit, ( Cripes, these places do draw inthe strange ones, don't they? )

Jynx blinks? "Master? What would I want with this piece of junk?" Avery good question.

"Otherwise," the Lapi says, in a quieter voice, "you may win a rangeof other compensatory prizes, or various amusing novelties deliveredby the machine itself."

The rabbit's smile slips. "Gold! It's a GOLDEN key!" He has it chainedto his belt. Evidently it's not something he wants to part with tooeasily.

The Khatta spots the key… what's that smell? Oh yeah, good oldfashioned greed! "I'll go for it!"

Envoy eyes the key. It looks bigger than three shekels.

Galand's eyes light on the key, and a distinctly avaricious look comesinto them. "My… "

Envoy asks, "If someone wins, do they have to move the game out ofhere themselves, or will it be delivered?"

The Lapi says, "It costs fifty shekels per spin on the wheel. But … "His grin becomes frighteningly large again. "… since you are a mostVALUED customer of Lucky's Games … er, Lucky's Hall of Chance … you, Feli Kurai, with that coupon you hold, get THREE spins on theWheel of Misfortune!"

Galand blinks at the Lapi, his ears flicking back involuntarily for amoment at that smile.

Wow, what a deal! "Okay, sounds good! Here you go!" The Khattahands the coupon to the rabbit.

Envoy frowns at that news. Jynx is sure to win with three chances… she's seen how lucky he is.

The Lapi's one good ear twitches as he takes the coupon. He gigglesmirthfully, his teeth still showing. He wipes off a drop of spittle fromone corner of his grin. "Now then … if … if you WIN … I'll get somehelp to move the machine. You're … very lucky, I know. So … lucky.I like that. LUCKY. Hee hee!"

Jynx's brow furrows as Lucky leads him to the contraption, "Are youfeeling alright? Maybe you should go see a healer… "

The rabbit, hand shaking, walks up to the cage. He giggles to himself."Tee hee!" He inserts the key into the lock on the door, and turns it,making an audible click, then turns it the other way, clicking again,and then the cage pops open. "All right? I feel GREAT! I feel LUCKY!Tee hee! Now, remember, only THREE tries! Don't try to cheat onLucky… "

Galand backs away from the Lapi, his paw twitching towards his hipand the holster there in reflex, his ears now three-quarters back… hedoes NOT like that smile…

Envoy whispers to Galand, "You don't suppose he got that way fromwinning the machine himself, do you?"

"It's one of a kind," Lucky grins. "Straight from Titania! It was verypopular over there, I hear."

The black cat enters the device, ( Something tells me he's mad atme, but I just can't put my paw on why… ) "Uh, okay… so do I justspin?"

The Lapi closes the door behind the black Khatta, and the lock clicksback into place. Hmm. There's no handle on the inside. "You've gotit! Just spin! Only three spins! Remember! Tee hee!"

Galand whispers back, his voice showing a hint of apprehensivegrowl, "I don't know, but the last person who smiled at me that waywent for my throat… " He hrrrs nervously a bit. "Of course, the factthat she was an ex-girlfriend of mine may have had something to dowith that."

Envoy blinks three times, but doesn't ask Galand to elaborate on that.

The wheel is split up into several thin pie-slices of varying color,progressing through all the colors of the rainbow … but of mostlydarker hues, with purple being nearly black. The slice with thegolden key symbol on it is the thinnest of all.

The biggest slice has a big hammer on it. Maybe it has something todo with that big stone mallet suspended over the platform, held by awooden representation of a stocky (and primitive-looking) Titanianidol.

Shrugging, Jynx sighs, gives a small spit in his paws to get themready, then spins the wheel as hard as he can.

Jynx oooghs, as he just now sees the hammer, ( That'snot a good sign… )

*racharacharacharacha* The wheel spins, a flurry of color.

Envoy calls into the cage, "Break a leg, Feli!" At least, that's whatthey say in the Bard's Guild to wish someone luck. She never reallyunderstood it herself.

Jynx flares his nostril at this remark.

Galand watches the black Khatta spin the wheel, making sure to keepa few steps away from the clearly bent Lapi, while keepinghimself between Envoy and Lucky.

The wheel keeps spinning, giving no sign yet of stopping.*clackclackclackclack… *

The Lapi fidgets, looking impatient. "Come on… " he hiss-whispers."WIN!" he adds, more loudly. "Tee hee!"

Jynx jumps a bit at the Lapi's words, and starts to sweat a bit…

A chart next to the wheel catches Jynx's eye. It seems to be a lateraddition, numbered, with a number of names and icons next to it.

Number 1, at the top, in the largest letters, is "WIN!" It has a goldenkey icon next to it, larger than the other icons.

Number 2, naturally next down, has a miniature version of the wheelfor an icon. "SPIN AGAIN!"

Number 3, next (what else?), has an icon of a Titanian cub holding alittle mallet. "LIL WAK" it says.

Number 4 bears an icon of a hammer head, and reads, "BIG WAK."

Number 5 has a set of clenching teeth, and reads, "DA MUNCH."

Jynx hmmms at the sign, those 'waks' aren't all too enticing. Andknowing Titanitans, not too good for your health at that. As for "DAMUNCH", well, would you want that?"

Number 6 has an icon of clippers and reads, "DA SHAVE."

Number 7 has a symbol that translates into a question-mark in somelanguages, and reads, "DA BOOTY."

Number 8 has a stylized lightning bolt, and reads, "ZOT."

Jynx urgs, Number six looks bad too, this Khatta's partial to his fur.And Booty? Who knows… "By the first ones, how long does this thingspin?"

And, Number 9, at the very bottom, just has a skull on it, with noexplanation.

The wheel clacks to a stop. A little skull is on the wheel where thearrow points. A little skull and a little hammer bopping it.

The legend points to number 3: LIL WAK.

There is a clacking noise, and some rattling. The cage shakes lightly.

Jynx blinks, lil' wak? Uh oh, what's that noise…

There's a noise from just above the black Khatta…

The hammer drops…

*WAK*

The hammer rises and clicks back into place.

The Lapi giggles loudly. "Tee hee!"

"OW!" The black Khatta winces as his cranium is given a whack, thenrubs his head with a feline hiss. "What kind've crazy game is this?!"

Galand looks over at the Lapi, then starts sidling up closer to himinconspicuously as possible.

There are a few snickers and guffaws from about the room. Most ofthe games have halted, and it seems that Jynx is the main attraction.

The Lapi giggles, then says, "You get two more tries! Remember!You could get … THIS!" He dangles the key on its chain, the goldglinting seductively in the interior torchlight.

Jynx looks at the crowd somewhat menacingly, still rubbing his headand feeling embarrassed. "Okay," he sighs, "I'll spin again." And withthat, he does so, but not as hard this time.

Envoy hmms, and suggests, "Next time, jump out of the way of thehammer Feli."

"That's kind of hard to do," muses the Khatta, as he looks around thesmallness of the booth.

The wheel spins around a couple of times, then … clickclickclick…

It enticingly stops on the key … but not entirely … click…

It stops on … the skull …

… click …

On the lightning bolt and skull.

Jynx shudders…

Galand sneaks up behind the Lapi, and flexes his fingers…

*CLACK*

*ZOT!*

"OW!"

There is a flash of light. When it clears, there is a brief play of bluishstreaks across Jynx's fur … and every last hair is standing straightout.

A few sparks play on his whiskers, then dissipate.

The Lapi giggles loudly. "Tee hee!"

Envoy's eyes go wide, "Wow! That looks neat, Feli!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!" Screams the cat, as the electricitystreams through him. When it is finished, he stands frozen still for awhile, eyes wide and fur smoking.

Galand stands behind the Lapi, and shoots Jynx a look, making smallgrabbing motions, followed by a distinctive unlocking motion, andfinishing it up with an inquisitive look?

Jynx, in his present state of shock however, notices not the snowleopard. Finally he snaps out of it. "Hey! This thing is messed up! Areyou trying to kill me?!"

The Lapi can hardly contain himself, his eyes bugging out. "Just … one … more … try?" His voice is almost pleading. "You just mightWIN!"

Galand sighs inwardly, and looks at the Lapi, trying to assess theplacement of that blasted key, and how best to snatchit… inconspicuously, of course.

Several of the patrons cheer Jynx on. "Go for it!" "Ya, don't be awilly-wobble!" "WHOO HOO!" "Go baby go!"

The blasted key is held in the Lapi's hand, attached by a chain, whichgoes down and disappears under the waist of the rabbit's vest.

Smoothing out his fur, and giving a look to the rabbit and the crowdthat would kill if it were possible, Jynx turns to face the gamingabomination once more. Reluctantly, he reaches a paw towards thewheel. "Last time, and you better let me out!" The wheel goesspinning…

*clickclickclickclickclick* Colors rush past. Okay, Khatta, how luckyare you tonight?

The wheel rolls and rolls … click click … click … click … It rolls onto"Da Booty" … click … "Da Munch" … cli – No, it bounces back. An iconof a skull between two sets of teeth is on that slice of the "pie". DAMUNCH.

The machine begins churning violently, hopping up and down withinthe cage.

The Lapi almost SHRIEKS with delighted laughter, and several of theonlookers hoot and howl as well.

Galand frowns deeply…

Uh oh… "LEMME OUT LEMME OUT LEMME OUT!" Jynx screams as hegets a good idea of what's to come.

A snow leopard taps the Lapi on the shoulder. "Excuse me, sir… "

Envoy blinks and tries to open the door to the cage.

Jynx bangs on the cage, tearing at it with his claws.

The door rattles a bit, but is of sturdier construction than it appears,holding fast and closed. The Lapi keeps guffawing loudly … and moreenthusiastically than anyone else. Some of the onlookers stoplaughing along, and give the Lapi puzzled and worried glances.

Jynx starts to pray…

Galand growls, and grabs the Lapi by the shoulder, spinning himaround, and following up with a killer roundhouse punch, aimedright at the rabbit's chin!

*CRACK* The Lapi's laughter is abruptly cut off, and he is knockedsprawling backward careening into a table where a card game isgoing on … So deep was the game that all of the players are staringintently at their cards in that instant before the rabbit hits. In theinstant AFTER, however, chips and cards and more than a fewshekels go flying!

The players do not look happy.

Galand lunges forward, grabbing for the key, then heads for the doorto the cage!

Jynx doesn't look happy either, still trying to get out of the cage.

The wheel of the machine slowly rolls to one side … revealing ananimated-looking set of chitinous TEETH that gnash and snapaudibly. *CHOMP CHOMP CHOMP*

The check girl screams and then faints. Unfortunately, there'snobody within range to catch her. *CLUNK*

Jynx ACKS! The Khatta backs up to the end of the cage, pressedagainst it and looking for a way out desperately.

Galand is almost to the door, when there's a reminding tug. The keyis still firmly attached to a chain. And it is soon yanked out of hishand as the Lapi is forceably picked up and hurled off the table byan angry Jupani.

The Lapi says, no longer grinning, "AAAAAAAAAAA!"

Envoy tries to find something that will fit through the bars of thecage and that Jynx could use to jam open da muncher.

Jynx, meanwhile, starts to climb up the wicker, clinging to the top,"LET ME OUT!! LET ME OUUUT!"

Galand swears softly and dashes after the Lapi… again… and tries topick him up and hurl him at the door to the cage (and Envoy)!

Well, that wickerwork is a real chore, but there are a fewSchpoolsticks to relieve from the tables…

It's a galand – er, gallant attempt, but the Lapi's sizeable girth is abit too hefty to be simply hurled across the room. Perhaps thatJupani should be avoided, since he still looks pretty steamed.However, with a bit of heaving and hauling, Galand manages to moveLucky over next to the door.

"Tee … hee… " says Lucky.

Galand looks at Envoy. "Hold him, missy, whilst I make use of thiskey of his… " He reaches for the key, and silently prays its chain islong enough to reach the lock.

"GNASH GNASH," says the machine.

A wooden claw-thingee fails at Jynx and somehow manages to clingto the black Khatta's tail! It seems to be pulling the Khatta in…

Envoy reaches down and holds onto Lucky's remaining ear.

"OW!" says Lucky.

The chain is JUUUUST long enough to reach the lock, thank the Star…

*chunka chunka* *whirr whirr* The machine is definitely doing … whatever it does … at full tilt! It hungrily snaps at the black Khatta'stail.

Jynx AAAAUUUGHS! "Lemme go, you oversized dentures! Ow! Ow!Ow! QUIT IT!!" The Khatta clings as hard as he can to the cage.

Galand unlocks the door and swings it wide open, shouting, "C'mon,Blackie! Time's a-wasting!"

Freedom! The door is open, a means of escape presenting itself!

With relatively minor discomfort, too!

Jynx BOLTS out the door, jumps up on a table like a true cat on allfours, his tail straight out and fur standing on end.

"Tee hee," says the Lapi, grinning madly.

Galand looks at the Lapi, looks at the gnashing machine, then looks atthe Lapi again… a wicked grin takes up residence on his face.

The black Khatta shivers insanely, his eyes wide with a look of shock.

Envoy waves and calls after Jynx, "Aren't you going to wait to see ifyou've won anything?!"

The Lapi just shakes nervously, staring into space. "Tee … hee … "

Galand grabs the Lapi by his lapels and looks at Jynx. "So,Blackie… what d'you want done with this feeb?"

Envoy taps Galand on the shoulder, and whispers, "I think he's reallya Lapi, sir."

Sloooowly the black Khatta turns to look at the leopard… "Mew?"

Quoth the Lapi, through gritted teeth, with a glazed look in his eyes,"Tee … hee?"

Galand shoots Envoy a 'what-are-you-kidding?!?' look, then says,"Feeb. As in feeble. As in feeble-minded. Now go help out yourfriend, Missy… he looks like he could use a drink or three."

"Do you want something to drink, Feli?" the Exile asks quietly of theblack Khatta.

Jynx sits down as though he were just a housecat, and looksponderous. After a moment of deep thought, the cat look at Envoywith a nod, "Meow." After that bit of decisive reply, the black Khattapasses out cold.

The Lapi shakily giggles, "… and anyone who returns from the Wheelof Misfortune on his own feet (or coils) wins a free drink … on thehouse!" His good ear twitches.

Envoy blinks and lays Jynx back on the table, wondering what to donow… so she checks his pulse.

It beats like there's no tomorrow.

The Lapi looks at Jynx. "… However, if you DIE, of course, you forfeitany prizes. Says so under the tenth paragraph… "

Galand blinks at Lucky and shakes his head, "You're a sad, sad,insane little man… and you have my pity."

Although Jynx is very much alive, and a drink would hot the spotjust about now, he's a bit unable to reply to the rabbit.

The rabbit looks to Galand. "Tee hee!"

Envoy shakes Jynx's shoulder in an attempt to wake him up.

Little annoyed cat noises emanate from the Khatta.

In the background, a few card-players exchange pushes, shoves andhead-noogies, but it's just NOT a proper brawl.

"I think he's asleep," Envoy declares, turning back towards Galandand shrugging.

Quoth the machine, "GNASH GNASH!"

Galand looks at the machine, then turns a terrifying grin on the Lapi."Wanna try your own game, my pudgy little friend?"

Envoy goes back to the cage to examine the machine, asking, "Whatmakes it go?"

Galand looks for a way to unhook the key's chain at either end…

That, it would seem, is a mystery worthy of further investigation.The machine, that is. The chain seems to be firmly attached to athick belt about the Lapi's sizeable midsection.

Jynx twitches a bit, still passed out on the table.

A couple of scruffy Jupanis come up to the table Jynx is on. "Hey,"protests one. "If you're not gonna play, we'd like to start a gamehere… "

"Maybe there's a little Titanian inside turning cranks," the alienspeculates, then loses interest in the gizmo and goes back to Jynx'sside. "What game are you playing, sirs?"

The Jupani points at the glass surface of the table, thumping on it."Flush the Fox!" Underneath the glass of the table can be seen atwirling mass of chutes, descending toward multiple buckets. Bywinding a wooden crank and then depositing a coin, and hitting abutton at just the right time, it seems that the coin follows a littlewooden fox down the chutes, to plunk either into a trough or one ofthe buckets – the latter earning some sort of prize.

Somehow, Envoy doesn't think the game will appeal to Feli, so shetries to drag him off of the table. "Wake up Feli… "

Twitching a bit more, Jynx starts to finally come to. Groggily he sitsup and takes a look around, not quite sure where he is. Oh yeah,THIS place…

The scruffy wolves try to shoo Jynx off the table. Now that the bigshow is over, it seems there aren't too many watching the Wheel ofMisfortune…

Jynx furrows his brow at the stupid canines, its bad enough that he'shere, but now he has dumb dogs trying to boss him around! Hevoices his protest, "Meow!" Wait a second, that's not right…

The gray spotted Khatta fumbles at Lucky's belt, trying to loosen itenough to retrieve the key's chain from it…

Lucky blinks. "Tee … hey!"

The front door opens, letting in a few Jupani and a Zelak.

The buckle unbuckles, and the belt pulls free. My, won't that rabbitbe embarrassed if he tries to stand up! Attached to the belt is thechain. (Lucky's trousers don't have belt-loops.)

"Are you okay, Feli?" Envoy asks Jynx. "I don't think that game isworth 50 shekels per spin."

Jynx shakes his head, ( That was weird… ) He looks again at thesmug canine faces, and decides to vocally abuse them, "Mew MeowHiss!" ( Huh?! ) The Khatta claps a paw to his mouth…

Galand grins at the Lapi. "So… you wanna play your own game? Afterall, a host cannot truly be able to make a game enjoyable if he dothnot understand its nature fully!"

The Lapi grins up at Galand. "Tee … hee?"

The Jupani youths blink at each other, then point at Jynx and startguffaw-snorting and clapping each other on the back. One claps theother on the back a bit too hard, and it soon becomes a bit of acontest, then a minor tussle.

Galand grins a distinctively wicked grin and tries to shove Lucky ( orshould that now be Un-Lucky? ) into the cage…

Jynx fumes! Once again he tries to insult them, and once again only afew kittenish 'mews' emanate from his mouth.

Lucky says, "Tee – YEEEEEEE!" as he is shoved into the cage!

Galand closes the door, locks it, then loops the belt into the cage'sbars.

Envoy says, "I think you may have strained your voice fromscreaming too hard, Feli."

A wooden claw flails through the air, grabbing Lucky by the trousers.He is subjected to some minor indignity before much worse – beingyanked into those gnashing teeth. "YAAAAAAAAAA!" *CHOMPCHOMP*

The snow leopard smiles and purrs in an even tone, "Now… we'regonna play MY game… if you can reach that key before the machinegets ya, you're free t'go as long as y'leave my black buddy herealone. If ya don't… " His voice trails off and he shoots Lucky asympathetic glance.

Galand winces. "Oooh. Never mind."

The three Jupani and the Zelak, meanwhile, appear to have taken aninterest in the immediate scene. As has the rest of the patronage,especially at the rabbit's scream. That kind of interrupts a game, yousee.

The black Khatta look and Envoy and is about to reply, only toremember he can't. He stares at her pleadingly.

One of the Jupani rests a gloved hand on Galand's shoulder. "Pleasecome with us," the Jupani says in a tone that does not make it soundlike a request.

Galand looks at the Jupani. "Might I ask why?"

"I think you have a free drink for getting out of the cage," Envoyssays to the Khatta. "Maybe that would help your voice?"

"Or else you'll be executed on the spot for resisting arrest," answersthe Jupani.

Jynx blinks at the Aeolun with a small inquisitive 'mew?' and nods,sure can't hurt.

One of the Jupani spares a glance at the Aeolun, but says nothing.

Galand frowns. "What's the charge? I was merely serving him his justdesserts. He would've had the same thing happen to that young ladover there." He points at Jynx.

Quoth the machine, "CHOMP, MUNCH."

Envoy tries to hustle Jynx off towards the bar before the Jupaniguards get a good look at him.

"We'll let the Inquisitor decide that," answers the Guard-esqueJupani.

Funny. They aren't WEARING Temple uniforms…

Jynx mews a few times in protest at the pushing, but the speechbarrier stops him once again, ( What in Dagh's name is wrong?)

But then, their "docker clothes" look awfully nice and new and well-pressed to see much work.

Plus, how many dock-workers have a Zelak along? Ah well… suchare the mysteries of life.

Galand looks the Jupani up and down. "I don't believe you've got theauthority, m'boy. Let's see some identification, or proof that you'rewith the Guardsmen."

One of the scruffy Jupani poke at the Zelak, who is leaning over their"Flush the Fox" table.

Envoy asks for something 'soothing' for Jynx at the bar.

The Zelak looks back at the scruffy Jupani. "I am not a Temple Guardsent to spy on the Exile, Envoy of Lothryn. Please move along,Citizen." One of the Jupani rolls his eyes and sighs audibly.

Jynx taps his foot impatiently at the bar. He'd like to ask for justsome water, but…

A shaky-looking Kavi serves a drink up for Jynx. "Here … ah … soothing."

Jynx blinks at the liquid, shrugs, and downs it. Can't hurt with hiscurrent situation.

Envoy turns to look at the Zelak while Jynx drinks.

The Jupani answers Galand, "Would you rather that we wereconcerned citizens who are going to take you into custody, or mereruffians who are just going to break every bone in your body for thesheer fun of it?"

The second Jupani looks thoughtful for some reason.

Galand's ear twitches at the Zelak as he replies to the Jupani. "Soundsmore to me like you're 'concerned citizens' who've just had yourcover blown, neighbor… and if you were ruffians, then why, I'dhave to summon actual Guardsmen to have you taken away." He idlyfingers a pouch on his belt. "Now… why don't we just forget thishappened, hmm?"

The machine makes a coughing noise. A bit of white fluff pops outand lightly floats to the floor.

The Zelak clacks, "Attempting to bribe a concerned citizen, mereruffian or Temple Guard is a criminal offense, Citizen."

Jupani Number Three pats the Zelak on one of his shoulders lightly,smiling.

Envoy sighs, and goes over to talk to the Jupanis that aren't-really-guardsmen. "Excuse me?"

Galand smiles innocently at the Zelak. "Did I ever mention money?Did I ever mention a bribe? I just suggested to this concernedcitizen that we forget this incident and go on our short, happy lives."

Jupani Number Two runs a finger around his collar and responds toEnvoy. "Uhm, yes, Citi – young lady?"

Envoy points to the Wheel of Misfortune, "Shouldn't you be trying toget the bunny out of the machine?"

Jupani Number Two ponders this. "I suppose so. I'm pretty sure it'sagainst city ordinances. Let's destroy it!"

Jynx, now finished with the drink, tries again. "AHERRRM-HER-AHHMM… . . mew?" Dang!

Jupani Number One frowns. "You handle that," he says to NumberTwo. Number Two lolls happily, and rushes over to the cage.Various sounds of violence follow.

That tears it! Jynx starting jumping around angrily like a manic-depressive chimpanzee (whatever that is), all the while makingcatlike hisses, meows, and mews.

Envoy says, "Are you sure you should destroy it? I imagine theTechnopriests might want it intact. It was built in Titania."

The munching noises eventually slow to a stop. Whether or not thisis due to Number Two's enthusiastic pounding is unknown. Probablynot.

Galand smiles reassuringly. "So, as you can see sir, I was merelydoing my part as a concerned citizen by rescuing the young black-furred lad over there from that abominable violation of cityordinances… " He trails off as Jynx starts throwing a fit.

"Aha… " remarks Jupani Number One. "By heroically undressing thatLapi and feeding him to the machine in question, I take it… "

Galand recovers. "I mean… the lad's so traumatized by his experiencehe can hardly speak clearly."

The machine lets out a wheeze, spits out a few more bits of whitefluff, and then the Wheel of Misfortune rolls back into place. Thedents caused by the Jupani just blend in with the other dents evidenton the machine. None the worse for wear, it seems.

The Jupani looks at the controls. "Hmm. Hey, guys, mind if I give it awhirl?"

Speak clearly? SPEAK CLEARLY?! He can't speak at all! How is hegoing to annoy Eve? How will he taunt canids? How will he orderfood?! The list of misfortune goes on and on…

Galand smiles sheepishly. "Well, I was perhaps being a bitoverenthusiastic. I didn't realize it was still running, you see… as forthe pants, well… I figured a little embarrassment would do old Luckysome good, don't you know?"

*ZOT*

That sound! Jynx dives for cover!

"Okay, I think I've got it down pat now!" the Jupani calls out. Everyhair on his body is sticking out.

*clickclickclickclick* *ZOT*

The Zelak clacks, "Public disrobing is a punishable offense, citizen."

"This time for sure!" calls out Puffball Number Two.

Galand looks at the Zelak. "You don't get out much, do you?"

*clickclickclickclick* *WAK* "Ow! Okay. I think I've got the hang ofit."

Jynx peers from his hiding place to look at the machine, boy, canidsare dumber than he thought!

*clickclickclickclick* "WOO HOO! I get to spin again! Uh … waitaminute … "

"Negative," clacks the Zelak. "This unit is engaged in patrol duty only.As a concerned citizen."

*clickclickclickclick* *DINGDINGDINGDINGDING*

Various flags and banners pop out of the machine, waving wildly!

Envoy tugs on Jupani Number One's sleeve, and says, "I'm going now.I think I'd better take Feli to a healer's tent."

Galand glances at Envoy. "Would you like an escort, m'lady?"

Jupani Number One frowns, looking at Envoy. "Ah, yes, young lady.That sounds like a good idea."

However, he holds onto Galand's shoulder. "Minus this … concernedcitizen, that is."

Jynx blinks at this, and pads quickly over to Envoy, giving themachine a wide berth…

The Jupani steps out. "I won!" His hair is still sticking straight out."Where's my golden key? AH! Here it is… Hey! A belt, too!"

Galand glances annoyedly at Jupani Number One. "You know, you stillhaven't shown me your identification."

"You don't need to see my identification," answers Jupani NumberOne.

Envoy takes Jynx's hand, and starts to lead him towards the door.Maybe Chiri has something that will restore his voice.

Jynx follows the aeolun out, hissing and spitting in catlike fashion. (Lucky me… )

There comes a pounding sound from the machine. Not much of apounding. More of a weak knock.

Meanwhile, a lot of the patronage clears out of the building at aboutthe same time Jynx does.

"It's probably just a hairball," Envoy reassures the Khatta as theyvanish out the door.

Puffball Number Two sniffs at the side of the machine. There is alarge sign that reads "EXIT", over a small hatch.

Galand looks at the Jupani and sighs. "Look, friend, I am a busy man.Now either you come up with some honest charges and show mesome solid identification that shows you have the proper authority topress them, or I leave. It's that simple."

The Second Jupani, slowly less resembling a puffball, gives themachine a good swift kick from the side, outside the cage. Themachine churns into action, and spits out a greatly rumpled pulp ofwhite bunny fluff and ragged clothes. "Tee … heeeeeee… "

Upon closer inspection … why, it's Lucky the Lapi! Funny, that.Maybe he should see Chiri, too…

Galand blinks, both ears twitching at the laugh. "Ye gods… "

Galand slowly turns his head towards the sound. "You certainly dolive up to your name… "

Meanwhile, a few more Jupani come in the front door. These arewearing Temple Guard uniforms.

"Arrest everyone," the first Jupani announces. "We'll sort them outlater."

Galand shrugs the Jupani's hand off his shoulder and follows, sayingall the way, "You can't do this, not without charges! I'm going to lodgea formal protest, and you'll be eating garbage on Darkside when I'mthrough with you!" He continues on with his indignant act until hisvoice trails off in the distance.

A foppish Fox pokes his orangish muzzle into the front door, lookingaround. "Hello? Anybody home?" Nobody is home. Once the Fox issure of this, he bounds into the room, a look of sheer glee on his face… a cub alone in a candy shop! He grasps a pendant hanging aroundhis neck and gives it a kiss and a rub with his thumb, thenannounces, loudly, "I feel LUCKY today!" With that, he dashes over tothe Wheel of Misfortune. "Oooooo!" *whirr**clickclickclickclickclick… *