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You decide to <span class="mu-i">tough it out</span>. You'd rather not drink that nasty shit, and even if you did, you aren't sure if it'd even hydrate you. Despite your body screaming for respite, you decide to carry on. You almost want to try and ruin it for the rest of the “players” at the table, more like scam-artists inviting a non-Prooh to their game, by pissing in the bottle, but frankly you don't think you even have enough moisture to piss out...
Just then, a tile flips and you grab one of your own. The way to the oasis in the center of the board is clear. You have a match! You jump to your feet, suddenly feeling very woozy, holding a hand on the table as you reach forth.
<span class="mu-g">”I got- I- I win- I-”</span>
The next thing you know, you come to in a hospital bed. You feel way better.
<span class="mu-g">”Shit!”</span>
You realize instantly you must have collapsed. But what about the game? Did you win the game!? Looking at the nearest screen to confirm, you can only see a large medical bill waiting for you. You must have been disqualified when you collapsed from thirst and exhaustion. You look at the damage- Hydrating saline solution, emergency medical transport, cosmetic clean up of your dry skin to make it look nice... these prices are outrageous. Fuck! Even the Consortium wouldn't charge this much. But you suppose on this station you don't have another choice. This changes everything. If you aren't quick, you might not be able to get to your shuttle to run out on it, and then you'll be really fucked if they repo it...
Just then, something moves in the corner of your eye. It was so quiet you didn't notice somebody was sitting by your hospital bed. A blue hand extends a small imprinted card.
<span class="mu-b">”I'm glad you're awake. My master is the proprietor of this station, and is interested in the best players...”</span>
<span class="mu-g">”Best? I just lost my only- wait, you're a Jaxtian! What are you doing here?!”</span>
<span class="mu-b">”I'm very busy, so I'll keep it brief. My Master was impressed with your determination, and would like to play a little one on one game with you in the VIP lounge. If you win, they'll cover your medical expenses completely.”</span>
<span class="mu-g">”...What if I lose?”</span>
<span class="mu-b">”I'm sure they'll help work that out with you. Don't be late.”</span>
