You happily boarded the ship with him and hopped onto the front deck to survey the area. There were animals of all kinds mingling around and chatting. Off to your left was the three-floored indoor area. The first floor held some shops and glass viewing areas and the second floor looked like some sort of entertainment complex. You could make out what seemed to be a restaurant on the third floor. There were lights strung above you running down from the top of the highest floor down to the front of the boat. They weren't on yet though.

You ran to look over the rail to the water below. You were excited because you'd never been on a cruise like this before! There was so much to see and do! But that's when Nick sauntered up to where you were.

"So, let's get started, right?" Nick said as he cracked his paws, "just like we planned."

Dang it. You wanted to explore! But you nodded reluctantly and then followed him from a distance. You watched him move near the port bow of the ship (that's the front left part) and set up at a table. He stood behind it and began to shuffle his deck of cards. He sorted out the two jokers and one queen of hearts.

As onlookers glanced in curiosity, Nick began his spiel. He lifted the queen for them to see.

"Keep your eyes on the queen! The queen is the money card," he paused and then flipped the two joker cards up to show the group, "Remember: the jokers don't pay," he explained as he placed the two down and lifted the queen again, "but keep your eye on the queen and it could be your lucky day..."

You approached as he finished describing the game. You wonder where he got that rhyme from?

He then began to move the cards around randomly. Not very fast but still enough to require thoughtful attention.

He stopped and raised his paws outward. Now, you stepped forward to show others how it worked. You placed a five down on the right card.

Nick revealed the right card was in fact a joker.

"Aww," you said, trying to seem defeated.

Nick quickly picked the cards back up, "Hey, no worries, no worries. That was your first time we'll call it free. Try again."

He handed you back the five and showed each card face again before placing and moving them around. You followed the facedown queen with your eyes as did the group around you.

When he stopped, you placed the five on the middle card. Nick flipped it over to reveal the queen.

"Ah very good! I'll have to move faster next time," he said as he doubled your five and tossed it back to you.

You acted as surprised as you could about winning. It wasn't hard to act happy when you were talking to Nick, so it was pretty convincing to those around you.

Upon winning, you stepped back to watch some other animals try it out. Nick would have them win about one out of every three times. Just enough to get money out of them without breaking their bank. He also kept it random. While one guy lost most of his money, the next up actually came out positive. Their outcome was by design of course. (It also depended on how much money they put down.)

Every now and again you would step up. Nick had you lose the rest of the time to keep your alliance a secret. But that was fine... whatever... you didn't care...

After a little while, the group began to become saturated with animals who had already played and become disinterested. Nick paused to explain this would be the last game for now because he could tell they were going to leave the port soon.

"I will be set up again later for your entertainment," He said with a bow to the few around before he packed up his cards. They shrugged and dissipated.

Your ears flicked in his direction as you heard him finish up. Finally! You were leaning with your back and arms against a rail some distance away. He meandered around a little before coming up to you. You watched with a smile as he walked up.

However, he came to stop rather close in front of you. He placed his paws on either side of the rail around your arms. Your face lit up red as his eyes stared into yours.

"H-hi?" You asked, holding your breath.

"Hey." He replied as he pecked your forehead and then turned to copy your lean on the rail to your left.

You exhaled. Stupid sexy fox.

Just then, you heard the horn of the ship sound. The booming voice of the captain soon followed over loudspeakers around the boat.

"WELCOME ABOARD THE M.S. SCARVIAN! WE WILL BE DEPARTING SHORTLY. WHILE ON THE SHIP, PLEASE REMEMBER TO..."