Something did emerge from the android’s mouth, but it was less predictable. She began spitting gleaming coins, freshly minted from Everson’s blade. They tinkled brightly into the android’s hand until there were twelve in all. She then approached the apron-topped table and, with a tilt of her silver head, indicated that she wanted Everson to follow.
The android woman settled into position on the far side of the table, and Everson stopped on the side opposite, facing her. With a slight of hand almost too quick to follow, she laid out the coins on the apron in alternating squares as if starting a board game. She looked up to Everson expectantly. The prince eyed both the board and the strange android dubiously.
“You must think I’m dim,” Everson said. “What are we playing for, my life?”
The
