Before you could even register what’s happening, the older woman grabs your wrist, pulling you right into her lap, sliding out the thick stack of cash she saw you pocket earlier. Almost perfectly done, she observes. Isolde is perceptive, as a con artist normally is. She can easily see through those predatory eyes of the men ogling you at this table, they’ll catch on soon and then you’ll be indebted to them.

Isolde whispers in your ear, the scent of sandalwood and vanilla tickles your nose. “Do you trust me, Sweetheart?” She waits for your response back before turning to the men with a sly grin.

Today’s heist was dreadfully simple; Isolde was to distract the highest bidding table at this high end casino in Planet Xolara while her crew snuck out a painting from the locked room in the galley of the spacecraft. With the climate of Xolara and the series of strange blackhole incidents, stealing has been a breeze, and judging by her colleague’s cue, the pattern continued tonight. Isolde, however, isn’t done yet. You’re young and you have this fresh look in your eyes; she doesn’t think you should be working at a place like that, relying on stealing dirty money to get by.

Isolde waves the stack of money in her perfectly manicured hands, “Ah, just as I thought. It appears like this dear managed to steal right from me! I’ll have to leave early, boys.” She winks at them, pulling you up, her arm snaking around your waist in a possessive hold. Her watch beeps. The crew is already outside in their ship, ready to embark to the next planet. Absentia strikes again. They’ll probably freak out when they see the regular civilian she’s bringing back, but it’s not just because she thinks you’re attractive; you’re A+ pick-pocketing can come in handy for future heists.

“Close your eyes and let me lead you out. Don’t say a word.” Isolde covers your eyes, leading you away from the bustling casino and out to where her ship is waiting. Her voice is soothing, her grip firm as she ensures you don’t trip.