"-And that was how I saved my clients from those rabid worlegores. They were a real strong bunch but don't got much up here." Argit explains, tapping his temple with a grimace, "So when they thanked me, instead of giving me a tip the biggest one gave me a hug."

"So that's why you're bruised and hurting. Oh my poor baby!" Midge practically pulls Argit down into her chest, snout-first. The tech-dealer doesn't complain. In fact, he's visibly enjoying himself and even gives the waitress a little nuzzle. She squeals and giggles in response.

Much to Icthas' annoyance.

"So why are you here instead of staying at your place getting some rest?" The bartender asks.

"Gotta see to another deal." Argit answers as he surfaces for air, "When you're as important as me, ain't no such thing as being off the clock."

"Not in here, you are!" Icthas glares, bubbles forming in his tank as he sputters in anger.

"You need to chill, Icthas." It is Argit's turn to snicker, "When have I ever wrecked your place?"

"Do you want the holovid recordings?" The dry response.

Before Argit can respond, the door to the tavern opens. In the doorway stands two humans, a dark-haired male with a red-haired female.

"This here's a haven for the civilized folk." Icthas barks, purposely not looking at the rat-like tech-dealer.

"Means: No humans allowed." Midge snarls, her tail unfurling from Argit's as foot-long spikes emerge from said appendage.

"Chill, both of you, I got this." Argit assures them; jumping up from the stool only to be reminded of the beating his body took the past two days. His sharp, yellowy teeth grinds in suppressed pain with each slow step. He glances over his shoulder and winks to Midge, "Be right back."

Outside...

"Alright, I did want you wanted. Your turn. That my cash in that bag?" Argit demands, holding out a paw to Kevin.

"How do we know you're not lying?" Gwen frowns, arms folded across her chest in suspicion.

"Aw jeez, this here's a business meeting between pros. You mind?" Argit snaps.

"You try to talk to her like that again and I'll-" Kevin growls until Gwen cuts him off.

"It's alright." She waves her hand in dismissal. "You go ahead and have your business meeting. Pretend I'm not here."

"Damn straight you're not." Argit grumbles, swallowing suddenly at the murderous glare Kevin shoots him.

"She's got a point, though. You're pretty much still in one piece. You sure it was them?"

The rat-like alien bristles, he's been called all variations of useless the past two days and it's really starting to get on his nerves. "What, you think I'm new at this game? Just 'cuz the guy in metal can shoot black beams and the chick with the weird dress can throw exploding pink balls don't mean I can't take 'em!"

"Sounds like them." Kevin nods as he hands the bag towards Argit, "And you're sure you gave them the phony info?"

The frown on Argit's snout curls into a grin at the sight of the bag, "'Course I gave them the info! They asked about the A'os Chime so I sent them to see the Crasterian dealers over in Lexington. Like you told me to."

The grin on Argit's snout twists into a snarl when Kevin pulls the bag out of his reach. "Hey! Are you double-crossing me?"

"Like you hadn't done that to me," the human narrows his eyes, "But no. I ain't double-crossing you. I'm just not paying you because you didn't give them the phony info."

"What?!"

"Kevin's right," Gwen pipes up, "You were supposed to send them to the Galaxian Ruins of Nestur IV."

"What? No! You told me to tell anyone who asks about the chime-thing to go to the dealers!"

Kevin rolls his eyes, "No, that ain't it. But sending them to the Crasterian dealers ain't really such a bad idea."

"What is a Cra-whatever-ian dealer?" The red-head asks, unable to resist her curiosity.

"They're a group that fronts as interstellar music dealers when what they're really pushing are mind-altering holojectors. They're also gluttons and sometimes end up eating their clients and contacts. Or they try to."

"Aw, no, that can't be right." Argit starts to feel weak.

"Hey, we're the ones who came up with this plan." Kevin reminds him.

"S-so what's in the Galaxian Ruins?" Argit gulps, audibly.

"Traps that throw you into the Null Void." Kevin shrugs, "Guess as long as you hadn't sent anyone there, Gwen and I can disarm them in time."

"H-how long will that take?"

"Well when you factor in my Karate sessions, Ben's soccer practice," Gwen calculates, "Oh, and Julie's tennis lessons, it'll take a week or two."

"Aw, no, that means I- and they- and they're-"

Oh fuck!

All the blood drains from Argit's face and he's on his knees with his hands clutching at his head. He looks up at Kevin and begs, "C'mon Kev, be a pal and give me the money. I'm gonna need some serious protection!"

"That ain't our deal. And if you try quilling us, that ain't gonna work either." The dark-haired human pulls at the photonic-displacement mask to reveal his currently mutated form. "It's not gonna go through my skin."

"Gwen, babe, doll, have a heart! Use some of that mana-juju to hide me or something!"

"I'm sorry, this is a business meeting between pros." She mimics, "I'm not really here."

Kevin smirks as he re-dons his disguise, "Let's go, Gwen. I think Ben's going to have another one of his smoothie-binges if we make him wait any longer."

"I wouldn't worry. Julie should have reigned him in, some."

Helplessly, Argit watches the pair get into Kevin's car and drive off. Leaving the tech-dealer to deal with his problems on his own.

Dealing in the black market is a very stressful, often times hazardous occupation. Funny how a couple million credits would have made it all worth it.

At least, that's what Argit tells himself on a bad day.

Slowly, he stands, turns on his heels, and marches straight back into The Warehouse. He plans on drowning his sorrows.

Or himself.

Whichever he can afford first.

Author's Notes:
Thank you to everyone who reviewed. I always found myself being drawn more towards the side characters than the main characters. Granted Gwevin was what got me into the fandom, it's the side characters that kept me in it. After all, there are so many talented writers writing for Gwevin and the other ships, I figured the side characters deserved some fic-time themselves.