Static by Will MacGregor

Author:Will MacGregor
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2020-04-12T04:00:00+00:00

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In the end she had been able to trip the pachinko machine into a constant jackpot within ninety seconds, regardless of the sensitivity of the launch wheel, settings of the machine’s mechanical elements or any number of other variables in the software. Each time it had become easier as Spencer’s custom software learned the vagaries of her augmentations. Because the jackpots were exponential, it took only four minutes before the machine seized and the Doctor’s computers detected a simulated payout transfer of an amount that had drawn the colour from both his and Spencer’s faces. The machine had been reset and repackaged with careful attention paid to the tracking encoder. She had listened from behind the privacy screen as the deliveryman breathed an audible sigh of relief that the device showed no signs of tampering.

“Happy days! The boys’ll be pleased to get moving again. And ten minutes early too.”

“Lucky that I don’t dock that from their fee,” Spencer replied darkly.

“Whatever,” said the deliveryman with a snort. “Least now you can tell those pricks you work for that we’re square. I swear, I don’t ever want to see another bloody pony as long as…” his voice faded into the distance before the outer door slammed.

“The coast is clear,” called the Doctor. Kira came out from behind the screen. The Doctor stood there staring at her with an odd look on his face. Warily she sat down on the stool.

“What?”

The Doctor continued to look at her with what she suddenly realised was concern.

“What?” she asked again, nervously. He pursed his lips.

“Do you know what you’re doing?”

“Yeah. I trip the machine, jackpot until it seizes and then leave.”

“Not that. Do you know what you’re doing? With him?” The Doctor indicated the door through which Spencer had recently passed. Kira sighed.

“I guess. It’s not like I have a choice.”

“What did he promise you?”

“The Green Zone. And enough to set me up once I’m there.”

“That must seem very tempting. I understand it’s very nice there. Clean. Open. I do hope that he delivers.” He paused, deciding. “I should warn you; you are not the first, you know.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have assisted Spencer with the… disposal of some previous partners. Those whose augmentations weren’t up to the task.”

“Bricked?”

“At best. At worst… well, the inevitable result when neural implants overheat in the confined space of the cranium. Very messy.” Kira swallowed, suddenly nauseous. “But you are the first to have successfully taken to the software. He is pleased. But desperate. His backers are not patient men, and he is running on borrowed time.”

“What has that got to do with me?”

“Desperate men become unpredictable, unreliable. I hope you have a back-up plan in case—” the Doctor was interrupted as the door swung open.

“Back-up plan in case of what?” Spencer asked, eyes narrowing.

“In case she draws too much attention, too quickly,” replied the Doctor smoothly. “We were just discussing options of how to handle the notice she will draw with such successful play on an opening day machine.”

“Smile, say ‘I can’t believe it! I never win anything!’ and disappear,” growled Spencer.

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