Gambler Read Online Free Page B

as a form of ID, and eventually to act as a biography
after a person's death.
    The more recent models had a major advantage
over the old fashioned ones. The older ones could be cut out and
inserted into someone else, making it too easy for security
breaches and identity theft. The new models, released in the last
fifty years, were intimately integrated with a person's immune
system. The change meant that if a chip was inserted into someone
else it would immediately be rejected. The thief's immune system
would effectively destroy the chip, rendering it useless.
    "There we go," said Brick. "I recommend you
come back in better clothes. Cracos won't hesitate to throw you out
if he feels you're wrecking his casino's vibe."
    Nova rolled her eyes and pulled her arm out
from under the scanner. She let him lead her back down the marble
stairs to the casino's main entrance. She nodded at Brick as he
took his position at the door and sauntered away from the flashing
lights to where Crusader sat, untouched amongst the shiny
rides.
     
     

CHAPTER FIVE
    "How was it?" asked Cal as he came hovering
out of the storeroom to stop by Nova's shoulder.
    "He didn't have much more information. Money
is disappearing but they don't know how or where." Nova frowned,
deep in thought. "Crusader, start searching the Cloud for
unexplained casino robberies. I want to know if something like this
has happened anywhere else."
    Images and text appeared on the screen,
whirring past as Crusader scanned the content for something that
would prove useful.
    Nova nodded and headed to the food
generator. She stared at the device for a few moments before
deciding.
    "Hamburger and chips."
    At her command the device whirred into
action and she could see the nozzle moving back and forth as it
created her meal from the bottom up. It took only a few moments
before the machine dinged and the door popped open. Sitting within
was a fresh burger with crispy lettuce, surrounded by warm
chips.
    She grabbed the meal, and carried it back to
her command centre, taking a seat and watching the content flick
over the main screen.
    "Anything?" she said around a mouthful of
chips.
    "There have been many casino heists, however
it appears that in almost all cases the how was known, it was the
who which could not be determined."
    "Cracos said he could see no errors in the
books. The money wasn't 'missing' from anywhere, just that their
totals were decreasing. They used to bring in two hundred million a
week. Now they're down to one ninety, but nothing else has
changed."
    "Searches suggest someone could be altering
their books, to make the money disappear," said Crusader.
    "Yeah, I'll start with the staff. Keep
scanning. I'll get ready for some scouting," Nova said.
    She went to the storage area where a large
compartment overflowed with all manner of clothing. Thick coats for
the frozen wastes of Asthar rustled against wetsuits for the ocean
planets of Rabcron and many other disguises, most of which she had
had cause to use at one time or another.
    Nova pushed past the jackets and coats to
the back where a series of dresses hung. She ran her hand over the
fabric before settling on a long black gown. She stripped off her
singlet and long black pants, pulling the dress over her head. It
hugged her body and stopped at her ankles.
    She picked up a pair of silver heels with
thin silver straps from the row of shoes at the bottom of the
closet. She leant against the doorframe and lifted each of her feet
in turn, pulling on the shoes and doing up the straps with one
hand.
    "Cal!" she called as she slammed the
cupboard door behind her and stomped her way through the storage
area. Her heels banged against the floor with each step.
    "Yes?" Cal asked as he floated into view
from the command pod. When he saw her he stopped mid-air. "What are
you wearing?"
    Nova scowled. "I have to blend in, remember?
Makeup please. Keep it simple, just the usual," she said, standing
still with her eyes closed.
    Cal's