S4 Episode Fifteen: "Pay to Play"

Lance leaned back in his chair and stretched. 

“Alright, let's run through this one more time…” he said tiredly. 

O.R.A.C.L.E. cycled back to the beginning of a holographic projection of their plans. 

“You meet up with Lt. Chase and Officer Clark far enough away from the House 21 casino so as to not draw attention to yourselves,” the A.I. began. 

“I'll be monitoring the scene via local surveillance systems and through Midas Corp. satellite. Using the pass card provided to us by House 21's Ace you will gain entry to the higher tier gambling tables where you'll be presumably expected to play against House 21's leadership.” 

The projection showed a digital layout of the city block where the House 21 Casino resided, with small representations of their team moving in. The scene changed to an interior view of what they knew about the business. 

“We'll talk to Midas about lending us the physical money that will be part of this operation with the intent of returning the quantity borrowed when everything is said and done. Meanwhile, some of the bills will be earmarked with BioBots to help track and infiltrate House 21's financial operations if we need to dig further into that later.” 

“How much money are we talking about again?” asked Adam. 

“Too much to simply misplace, but too little in comparison to a life,” said an elderly man's voice. 

Lance and Adam turned to see a projected avatar of Midas himself behind them. 

“I'd ask how you did that, but I feel it would be a foolish question considering that you are paying for everything here,” Lance commented. 

“A knowledgeable thought, my dear boy,” Midas commented. 

“Do I hear correctly that a young girl's life is being bargained for?” 

Adam nodded seriously. 

“My sister's… those maniacs abducted her…” he replied. 

“And apparently see it as a way for what they think is easy money.” 

Midas nodded, understanding. 

“It's a foolish notion really, though it seems many are so easily dazzled by the dollar that it slips away from them a little too easily,” he said. 

“And then find themselves doing nefarious things to gain more.” 

“They are expecting five hundred thousand credits for their ransom,” Lance stated. 

“And they've also effectively invited us to gamble it away with them in exchange for Charlie's life.” 

Midas narrowed his eyes. 

“I know the type these House 21 are,” he said. 

“Always some sort of scheme and twisted plot behind even the smallest gesture.” 

He struck the tip of his cane to the floor. 

“I cannot stand for it…” 

Midas tilted his head to each side, then re-entered himself with a sigh. 

“I heard at least part of your plan. I can have the money delivered to you within an hour from my personal vaults,” he said. 

“I would normally charge interest for such a sum, but for this occasion and for the two of you I make an exception. I will have Miss Kita bring it to you and accompany your party as the money handler.” 

Adam and Lance exchanged glances. 

“Won't she be recognizable to anyone we come across?” Adam questioned. 

“I'd hate to tie anything back to you so soon.” 

“Not to worry about that,” Midas said. 

“Precautions will be made to conceal her identity. I only tell you who it will be in order to add at least one friendly face to the mix.” 

Lance was about to say more, but Midas held up a hand. 

“No, you will not need to protect her directly. She will have her own means of protection,” Midas commented.

Adam stepped forward. 

“Thank you, Mr. Midas… you've done a lot as it is and…” he began. 

“The fact that this conversation even needed to happen bothers me immensely,” Midas said. 

“I cannot stand idle while people's lives are in danger. It was true back in my prime and it remains true to this day. I may come across as only a billionaire and a philanthropist, but I can do more with my resources than my board thinks I should.” 

Midas glanced at the console the two were working at and saw O.R.A.C.L.E. projected next to it. 

“I see you've also added a new member to your team,” he noted. 

Lance cleared his throat and tilted his head in the AI's direction. 

“This is O.R.A.C.L.E., the next iteration of my advanced artificial intelligence systems, and likely my best work yet.” 

The AI's avatar tilted its head in acknowledgment. 

“A pleasure to formally make your acquaintance, Mr. Midas. I assure you that I have analyzed every potential variable to optimize the chances of success in our mission.” 

Midas chuckled. 

“I would expect nothing less of this group. Always meticulously prepared and finding ways to gain an edge,” he said. 

“But there is still something to be said of human intuition over even the most sophisticated calculations.” 

“Understandable,” O.R.A.C.L.E. said. 

“Though I would counterpoint that I have also factored in human unpredictability.” 

Midas simply smiled, bemused, and didn't comment further on the statement. He then looked to Adam. 

“Young man, I must also commend you for your courage. It takes much of it to fight for family, especially against those who thrive on exploiting what they see as a vulnerability.” 

Adam clenched his fists. 

“Courage or desperation… it doesn't matter. I am getting my sister back… no matter what.” 

“Good. Hold onto that resolve,” Midas said. 

“It will serve you well.” 

Lance stepped forward. 

“Do you have any advice concerning what we might be getting into?” he asked. 

“It might be their high-rollers table, but we're talking about con artists and schemes that we will be up against.” 

Midas’ expression grew darker. 

“You must be cautious for that very reason. They will be doing their utmost to play the stakes toward their favor,” he said. 

“But every gambler has a weakness. Find it, exploit it. And if things escalate…” 

He tapped his cane for emphasis once more. 

“Well, you're not entirely without your own teeth either.” 

Adam stood straighter. 

“If it comes to it, we'll handle it,” he noted. 

“Good…” Midas said. 

He turned to leave but paused. 

“One more thing… House 21 and people such as those in its organization will respect power, but they will not do so unless it's demonstrated. Be firm, unyielding… show them the stakes are higher than they may realize in their greedy hearts.” 

With that, the projection of Midas faded away. 

“Comforting guy…” Adam said, rubbing his neck. 

“But he is right,” Lance noted. 

“If we falter at all and show any weakness, they'll exploit it.” 

“Let's go through this plan one more time,” Adam suggested. 

“And maybe practice a few rounds of some card games… I'm sure we will need it.”