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Cardfall Casino


Majel circulated between the two main rooms, greeting known clients and introducing himself to those few he did not recognize.

Against expectation, the Yellow Room was open this evening as well, though with limited play. Still, those who paid for access to the elite machines and a moderated environment were accommodated, and if there were fewer machines available to play than usual, they were newer, and more challenging, while the explanation that an up-to-the-minute room master had been installed satisfied the few questions that arose.

There remained the question of how all this was going to be paid for. Granted, if the vids and the experts proved tampering, then half the repair or replacement cost would be borne by the company who had supplied the machines. Still, the casino’s share was . . . not trivial.

“Principal ziaGorn!” Majel felt his sleeve caught by Esmir pentOrnil, one of the more demanding, if not the most demanding, of Cardfall’s regulars. “The Sixes table is closed!”

“So it is,” Majel said, his voice reasonable and calm. “I was hoping that I would see you this evening. We are in the process of producing an exclusive card room. Have you time to give me input on our design?”

pentOrnil’s eyes widened, and he shifted to slide his arm through Majel’s.

“I am at your service, Principal ziaGorn,” he said.

“Excellent,” Majel said, not entirely untruthful. “Let us go to my booth in the bar, and I will show you what we have in mind.”


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