Premonition

Chapter #8: Practice

***2 days later***

Through a multitude of test situations, Keiji and Sarah were able to establish the parameters of Keiji’s ability. They now knew that he could see about 30 seconds into the future. This was all triggered by the physical motion of blinking 3 times in sequence. To end his vision of the future all he needed to do was blink once more and his vision would return to normal. During his visions, Sarah noticed he would space out for a few seconds. This led them to believe that it only took Keiji a few seconds, about 2, to undergo his vision of the future. However, Keiji would not be able to recall what was seen during those 2 seconds. Sarah surmised that even though Keiji could see 30 seconds into future within 2 seconds, he would be blind to real time events during that span of time.

And so, the two siblings worked on Keiji’s usage of his precognition, training to make sure nothing would happen to him during his 2 seconds of vulnerability. Sarah herself mentioned that the easiest game to cheat at would be blackjack. All Keiji needed to do was see the next card coming up for himself and choose to stay, fold, or hit. He also would need to wear shades as the other side effect of NX7 was light sensitivity. Players wearing shades were a common occurrence for casino players however and wouldn’t warrant suspicion

Sarah also recalled there was a gala for workers of the 3rd level in a day. The gala was for any 3rd level light analyzers to play for free at the casino without any entry fee. This would be the perfect time for the siblings too rack up earnings. 15 hours before the gala, Sarah ran her brother through the intricacies of blackjack.

“So, a face card represents a numerical value of 10, Keiji,” Sarah explained. “Any other numerical card is taken as is, from numbers 2-9. An Ace can represent 11 or 1, you choose. The whole goal is to get to 21 with a combination of cards dealt from the dealer. You must win, however, by beating the numerical value of the dealer. There are a few rules that should allow you to play around beating the dealer. First of all, the dealer must continue drawing if his hand is totaled less than 17. He must then stay if his hand is 17-21. Finally, if his hand is exactly 17 he must stand as well. Let’s do a couple of test hands…”

Sitting down opposite each other, Sarah held in her hand a deck of playing cards. She dealt herself 2 cards, and Keiji 2 cards. Sarah’s cards however had one face down while Keiji’s were both face up. Keiji’s cards were a 4 and a jack, totaling up to a numerical value of 14.

“Ok,” Keiji said. “Pending the rules, you listed for me…its my choice to stay or hit or fold.” Keiji adjusted his shades so it covered his eyes, making sure his eyes weren’t visible.

“Yes, now this would be the time to use your powers,” Sarah said. “Use them to see the next card that will be dealt out. But it would be more prudent to see what the dealer has as well as his next choices. In theory you should be able to see about 3 cards ahead. That should give you a very strong winning chance. This is not a solid way to win as you would need to know exactly every card coming next, but it heightens your chances at winning. You just need to make the right decision based off what cards you see ahead of time.”

“Ok,” Keiji said. “Give me a second to use my powers.” Keiji then blinked 3 times in succession. His vision changed to black and white and he saw Sarah deal him 5, then deal him again a face card. As well he was able to see her hand which was a 5 and a 4. In those two seconds, Keiji made his best decision to hit only once as his value would be 19. A guaranteed chance at tying Sarah’s combination. It was his best option. Keiji blinked once to return to normal vision.

“Ok, hit me.” Keiji said. As predicted Keiji received a 5 from Sarah. “I’ll stay and let you go.”

“Ok, so my facedown is a 5,” Sarah said. “Which prompts me to draw more. How far did you see into the future?”

“Up until this point. I knew you would deal me another face card, which would have busted me. Also, I knew your hand was a 4 and a 5. So, the best course of action was to have you deal yourself the face card and tie me.”

“Let’s see if you’re right….” Sarah said as she held her breath and drew the next card. Indeed, it was a face card which totaled her numerical value to 19 as well. “Seems you made the right decision Keiji, because if you tie the dealer, you get to keep your bet.”

“Ok. I think I get the simple rules of it. We just need to practice at my decision making.” Keiji speculated.

“We have 15 hours, then we need to get dressed as the gala is pretty fancy,” Sarah said. “I am also allowed to bring one plus one, which will be you. Be ready for anything Keiji.”

“I will sis,” Keiji said. “Let’s practice.” The siblings then went to hard work, making many test hands and dealing with a variety of decision-making situations.