Premonition

Chapter #12: The Ultimatum

As Keiji, Sarah and Stacy walked as a group towards the cash out booth at the casino, Keiji was vaguely aware someone was following them. He looked back and noticed the security guard from their table with the red tie was hot on their heels. Either that or he coincidentally was going the same direction. Keiji decided best to let Sarah know.

“Sarah,” Keiji said. “That security guard from our table might be on to us.”

“I noticed as well,” Sarah said. “Let’s cash out quickly, and lose Stacy. We can’t have her involved in a situation where we get caught.” Sarah turned to Stacy as they were walking and spoke up.

“Hey Stacy?” Sarah said.

“Yes?” Stacy said.

“Me and Keiji are going to head to bathroom first and then cash out. Plus, it’s getting late and we really should get going…” Sarah said.

“Ohh, ok….no worries then Sarah. You and Keiji enjoy the rest of your night. That was really fun!” Stacy said and she hugged Sarah. Stacy waved goodbye to Keiji and began her trek to the casino’s cash out booth.

“Good job sis, let’s actually take a detour and head to the bathrooms. This way, if we split up from Stacy and we realize that the security guard is still following us – he definitely wants something from me and you,” Keiji said.

“Good idea bro,” Sarah said. The two then switched directions and headed to the bathroom, very slowly. The security guard with the red tie noticed and switched directions as well, keeping pace with them.

“He wants something from us. He’s still following….” Keiji said. As they approached the bathrooms Keiji and Sarah stopped and they both turned around to face security guard. Very casually walking up to them, the security guard met their gaze and stopped in front of them as well.

“Hello, I am a security guard with the casino. I was at the blackjack table you were playing at. I came by to congratulate you on your winnings,” Duke said with a very acted tone.

“Thanks, today was our first time….beginner’s luck I guess,” Keiji lied.

“Beginner’s luck indeed….but let’s be honest sir,” Duke said, who’s demeanor changed from casual to serious in an instant. “There’s no way you could’ve cleaned out that table, unless you were under influence of something drug related.” Keiji’s eyes narrowed and he spoke up.

“What makes you say that?” Keiji said.

“Because both I and the dealer were under the influence of a drug called NX7. Yet you still managed to get the best of us….” said Duke. He crossed his arms and gave Keiji and an incredulous look. “Let’s be candid with each other from here on out. It will only make things much harder for myself and my associates.”

“I believe my sister and I have the right to not speak the truth,” Keiji said. “Unless you have proof of this, I think we are going to go….”

“I didn’t want to blackmail you, but I will if I need to. I could easily order a blood test on you and am certain I would find NX7 in your system. In order to avoid this, hear me out sir,” Duke said. Keiji shifted uncomfortably but remained confident.

“Fine…and the name is Keiji,” Keiji said.

“Well, Keiji, the reason I am here today in-front of you is because I noticed you are also under the influence of NX7. Is this correct?” Keiji crossed his arms but continued speaking.

“Yes…” Keiji said.

“Ok good. Thank you for admitting it. I am here officially not as a security guard of the casino , but from another organization. One called the Mecha Warriors. There is no need to worry, you are not being arrested. On the contrary, your being recruited. We are a very secret organization only President Fox knows about. We deal with security threats to the station that the official Mecha Station police cannot handle. This is because we have an advantage – that being NX7. All of our members can see into the future. We operate within squads of 3 and I am member of squad beta. My name is Duke,” Duke explained.

“I have never heard of such an organization,” Keiji said. “How do I know you’re not lying?”

“You’ll just have to take my word on it, I am not cleared to show you any feats of precognition now. Not unless you join us…” Duke said convincingly.

“I’m sorry Duke, but I have other plans,” Keiji said. He looked at Sarah who nodded. Keiji took it as a signal that he could mention why they were at the casino. “I am in desperate need of the money I won tonight. It’s to help my sister’s debt with the casino, that’s all I can say.”

“If its money you need, we can solve that right away….the Mecha Warriors are definitely not short of funds…” Duke said.

“I like not having debts, and right now it’s my responsibility to settle this one,” Keiji said.

“I can respect that Keiji. However, there is another reason why I am recruiting you. The reaches of your ability through NX7 is unheard of in our organization. To be able to best me, is something of a feat in and of itself. The truth is we need your help. The leader of the casino, who goes by Jin Woo, has become unstable and power hungry. All the dealers use NX7 as well to manipulate dealings and hands in favor of the casino. On top of that, his criminal activity has gone unchecked for years now, and he must be brought to justice. We the Mecha Warriors have realized that he wants to steal the source of NX7 from its holdings in the station. We think he wants to manufacture purer NX7 with its source.” Duke said

“That’s awful, truly I feel you and your organization…but I cannot leave my sister without making sure she’s safe from the casino.” Keiji said.

“What do you mean safe from the casino?” Duke asked. Keiji lowered his voice to a whisper.

“They came and threatened us. If we cannot pay back the money we owe, our lives are at stake.” Keiji whispered.

“Ok….I can do two things for you Keiji, if you join us. One: I can ensure the safety of your sister as we protect our own. Two: if you help us with capturing Jin Woo, we will pay off your sisters debt in full to the casino,” Duke said. Keiji looked at his sister who was listening intently. She had not said one word this entire time.

“Your decision Keiji, I trust you,” Sarah said.

“Ok, Duke,” Keiji said as he outstretched his hand in a handshake. “You have yourself a deal. I’ll join the Mecha Warriors.”