Justin Kemppainen - The Legend of Ivan

With a nod, Bertram said, “Minor influence to investors; it’s best to hear him out.”

“All right, Mr. Montgomery.” Gregor pulled up a chair. “You have been accused of fraud in this establishment. There is no criminal penalty, but it is against our policy to allow any manner of progressive odds calculation.”

“This is outrageous! My assistant and I were keeping in communication for completely legitimate purposes!” the other man shouted. “I cannot believe I would receive such shoddy treatment in such a highly esteemed—”

“Yes, yes.” Gregor cut him off with a wave of his hand. He snapped his fingers, and Bertram handed him the datapad. He glanced up and down the information. “Your transmitter signals were intercepted, decoded and recorded, as was your method of counting cards in the twenty-one game. It is a clear-cut violation of our terms of use.”

Red-faced, Montgomery’s expression of the shock at being caught recovered and returned to vindictive anger. “You violated my privacy and spied upon my personal transmissions? I’ll have this establishment torn down, I will! You better believe—”

Gregor sighed. “Again all monitoring is conducted as per the agreement terms to using the casino. When winnings increase above the norm, established in your first thirty hours of play,” he leveled a gaze at the angry man, “investigation is allowed to discover illicit use.”

Flustered, Montgomery stammered. “I… I don’t recall any sort of agreement.”

“This is your signature, correct?” Gregor punched a key, bringing up the all-purpose liability contract resort-goers were required to sign. It covered everything from ground excursions to tripping and falling in the hotel rooms. It also included casino use. He slid the pad over.

“Preposterous! My legal counsel will tear this contract to pieces! You’ll be facing lawsuits from every person who’s ever passed through this place!” He jabbed a finger at the pad as he shouted the threats.

Gregor folded his arms, prepared to humor the man for the time being. “Very well, tell me what it is you want.” He was not concerned about the legal threats, but he thought it might save some time if the man’s request was able to be handled without fuss.

With a smug air, Montgomery straightened in his seat. “I require my assistant and my winnings returned to me immediately. I also will receive compensatory accommodations for my personal distress in this matter as well as immunity from further harassment.”

The casino owner had a thought the very moment Montgomery lumped the assistant in with the winnings. He made a hand motion to Bertram, who crouched next to him. Montgomery leaned forward, trying in vain to hear what Gregor whispered.

“He referred to the assistant in the same manner as his profits; I believe he considers them both property. Look into it.”

Bertram’s eyes widened, and he nodded before stepping out of the room.

“I’m waiting…” Montgomery said in a haughty tone.

“Yes,” Gregor gave a nod, “and you will continue to do so.” The captive opened his mouth to object, but the proprietor held up a hand. “I am no longer thoroughly convinced you are operating within the full boundaries of the law. It is my duty as a citizen of the Galactic Central Government to pursue illegal matters conducted upon my property.”

Montgomery reacted as though slapped. His face paled slightly, and his mouth churned up and down. “I… I can assure you—”

“I’m very certain you can, and I cannot express how glad I am of it.” Gregor smiled, smug satisfaction at pegging the man flooding through him. I’d forgotten how excellent it felt to knock these idiots down, he thought.

The captive raised his chin. “If I am thought to be the perpetrator in some illegal activity, I am entitled to know the charges against me.”

“Hmmm, not so.” Gregor tilted his head. “At the moment you’re being held due to violation of casino policy, pending the decision. However, while we work on that, we can at least wait until proper authorities can be summoned to take you into their custody, if necessary. It’s their job to inform you of any charges, not ours.”

“This is an outrage!” Montgomery spoke through clenched teeth, but the fear in his eyes was very obvious. “You cannot treat me in such a fashion!”

Gregor rolled his eyes. “Mr. Montgomery. You’ve now far overplayed your hand, and I have no interest in your continued business. In fact, I believe I’ll take great pleasure in watching your impending incarceration. Goodbye.”

As the captive continued to shout about the indecency he was facing, Gregor stepped out of the room. He turned a corner and was knocked sprawling by someone moving very quickly.

“Sir, sir, I’m so sorry!” Bertram hauled the older man to his feet and dusted off his employer’s suit.

“For God’s sake, Bertram, what’s the big hurry about?” Gregor scowled, shoving him away. “Did you find out about the woman? Is she his illegal property?”

Bertram shook his head. “No, but—”

Gregor folded his arms. “No? Damn. I could have sworn Montgomery was sweating about just that.” He sighed. “Now I’m going to have to go back in there and actually try to compromise with that oaf.”

“No, sir, I didn’t find out, but you don’t understand! You have to come with me immediately!” The servant grabbed his master’s arm and started running and half-dragging him toward the main security room.

Gregor shook himself free. “Have you lost your mind , Bertram? You had better give me a damn good reason why you’re manhandling me here!”

With frightened eyes, Bertram looked at his employer. “Sir, it’s the main casino floor. We’re under attack!”

“Dear sweet mother of God,” Gregor said as he viewed the security monitors. Arms folded, he watched the chaos of his casino floor. Turning to Bertram, he said, “This room is secure, correct?” His servant, pale as a sheet, nodded without actually listening to the question.

People were running and screaming. Panic ensued as machines and tables flew everywhere. Cameras went black one by one as a man, a very large one, ripped them from the walls and flung the shattered remains at the security people. The huge man tore through the casino floor, shouting something indeterminate, masked by the screams of the people. A few security guards charged with stun batons, but they were knocked aside by the brute who appeared unstoppable.

“I’m getting requests for weapons free,” one of the operators at the console said as the intruder pried one of the slot machines loose and hurled it, scattering a group of security people. “Can they open fire?” He directed the question at Bertram.

“Of course not, you idiot!” Gregor slapped the man on the back of the head. “There are civilians in that room!” He jabbed a finger toward one of the camera displays. “Under no circumstances are they allowed to use their side arms!”

One of the guards, terrified, determined, or simply having lost his earpiece, did not obey the order. He pulled a pistol and started firing on the intruder.

With a terrifying speed which belied his massive size, the man dodged behind cover. He darted back and forth behind columns and gaming equipment before charging the guard. The large man pounded a shoulder into his attacker, sending the guard flying halfway across the room. Other guards followed suit and aimed their side arms. More screams from civilians ensued as weapons fire flashed about the room, but no one seemed to be able to hit the intruder.

“Who in the hell is this guy?” Gregor stared at the monitors, unable to look away from the chaos. No one had an answer.