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You watch the race closely as the riders round the final bend in the track. An electronic beep shuts off bets; you decide not to change your bet and go with the longshot. Despite taking up the rear, you see him staying the course, not giving up.
<span class="mu-g">”...Come on... I can run faster then that you stupid bird...”</span>
Suddenly, as the finish line comes into view, your selected rider leans forward and right on time, the mount he is riding on begins to run faster. Its long legs digging into the sand with each push, jetting forward in a burst of stamina. The rider's cheek pad changes to a new color of determination. You didn't even notice a signal between the two; their connection was so deep that the plan was wordless.
<span class="mu-g">”Yes! Go! Go!”</span>
It seemed they were conserving their energy. Riding the air-trails of the other runners ahead who fought for a better position, your longshot jumps ahead in position again and again, overtaking third, then second, and finally running neck and neck with first, before sprinting past them too. They cross the finish line by a beak, a decisive win not even requiring the extremely precise measurements these races can use.
<span class="mu-g">”YESS! WOO HOO!”</span>
You won. You clutch your paper ticket in excitement; despite all transactions being digital and handeled by AI anyway, it just feels right to have that piece of paper in your hand. Instantly, you are notified that your bet has paid out; twenty five times your original bet, stocking your digital wallet with Consortium credits and a hearty congratulations. Hooray! With this money, you can now afford to eat some good food, maybe some new clothes, and you're cruising on easy street! Sure it doesn't permanently solve your money problems, but for the next few weeks, you're set.
Just then, you're approach by someone. The tall and multi-limbed alien, another Consortium species you aren't familiar with, nods his head. He has a long trunk, like you, which you notice is currently closed with a set of plastic plugs. Maybe the smell of the casino is offensive to him?
