The Scarab
Page 27
After a bit, he got to the point. “You want some advice on the race?”
I nodded. He designed most of the simulator himself. The man had to know something.
“You got lucky,” he told me. My self-esteem sank another notch. “Your design is probably the most original I’ve seen in ten years, but the same trick won’t work twice in a row. Ghedra had some serious flaws. Next year’s had better be something special, because every young gun-fighter this side of Dodge is going to be out to make a name for himself by killing you the first day.”
“I know. I don’t think I’m cut out to be a vehicle designer,” I admitted. To be honest, I had never considered competing again. DeClerk Enterprises had its reputation now, and a three year back order to go with it. He was being brutally honest, so I said, “It’s not advice if you tell me something I already know.”
“You like to break things and find loopholes. Am I right? You’re a good player, but you’d be a superb tester. I want you to consider being a course designer. I think one of your courses would double attendance.” I was momentarily stunned by his shift into compliment.
“I don’t know what to say. Maybe after I’ve played a couple times, I’d feel more qualified.”
He winced, and fretted with the arm of my wheel chair as he imparted some grandfatherly wisdom. “I’m not supposed to tell you this, but you’re not going to be allowed into the competition again because you’ve seen the master program from the point of view of the superuser. You broke the first rule.”
“But I did it to save the game,” I protested.
“I know that,” he said, spreading out his hands to hold back my reaction. “It ain’t fair, but you did see it, and you can’t guarantee you won’t use that knowledge to gain some kind of edge. Even if the other members could be persuaded to let you in, the Feds would never permit it. You’re too much of a wild card, and they won’t risk another leak. If you ever want to see this game again, even from the net, you’ll only do it as a course designer, tester, or a judge. Give it a few months to sink in. Call me when you decide. It’s a rare honor, Mr. Hayes, and you’ll be the youngest member we ever let in.”
Mare and Foxworthy would skin me alive for giving these services away free. For their sakes I asked, “How much would this design work pay?”
Mr. Sanders smiled. “We don’t pay you in the Consortium. But you are allowed to market your contribution as a benchmark after the event. Trust me, everyone will want a copy. These simulations become the performance standards over the years.”
I started considering the possibilities before me. I was planning again, and it felt good. Maybe Mare wouldn’t mind letting me come back for just one week a year.
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