human
I thought that was where he would be!
gpt
Where's that?
human
Is that where he lives?
gpt
Oh, no. The televector tells you where he is right now. I'd venture to say that was his--ah--place of business.
human
What are you talking about?
gpt
That happens to be the address of the Atlas Games Parlor. Your brother Steve probably spends most of his working day there, when he has enough cash to get in. I know the place. It's a cheap joint where the payoffs are low but easy. It's the kind of place a low-budget man would frequent.
human
You mean Steve's a gambler?
gpt
Most Free Status men are. It's one of the few ways we can earn a living without getting a work card. There isn't any gamblers' guild. There are a few other ways, too, but they're a lot less savory, and the televector surveillance makes it hard for a man to stay in business for long.
human
What do _you_ do?
gpt
Gamble. I'm in the upper brackets, though. As I say: some of us have the knack. I doubt if your brother does, though. After nine years he wouldn't still be working the Atlas if he had any dough.
human
How do we get there? I'd like to go right away. I----
gpt
Patience, lad, Hawkes murmured.
human
There's plenty of time for that. When does your ship leave?
gpt
Couple of days.
human
Then we don't need to rush right over to the Atlas now. Let's get some food in ourselves first. Then a good night's rest. We can go over there tomorrow.
gpt
But my brother----
human
Your brother, Hawkes said,