You better hope that bullet comes fitted with homing capabilities, operant. You're betting everything on it.

You better hope that bullet comes fitted with homing capabilities, operant. You're betting everything on it.

Maybe next time I'll be better prepared.

What next time?

Not enough slots.

If you have a back-up plan, you'll only use it. No luck, all skill.

Under a clear sky, with a following wind... maybe, maybe. But probably not.

So what's the back-up plan, operant?

'Back-up plan'... sounds very weak shit.

It sounds, and is, smart shit. A different slant. A second opinion. Options.

You mean a gun's not enough? What else could I have brought?

An explosive device. A metaphysical weapon. Things like that. Little aces tucked neatly into sleeves.

The assassination of Chairman Mäger in 38 failed on its first three attempts before they finally got him. And crucially, the co-conspirators had two methods to hand: grenades and firearms.

Why is my mind doing this to me now, when I can't do anything about it.

It's been tapping you on the shoulder for hours -- you've only just glanced back.

Maybe they didn't believe in themselves enough...

Of course. No back-up plan necessary when the spirit of camaraderie carries you to victory.

Basically failed six times, then. I'll be one and done. A oner.

Otherwise known as a 'match-ender'. Very rare in the professional game.

I'll just make it up as I go along, right?

You can try. But with limited props... any improvisation risks being pretty one note.

Don't need one. I have a gun and a bullet.

And when that fails?

... Another bullet.

Inspired. Alert the Psychomancers, a Big Thinker's on the scene.

Hit him with the gun.

Of course. The famed insta-kill that has been successfully deployed in precisely zero assassination attempts to date.

It won't.

You sound very sure.