And that is the sum of it," Leoh concluded. "I believe that it will
be possible to use the dueling machine itself to examine your father's
thoughts and determine exactly what took place during his duel against
Major Odal!"

She asked softly, "But you are afraid that the shock might be
repeated, and this could be fatal to my father?"

Leoh nodded wordlessly.

"Then I am very sorry, sir, but I must say no." Firmly.

"I understand your feelings," Leoh replied, "but I hope you realize
that unless we can stop Odal and Kanus immediately, we may very well
be faced with war."

She nodded. "I know. But you must remember that we are speaking of my
father, of his very life. Kanus will have his war in any event, no
matter what I do."

"Perhaps," Leoh admitted. "Perhaps."

Hector and Leoh drove back to the University campus and their quarters
in the dueling machine chamber. Neither of them slept well that night.

The next morning, after an unenthusiastic breakfast, they found
themselves standing in the antiseptic-white chamber, before the
looming, impersonal intricacy of the machine.

"Would you like to practice with it?" Leoh asked.

Hector shook his head. "Maybe later."

The phone chimed in Leoh's office. They both went in. Geri Dulaq's
face showed on the tri-di screen.

"I have just heard the news. I did not know that Lieutenant Hector has
challenged Odal." Her face was a mixture of concern and reluctance.

"He challenged Odal," Leoh answered, "to prevent the assassin from
challenging me."

"Oh--You are a very brave man, lieutenant."

Hector's face went through various contortions and slowly turned a
definite red, but no words issued from his mouth.

"Have you reconsidered your decision?" Leoh asked.

The girl closed her eyes briefly, then said flatly, "I am afraid I
cannot change my decision. My father's safety is my first
responsibility. I am sorry."

They exchanged a few meaningless trivialities--with Hector still
thoroughly tongue-tied and ended the conversation on a polite but
strained note.

Leoh rubbed his thumb across the phone switch for a moment, then
turned to Hector. "My boy, I think it would be a good idea for you to
go straight to the hospital and check on Dulaq's condition."

"But ... why--"

"Don't argue, son. This could be vitally important."

Hector shrugged and left the office. Leoh sat down at his desk and
drummed his fingers on the top of it. Then he burst out of the office
and b