Turning to the second robot’s warmed-up control panel, he sliced down a series of knife switches, spun the dials, and Sermek strode into action, bearing down upon the first giant robot.
Ator seemed to sense the impending danger. The mechanical giant clanked to a halt, lowered his captive, and relaxed the iron-clad grip. Struggling to release himself, Mr. Swift fell free and scrambled to his feet. Bud was there instantly to help him to safety.
Turning, Ator advanced toward Sermek and the automatons circled each other warily. Ator’s right hand contracted into the equivalent of a fist and his arm stiffened into a lance. He charged as Sermek braced his feet against the earth.
194
THE GIANTS CLASH 195
The giants collided with a crash that resounded deafeningly through the grounds. Tom fully realized the gravity of the situation. The hidden hand manipulating Ator seemed bent on an all-out battle without regard for the possible destruction of both robots. Somehow he must deactivate Ator’s controls without permanent injury to either robot.
Ator backed off and began to stalk his opponent, looking for an opening.
Then, pivoting quickly, he lunged forward. Sermek side-stepped, but not far enough to avoid a smash in the face that damaged his control circuits, stiffening the joints in one leg. The robot jockeyed awkwardly for position. Two more blows shook his eye circuits.
Tom worked feverishly to compensate for the distortion. If Sermek was to win now, Tom knew, the battle would have to end rapidly.
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