Don’t km. him again, he warned himself. His mind can’t take another defeat.
But Leoh’s hand, almost of its own will, reached the button and touched it lightly; another gram of pressure and the guns would fire.
In that instant’s hesitation. Hector pulled his crippled ship around and aimed at Leoh. The Watchman fired a searing blast that jarred Leoh’s ship from end to end. Leoh’s hand slammed down on the firing button;hether he intended to do it or not, he didn’t know.
Leoh’s shot raked Hector’s ship but didn’t stop it. The two vehicles were hurtling directly at each other. Leoh tried desperately to avert a collision, but Hector bore in grimly, matching Leoh’s maneuvers with his own.
“Hie two ships smashed together and exploded.
Abruptly, Leoh found himself in the cramped booth of the dueling machine, his body cold and damp with perspiration, his hands trembling.
He squeezed out of the booth and took a deep breath. Warm sunlight was streaming into the high-vaulted room. The white walls gleamed brilliantly. Through the tall windows he could see trees and early students and clouds in the sky.
Hector walked up to him. For the first time in several days, the Watchman was smiling. Not much, but smiling. ”Well, we … uh, broke even on that one.”
Leoh smiled back, somewhat shakily. “Yes. It was . . quite an experience. I’ve never died before.”
Hector fidgeted. “It’s not so bad, I guess. It … sort of, well, it sort of shatters you, though.”
“Yes. I can see that now.”
‘Try another duel?” Hector asked, nodding toward the machine.