“I’ve simply got to find time,” Leoh was saying as they stepped out of the lift tube into the hallway in front of their apartment, “to run some experiments on your ‘jump.’ We can use the tape of….”
But Hector was staring quizzically at the apartment door. It was open and the lights inside were on,
“Another newsman. I’ll bet,” Leoh said wearily.
“I’ll tell him to come back some other time,” said Hector. He moved ahead of Leoh and entered the apartment.
Sitting on the air couch in the middle of the living room was Odal.
“You!”
The Kerak major rose to his feet slowly, a tight smile on his face, as first Hector and then Leoh came in, saw him, and stopped.
“Good evening,” Odal said, getting to his feet. “Come right in. After all, this is your place.”
“How did you get into . .. ?”
“That’s of no real concern. I’m here to settle some unfinished business. Professor Leoh, some time ago you accused me of cheating in the dueling machine. I was about to challenge you when the Watchman intervened. I challenge you now.”
“Now wait,” Hector began, “you can’t.. . .”
“I already have. Professor, do you accept my challenge?”
Leoh stood three steps inside the door, unmoving, silent.
“Let me remind you,” Odal said calmly, “that you have gone to great lengths to prove to the people of Acquatainia that the dueling machine is safe and harmless. If I may quote one of your many tri-di speeches. Tampering with the dueling machine is a thing of the past.’ If you refuse to meet me in a duel, it will seem that you’re afraid that the machine is not so safe . ,. when I am the opponent.”