“What?”
Leoh explained the circumstances of Odal’s duels with the Acquatainian prime minister and Szarno industrialist.
“Dulaq is completely incapacitated and the other poor fellow is dead?” Spencer’s face darkened into a thundercloud. “You were right to call me. This is a situation that could easily become intolerable.”
“I agree,” Leoh said. “But evidently Kanus has not broken any laws or interstellar agreements. All that meets the eye is a disturbing pair of accidents, both of them accruing to Kanus’ benefit.”
“Do you believe that they were accidents?”
“Certainly not. The dueling machine cannot cause physical or mental harm ... unless someone has tampered with it in some way.”
“That is my thought, too.” Spencer was silent for a moment, weighing the matter in his mind. “Very well. The Star Watch cannot act officially, but there is nothing to prevent me from dispatching an officer to the Acquataine Cluster, on detached duty, to serve as liaison between us.”
“Good. I think that will be the most effective method of handling the situation, at present.”
“It will be done.” Sir Harold pronounced. His aide made a mental note of it.
“Thank you very much,” Leoh said. “Now, go back to enjoying your vacation.”