The chief meditech stepped between them. “Since you are the challenged party, Major Odal, you have the first choice of weapon and environment. Are there any instructions or comments necessary before the duel begins?”
“I think not,” Odal replied. “The situation will be self-explanatory. I assume, of course, that Star Watchmen are trained to be warriors and not merely technicians. The situation I have chosen is one in which many warriors have won glory.”
Hector said nothing.
“I intend,” Leoh said firmly, “to assist the staff in monitoring this duel. Your aides may, of course, sit at the control board with me.”
Odal nodded.
“If you are ready to begin, gentlemen,” the chief meditech said.
Hector and Odal went to their booths. Leoh sat at the control console, and one of the Kerak men sat down next to him.
Hector felt every nerve and muscle tensed as he sat in the booth, despite his efforts to relax. Slowly the tension eased, and he began to feel slightly drowsy. The booth seemed to melt away ...
He was standing on a grassy meadow. Off in the distance were wooded hills. A cool breeze was hustling puffy white clouds across the calm blue sky.