"Why should I want to do that, Gordus?"
"Because I have promised that you would, and I never fail."
Hammen stood for the second time. "Sorry. Not a good enough reason for me."
Gordus' face splintered into confusion. "But as your superior, as your coordinator, I order you to take a human Companion for this assignment."
"Gordus," Hammen said, "you were once a Companion yourself."
"When I was younger, while my wife was alive."
"Then rescind your order or I'll kill you—under the Code, in a duel."
Gordus sneered. "I have never been beaten."
"Obviously," Hammen said. He didn't point out anything about his own status.