"Do you wish aid from your fellow Companion?" Hammen asked.
"In later years, I have often wished for it, but my formal reply: No."
"Then," Hammen said, "I name our weapon as the body. The time, this instant. I can kill you easily with my bare hands, and Lad will help with his teeth."
An eyebrow-hedged ridge of fat above Gordus' left eye angled. "Use the dog and you'll get in trouble."
"Not before a Companions' Court. But if you so state your preference, I'll only use my own body."
"Hammen, about this matter," the coordinator said. "I'll think about it."
"An hour," Hammen said, and turned on his heel.
"Hammen," Gordus called out.
Hammen looked back to face a leveled destruction gun.