"Do you really intend to go through with this?" Xelia asked as they reached the street.

Manning nodded. "I was pretty sure earlier that I knew what Dtilla was up to," he said. "Now, I'm positive. I think this is about the only way to stop him safely."

"But do you know what you're getting into?" persisted Xelia. "If those blade-guns can amputate all three legs of an Acruxian at one shot, you can imagine what it will do to you. You don't even know how to use the weapon!"

"No, but I can learn tonight."

"Do you really think," Xelia asked in amazement, "that you can kill him or cripple him first?"

"I don't think anyone will be killed or crippled," Manning said lightly. "As near as I can understand, Acruxian honor is a very tricky affair, but there is one out. I'm going to time it to give Dtilla a chance to take that out and I think under the circumstances he will. Now, I want you to do a couple more things for me, if you will, Xelia."

"Of course. What?"

"There's a visicast crew on its way here. They'll probably land in the next hour or so. Will you meet them and help them to make any necessary arrangements so that the duel between Dtilla and myself can be visicast? Is there any way we can make sure of having a large crowd there tonight?"

"There are always large crowds at challenges. It'll be especially large tonight because of the nature of the duel. You can be sure that everyone will know about it.

"Good. Now, one more thing. Get in touch with your friend at Central Security and have him call off the two officers who have been trailing Dtilla."

"Why?"

"I'm sure Dtilla knows about them and I want him to feel particularly free tonight. Will you do it?"

"If you say so, Manning," Xelia said doubtfully. He looked as if he weren't sure that Manning hadn't blown a jet.

"No, I haven't gone crazy," Manning said, grinning. "You see, you Regulusians aren't the only ones who can read expressions. Now, run along. You can pick me up at the hotel in time for the duel."

"What are you going to do?" Xelia asked.

Manning grinned again. "I'm going to double-lock my door 

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