Almost as if summoned by Loong's words she appeared on the opposite side of the floor. She crossed it with the same easy grace she had shown in her dance, her hair flowing gently down over her bare shoulders as she moved. Although she had typically Trygonian features, Savage thought her the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He wondered if it was Choon's influence again. They stood to receive her and Savage found that she was as tall as he. "May I present Commodore Jarlon Choon," Loong said and Savage bowed. "Delighted, Commodore. I have heard a great deal about you." Her green eyes sparkled at him mischievously. "I am honored ..." Savage began, but a harsh voice behind him interrupted: "Choon, the Empress' lover, is trying to make another conquest." Savage spun around, his fists clenched, but Loong grabbed his arm. "Careful," he whispered urgently, "that's Satish, the High Commissioner's right hand man." Savage shrugged him off and, remembering the formula, said: "You have affronted my honor, sir. Who is your friend?" Attention had been drawn to them at the arrival of Larhana, but this exchange brought all eyes on them. Satish stood up, towering over Savage, and said thickly: "Captain Droga will act for me." "Let it pass," interjected Loong. "He is drunk." "Not too drunk to teach this whelp to respect his superiors," Satish bellowed. "Captain Droga, make the arrangements." His distaste for the affair evident, Loong reluctantly conferred with Captain Droga, while the two principals stood aloofly silent. In the end it was decided that the duel was to take place immediately on the grounds of the Palace of the Stars. The choice of weapons was Savage's and he decided on needle guns. Satish and his two companions stamped out and Savage turned to Larhana, who had stood silently by. "I deeply apologize for causing you this embarrassment," he said. She looked at him soberly for a moment. Then she smiled and gave him her hand. "Until we meet again," she said. "Thank you," he said and turned away, reluctant to leave her. A lane opened through the hostile faces surrounding them. They walked out quickly and found their car waiting. "Now you've done it," Loong said as they entered the car. "Satish is deadly with the needle gun. If you lose, the High Commissioner will have my head for being your second." "And if I should win?" Savage asked. "I don't know. We may be able to salvage something if I can get to the Commissioner first. But we're not ready yet. The 'Agreet' is just beginning her trials in the morning, and I've had word that you are to be her captain. We must have her if we are to do anything at all." "And as her captain, you must have me," Savage said. "Not exactly, but it would be a help." "We'll have to see what happens," Savage said and relaxed against the cushions. IV