They raced through the crowded streets and then out of the city. A short time later they pulled to a stop on the dueling grounds and found that Satish had already arrived. Savage moved to open the door and Loong said: "Wait. I'm taking no chances." He opened a compartment built into the back of the driver's seat and took out a pair of heat guns. He buckled one to his belt and gave the other to the chauffeur with instructions to keep his eyes open. "All right," he said, "we're as prepared as we'll ever be. I just hope you can shoot straight." The two parties met in the middle of the field and a further discussion took place between Loong and Droga. The car lights were to provide illumination and their positions were established. Then the guns were examined. Finally Satish and Savage were placed in position with ten yards between them and the guns were given them. The seconds backed away. "Under the rules you will raise your guns and fire one shot at the count of three," Loong said loudly. "Only head shots are permitted. If both miss, honor is satisfied, and the principals will leave the field. Your guns down, please, I am about to count." Savage braced his feet and stood relaxed, a light, firm grip on his gun. "One." What was the connection between Larhana and Loong, Savage wondered, and what was Loong's plan? "Two." He had to go along with Loong, he decided. His comments on the Terran situation presented interesting possibilities. Larhana was the most beautiful woman he had ever known. "Three." With a swift, continuous motion Savage swung up the gun, centered the sights and pressed the stud. There was no sound, no sensation, and for a moment he thought they had both missed. Then Satish swayed and crumpled. Savage lowered his gun. Under the rules he had to remain in position until notified of the results. Others ran to Satish. Loong bent over him briefly and then shouted, "He's dead." Savage walked toward the huddled group and as he approached, Droga protested. "That was not a head shot," he said heatedly. "Look, it grazed the chin and entered the neck." "I beg to differ," Loong countered. "I insist," argued Droga. "I demand satisfaction." "I concur with Captain Droga," broke in Satish's second companion. "I will act for him." "But ..." Loong protested and Savage interrupted: "If he insists, he insists. It is his right." They were quickly placed in position and again Loong counted. At "Three" Savage again swung up the needle gun and pressed the stud. Droga's head snapped back as his shot entered the ground almost at Savage's feet. Savage remained in position until Loong summoned him. "There's no doubt about it this time," Loong said triumphantly. "Right between the eyes." "Honor is satisfied," said Satish's second companion and he turned away. He walked a step and spun around, a blaster in his hand. A blaster cut him in half. Loong's chauffeur had kept his eyes open.