Corso paused, staring out into the darkness. He was thinking of Dakota, but why had she popped into his head just now? She had already disappeared, swallowed up by the mystery of the Maker, leaving him alone and defenceless as head of the Peacekeeper Authority.

The music peaked, and he listened carefully as the address system was handed over to McDade, who began to list both parties’ grievances as a precursor to the challenge itself. The next step would be to offer both himself and Jarret one last chance to back out of the contest.

‘Is there any truth to that report?’ Corso replied quietly to Griffith. ‘Is it likely the Uchidans would use a high-profile challenge like this as an opportunity to carry out a tactical strike while everyone’s looking the other way?’

‘There are a dozen reports of suspected offensives every day, Senator. I imagine they just picked one of them and blew it up out of proportion. They’re trying to make it look like you’re disrupting the normal process of Senate business, by making a nuisance of yourself

‘I am making a nuisance of myself,’ Corso replied. ‘That’s the whole point.’

Breisch approached, moving with the kind of casual, easy grace that came from years of intensive physical training. Corso drew in a breath, forcing himself to keep calm.

‘I gather Mr Kenley’s spoken to you about my connection with Jarret,’ said Breisch. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before.’

Corso couldn’t keep the mixture of confusion and anger out of his voice. ‘So why didn’t you?’

‘I made you work harder than you ever have before, Lucas. There’s a part of you that always stands back, that refuses to wholly engage with the fight. You’ve learned, over the past few days, to put that part of yourself to one side and fight without distraction. I cannot emphasize how important a step forward that is. If I’d told you about Jarret, you would have likely fallen into a false belief system, and concluded that Jarret might be more than an even match for you.’

Breisch shook his head. ‘Besides, I only trained him for a short while, and he’s never picked fights he can’t win. But this time is different. He’s undoubtedly more skilled than most of those you’ve faced, but you’re more than capable of defeating him.’

Corso took a moment before replying. ‘I think I might have done the same in your position, but I need to know I can trust the people around me implicitly.’ He reached out and took Breisch’s hand and shook it. ‘I want to thank you for everything you’ve taught me, but I won’t be requiring your services any more.’