Amid escalating conflict between Earth and mysterious alien Outsiders, massive armadas from both sides are set to meet in what looks to be an evenly matched battle.
In the distance is an Outsider, which Carson labels a "Roller" because its form is that of a red sphere about 1 yard (0.91 m) in diameter with about a dozen thin, retractable tentacles.
The Entity therefore has chosen one individual from each species to fight in single combat in an arena outside of the normal flow of time.
Carson and his opponent discover through trial and error that there is an invisible barrier between them, and that apparently only inanimate objects can cross it.
He receives a jubilant message from his commander informing him that Earth's first salvo somehow caused the entire enemy fleet to disintegrate, even ships that were out of range.