Chapter 1Early spring, 2150
Dartford University, Near Seattle, WA
North American Union of Provinces
Viktor Yabaczill scanned the e-mail one more time. There was nothing strange about it. As a reigning chess master and one of only a half-dozen acknowledged masters of holographic 3-D chess, he received challenges often enough. Usually he demolished such would-be champs in a couple of games. What was it about this challenge that troubled him? On the surface, it appeared quite straight-forward.
As the chess champion of my alma mater, the University of Zacatecas, I wish to challenge you to a match, the best of three. You may select the date and place for the match to be held, according to custom.
I remain yours sincerely,
E. S. Kelleher
He hadn’t played a chess match for some time, what
