"Last week Rolo was maimed," his companion said dolefully. "I bet twenty thousand credits on him."

The Telosian's clothes were threadbare. He hardly looked like a rich citizen. Obi-Wan was shocked. How could he afford to bet so much?

"Today my money is on Tamor," the second Telosian continued.

"You can place larger bets as the day goes on," the first Telosian explained. "Then for the last contest we all drop out and the lottery bettors get to play."

"The lottery bettors?" Obi-Wan asked.

He nodded. "Every citizen is entered in a lottery each week. Three are chosen. They're the only ones who can bet on the last contest. The pot is enormous."

"You're set for life if you win," his companion said, his eyes glowing. "Last week no one won, so it's bigger than ever."

"The lottery is free," the first Telosian explained. "Every native Telosian is entered automatically by the government. It's a great thing for Telos."

Really? Obi-Wan wondered, looking around at the crowd. Now he understood the ferocious energy he felt pulsing through the crowd, uniting it. It was greed.

"It seems as though the entire city is here," Obi-Wan remarked.

The two Telosians nodded. "The city empties into the dome on Katharsis Day. And others come from all over the planet."

"There are Katharsis domes in other parts of Telos, of course," the second Telosian said. "But this is the biggest," he added proudly.

"It's beginning! I have to place my bet." The first Telosian swiveled to face the center of the dome. His avid eyes searched the contestants.

The crowd began to roar as the competitors took their places in the ring below. They lined up and bowed to the crowd.