At each end of the field, tall white columns supported large computer monitors on which red numbers and words flashed and changed on a black screen as the ball moved. The relationship of the words and numbers to the movement on the field was difficult to determine.

The people sitting on benches beside Helen were eating, drinking, laughing, talking, and yelling in response to the actions of the men and women and the movement of the ball.

The ball sailed into the air, as if it was controlled by some unseen system. In pursuit of the flying ball, the women players ran as fast as the men.