But if he was being seen or his presence sensed in some other fashion through this robot, it or they might have their own reasons other than sheer physical size why they preferred the close approach of a Cinrusskin to that of Earth-humans. In which case it might even be possible, considering the robot crew member’s lack of hostility, that they wanted to make contact with him.
That was why, when he reached the point of his previous closest approach to the control section when fatigue had forced turn to Rhabwar, he stopped to hang motionless with one f\ holding lightly onto the netting. The robot did the same. For a moment he looked at the small, recessed panel with three colored buttons, which was plainly the actuator for » nearby door, then with his free hand he reached forward slowly to bring a digit to a stop one inch above each but-n in turn, then he withdrew the hand and used the same finger to point at the robot. He repeated the process several times before the crew member reacted. It moved back quickly the way they had come, to stop at and block the nearest walkway intersection.
Bitterly disappointed, he thought, Now it doesn’t want me here for some reason. Or did it? The background emotional radiation was still too tenuous for clear definition, but he could not feel anything that resembled strong rejection.
“Friend Fletcher,” he said into the communicator, “I have a feeling that I may be about to make progress. But the robot, or the agency presently directing it, is uneasy and has placed it on guard at the entrance to the walkway you and friend Dodds are using. Our radio traffic must be detectable so they know that I’m talking to you although they won’t know what I’m saying. That will have to wait until we’re able to program our translation computer for their language, which will be a separate problem. But right now I want to reassure these people by appearing to give you orders which you will plainly be obeying without delay or question. Will you comply, friend Fletcher?”
What orders?” said the captain in a guarded voice. To vacate the forward section of the ship,” said Prilicla, and move back to the place where we came on board. We must it plain that you are no longer investigating the control Please do that immediately.”
But temporarily,” said the captain firmly. “This ship is crammed with unique technology which includes a weapon that threaten the peace and stability of the Federation. It has to be investigated.”
‘Of course, friend Fletcher,” said Prilicla, “but not now.
“Very well,” the other replied, radiating equal levels of irritation, disappointment, and impatience. “I won’t promise not to look around back there, especially at the circuitry of the hull sensors. But don’t worry, we won’t do anything to worry your robot friend. And if you should get into trouble, Doctor, there’s something you should know.
“From where we are now,” it went on before he could respond, “we have a clear view through the netting of a strongly supported, square-sectioned metal-walled passageway leading from the big forward hatch that Dodds found to Control. I’d say it was used to load bulk consumables or heavy equipment. Internally, the structure shows no sign of the circuitry that underlies the hull. So if you should need help quickly, we can cut a way into the passageway and get into Control by the back door. I don’t think a computer virus could travel up the flame of my cutting torch.
“Keep this channel open, your recorders on at all times, and be careful,” the captain ended, its feeling of concern for him making it give unnecessary warnings. “We’re moving back now.”
Prilicla watched as they withdrew towards the stern. When it was clear that they were not intending to double-back to Control, the robot moved back quickly to Prilicla and the actuator panel. This time he could sense no hesitancy in its body language, or that of its controller, as it began tapping keys. He was noting the colors and sequence for future reference when the forward wall became a large door that began sliding into a recess.