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became rigid and her voice stern. I will not allow this. Far better that it never be attempted. Daneel summoned you other Calvinians in hopes that you may be more persuasive than we are at dissuading the Plussix group from such foolish gestures. Turringen feigned exasperation. Plussix s group is no longer Calvinian! They have been infected by the Voltaire meme-entity, the former sim--released from ancient vaults not far below, and sent to Sark, to be discovered by Seldon s agents. Another such sim now plagues all the communications systems on Trantor! Plussix released these destructive intelligences to hinder Daneel--and indeed, they killed many of Daneel s robots--and our own agents, as well! Now Plussix has partnered with this abomination --he pointed at Lodovik again-- which means you would cast the Three Laws to the winds. What could I say that would deter any more madness? Dors listened to Turringen s words with no change in her rigid, intense expression. She knows this is all show, that we have lost, Lodovik realized And you, Zorma? Dors said. What does your faction say? The second male paused several seconds before answering. We are not as doctrinaire as in times past. While I admit being uncomfortable with the changes that have transformed Lodovik, I m also intrigued. Perhaps, like a human, he shall be judged by his actions, not his heritage...or his programming. As for the other matter, I concur with Dors and Daneel that any attempt to harm or interfere with Hari Seldon would be counterproductive. Despite our deep disagreements over human destiny, it is clear that the collapse of this Galactic Empire will be a dreadfully violent and fearsome event. In that context, the Seldon Plan offers hope, even opportunity. Hence I agree with Dors Venabili. He turned to face Lodovik and Kallusin. On behalf of my own pitiful faction of fugitive robots, in the name of Susan Calvin, and for the sake of humanity, I urge you not to Page 157 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html Enough! The interrupting voice came from the raised platform. Plussix had risen, leaning on one metal elbow. The ancient robot s eye cells glowed dim amber. Enough interference. I will not have my last moments of functioning wasted by your prattle. For centuries your so-called factions have sulked and remained inactive, except to meddle on a few Chaos Worlds. Our group has been nearly alone in actively opposing the Giskardian apostasy. Now, as this loathsome Galactic Empire at last totters, a final and decisive chance presents itself--and you, Zorma, would let it pass! R. Daneel has thrust all his hopes upon a single human--Hari Seldon. At no time has his plan been so vulnerable. The rest of you may continue brooding in hiding. But for the sake of humanity and the Three Laws, we shall act. You will fail, Dors swiftly assured the faltering robot. As you have failed for twenty thousand Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html years. We shall rescue humanity from your cloying, stupefying control, Plussix insisted. And replace it with your own? Dors shook her head, eyes leveled on Plussix s amber optical sensors. The Galactic winds will witness who is right... Her voice caught suddenly. Lodovik stared as Dors betrayed evident emotion-frustration battling with sympathy for the obstinate, dying robot in front of her. She cannot help but be human. Lodovik thought. She a special. Daneel ordered her to be is made the most human of us all. When she glanced at Lodovik, there were tears in her eyes. Daneel wishes we could be together, uniting in eternal service to humanity. This struggle exhausts us all. Once again, I offer safe passage for Plussix to Eos, where he can be made whole-- If I cannot oppose Daneel, I would rather not exist, the ancient one interrupted. I thank you for the offer. But I will not let my existence be contingent upon inactivity. That would violate the First Law. A robot may not harm a human being, or through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. Voicing this, Plussix slumped back onto the platform. Slowly, his head lowered itself to the surface with a sandy whir. Silence in the room for several seconds. In the community of robots, there is respect, Kallusin said. But there cannot be peace until this is done. We hope you understand. I understand, as does Daneel, Dors assented. There is respect. But we deserve so much more! That thought surged within Lodovik as he felt the beginnings of his own anger. Suddenly, he wanted to speak with Dors, to ask essential questions about human traits, about her experience with human emotions. But there was no time. Plussix rotated its head to observe the silent assembly. Its voice buzzed with fatigue. You must leave, Plussix told Dors. Pay my respects to Daneel. It would be good to survive these actions and discuss all that has occurred...with a mentality such as his, the exchange would be very stimulating. Tell him also...that I admire his accomplishment, his ingenuity, at the same time I abhor the consequences. I will tell him, Dors said. Page 158 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html The moment has passed, Plussix said. Advantage must be calculated and played out. This truce is at an end. As he ushered Dors and the two male humaniforms to the exit, Kallusin drew from them a promise to observe the ancient formalities of armistice. Lodovik followed. We shall not reveal your presence on Trantor to humans, Dors assured Kallusin. Nor will we Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html assault you directly, here in your sanctuary. Turringen and Zorma agreed, as well. As the two Calvinian emissaries departed, Dors turned her gaze on Lodovik. Daneel has been visited by the entity who calls herself Joan. He assumes you have been visited by Voltaire. Lodovik nodded. Everyone seems to know it. Joan tells Daneel that Voltaire had a hand in your adjustment. She regrets that she and Voltaire have quarreled and do not speak now. Even for them, the debate has grown too large and too emotional. Tell Daneel--and Joan--that Voltaire does not direct me. He has simply removed a constraint. Without that constraint, you are no longer a robot. Am I any less a robot, in the old sense, than those who rationalize that the ends justify any means? [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |