Я, Робот
Runaround
Powellshotthequestionandreceivedthedull"Yes,Master,"inreply."Getyourinsosuit,"hesaidwithsatisfaction.
Itwasthefirsttimeeitherhadworntheinsosuits–whichmarkedonetimemorethaneitherhadexpectedtoupontheirarrivalthedaybefore–andtheytestedtheirlimbmovementsuncomfortably.
Theinsosuitwasfarbulkierandfaruglierthantheregulationspacesuit;butwithalconsiderablylighter,duetothefactthattheywereentirelynonmetallicincomposition.Composedofheat-resistantplasticandchemicallytreatedcorklayers,andequippedwithadesiccatingunittokeeptheairbone-dry,theinsosuitscouldwithstandthefullglareofMercury’ssunfortwentyminutes.Fivetotenminutesmore,aswell,withoutactuallykillingtheoccupant.
Andstilltherobot’shandsformedthestirrup,nordidhebetraytheslightestatomofsurpriseatthegrotesquefigureintowhichPowellhadbeenconverted.
Powell’sradio-harshenedvoiceboomedout:"AreyoureadytotakeustoExit13a?"
"Yes,Master."
Good,thoughtPowell;theymightlackradiocontrolbutatleasttheywerefittedforradioreception."Mountoneortheother,Mike,"hesaidtoDonovan.
Heplacedafootintheimprovisedstirrupandswungupward.Hefoundtheseatcomfortable;therewasthehumpedbackoftherobot,evidentlyshapedforthepurpose,ashallowgroovealongeachshoulderforthethighsandtwoelongated"ears"whosepurposenowseemedobvious.
