Basil Wenceslas was excited enough by the technological benefits that he took the robots' offer at face value. But for Peter, the Klikiss machines were such an enigma that applying standards of human altruism was not appropriate.

With slow movements, the robot angled himself backward and finally rested flat on the analysis platform, looking like a huge cockroach that had been sprayed with insecticide. Peter wondered if the ancient machine could feel fear or pain.

Suddenly there was a commotion in the hall. Shouting, the palace guards tried to block two other Klikiss robots that had followed Jorax into the vicinity. A silver beret brandished his weapon at the identical beetlelike machines. "Turn back. You are not authorized here."

"We wish to assist in the process," said one robot.

"We are curious as well," said the other. "We can offer our insights."

That wasn't part of the original bargain,Peter said to himself.

Next to the King, Palawu and Swendsen conferred quickly. "Actually, it's not a bad idea to have them here, Your Majesty. Remember, their civilization created the technology of the Klikiss Torch. This isn't just a high-school-level reverse-engineering project. None of us really know what we're doing."

Peter narrowed his eyes.Including me. "That's not very comforting. Isn't it convenient that two more Klikiss robots show up here, now, without any prior warning? I thought there were only ten or so of them on Earth at any given time?"

"Give or take, Sire," Swendsen said. "But I suppose Jorax could have sent a signal. We should have expected it."

"If it's any consolation, Your Majesty," Palawu added quietly, seeing the King's hesitation, "the transparent walls here are utterly bombardment proof. A pulse of energy or even a complete explosion of the test subject would not harm you."

Peter was worried about more than that. He spoke into the loudspeaker. "All right, let them in to observe and assist-on the condition that both robots completely deactivate their own protective systems."

Jorax and the other two robots buzzed back and forth in quick bursts of coded language. One of the new robots said, "That would make us vulnerable, should your soldiers and guards choose to dissect us as well."

Peter couldn't feel sorry for them. "Consider it a gesture of mutual trust. Those are our terms for allowing you to participate."

Finally, the two insectile machines responded in unison. "We agree to the terms." They stood like metallic statues, then sagged slightly. "All defensive systems have now been shut down."

"We have only your word for that," Peter said.

"Therefore a reciprocal gesture of trust is required." The robots moved forward, and Peter decided not to stop them. He watched the proceedings, uneasy but curious.

With imagers and sonic probes, the researchers scanned every cranny of Jorax's mechanical body using nondestructive evaluation techniques. Never before had they been able to make even a complete external assessment of the alien machines.