After passing through numerous security scans and guard checkpoints, Andeker practically hopped and danced, delighted to show the black robot into his laboratory. They were alone, for Andeker had guaranteed Jorax privacy and confidentiality. The human scientist seemed eager to secure priority on any discoveries he might obtain.

“You robots have probably been asked any question I can imagine,” Andeker said. “But here, in my laboratory, maybe I can determine answers in other ways.”

Jorax had already scanned the room, noting the security systems and observation cameras. Though the Klikiss robot had agreed to the process, now that they were sealed in the chamber, Andeker seemed more agitated and frightened than when he had first approached the robot in the statue garden.

Jorax understood that the human meant to deceive him in some way. So he waited.

Andeker went to control decks and powered up several systems. “Please stand here.” The scientist motioned him to a spot near the wall where a mechanical apparatus was mounted, humming as if ready to move.

Jorax obeyed, betraying no emotional response and voicing no complaint.

“I’m sorry,” Andeker murmured, though not below Jorax’s detection threshold. He activated a system.

Powerful clamps shot out of wall sockets, struck Jorax’s body core, and locked restraints upon his outstretched limbs. One fastened around his thorax socket. Jorax did not try to move out of the way. After making a brief survey of the tensile strength of the restraining devices, he believed he could summon enough power to tear himself free.

If he chose to do so.

Andeker came forward, distraught. “This is a restraint cage, Jorax. It can project fields that dampen electrical power sources. It will hold you motionless, so please don’t try to escape.” He frowned, deeply apologetic—as if such emotions mattered to Jorax. “You see, the Hansa is facing a crisis situation with these attacks on Oncier and Golgen. You and your fellow Klikiss robots may offer a source of new technological breakthroughs.”

He reached out to touch the carapace of the Klikiss machine, then withdrew with a jerk. “We can’t be sure unless I study you properly.” Andeker hurried back to his console and looked over his shoulder. “I assure you, I will be as gentle as possible. I’m sorry.”

Before the treacherous scientist could begin to dismantle him, the Klikiss robot assessed the situation and decided his response. With a single blast of a high-powered scrambling beam, Jorax transmitted a surge strong enough to destroy all of the recording apparatus in the laboratory.

Andeker tried to reactivate his systems, to send the energydampening field through the restraint cage, but none of his equipment would respond.

Previously hidden weapons components emerged from sealed portholes in Jorax’s black carapace. Intense laser cutters easily sliced him free of the restraining clamps, which he tossed like scrap metal onto the laboratory floor.