The rocket pilot's laughter wasn't altogether friendly. "I know it's you. I meant, what are you doing here?"
"I saw the lights in the rocket dome go out. The entrance was open, so I came in. Maybe I can help."
"They're off, all right. Everything. Even the standby system." The rocket pilot moved closer. The deadly little toaster was in his hand. "You can't help. You'd better get out. It's against regulations for you to be in here."
Docchi ignored the weapon. "What happened? Did a meteor strike?"
The pilot grunted. "Not likely." He peered intently at the barely visible silhouette. "Well, I see you're getting smart. You should do that all the time. You look better that way, even if they're not usable arms. You look...." His voice faded away.
"Sure, almost human," Docchi finished for him. "Not like a pair of legs and a spinal column with a lightning bug stuck on top."
"I didn't say that. So you're sensitive about it, eh? Maybe that's not your fault. Anyway, you'd better get going."
"But I don't want to go," said Docchi deliberately. "I'm not afraid of the dark. Are you?"
"Cut the psycho talk, Docchi. All your circuits are working and you know it. Now get out of here before I take your fake hand and drag you out."
"Now you've hurt my feelings," declared Docchi reproachfully, nimbly stepping away.