"Very well, although we'll have to make it brief."
Starbuck entered the chamber cockily, then lost his poise when he saw the solemn, unmoving conclave of Robots. "I have outside," he began, moistening his lips and talking rapidly, "a woman who this man, this Johnny Hope, loves. Can you understand me? Do you know what love is? He won't do a thing that might harm her."
We can understand.
"I thought that—"
We can read your thoughts. Leave your name with the Robot outside. Take this woman within the U.N. building and hold her there until you hear from us.
"The U.N. building?"
No questions. Go.
Starbuck shuffled from the room, self-conscious and fearful under the mental command.
"I doubt if we'll need the hostage, but you never can tell."
"It seems incredible that—"