The Caves of Steel

The chapter opens with Lije in Commissioner Enderby’s office. Enderby cleans his glasses and then asks where Lije left the robot. Lije relays that one of the other officers is showing Daneel around. After lighting his pipe, Lije chastises the commissioner for not warning him about Daneel’s human appearance. He then requests to visit Spacetown to view the crime scene and question the witnesses. Enderby says it isn’t a good idea, that the Spacers are easily offended. Lije is surprised, as Enderby mutters, “with unexpected fervor, ‘I hate them’” (84). Lije lets his frustration show as he tells Enderby he has to go, then suggests that Enderby accompany him. Enderby says he cannot go but agrees to use trimension (a hologram video call) to join the interviews. Lije thinks about the irrationality of hating robots, remembering the First Law of Robotics, which states a robot may not harm a human or let a human come to harm.

Lije and Daneel use a squad car to make their way to Spacetown, and Lije feels strange traveling on the empty motorway. When they arrive, Lije presents his identification to the Barrier guard and heads to decontamination. Lije must shower and use the facilities there, as no public facilities are available after this point anywhere in Spacetown.