Chapter 9, Vasilia (Parts 36-39) Summary

In Part 36, Baley insists on seeing the Outside on the Expressway ride through Eos City to the RIA. Clouds promise rain, a phenomenon that Baley has experienced only once on Earth—and panicked. On Aurora there is no City in which to take cover. Under orders from Vasilia not to talk about her separation from her father, Giskard cannot brief Baley. Nor can he describe the minor reprogramming that she has performed on him. Part 37 brings Baley and the robots midday to the RIA complex. The robots cannot discuss why Fastolfe is not a member. Baley yearns for the protection of Earth's Cities and suddenly panics at the thought that another robot could be substituted for Giskard without his knowing. Daneel reassures him that every robot has an infrared identification plate. As they enter a dark...