Chapter 18, Again The Chairman (Parts 75-79) Summary

In Part 75, the overpowering Chairman wants brief, productive proceedings, focusing on who should explore and settle the Galaxy. Baley's behavior and Jander's destruction are secondary concerns. With both principals refusing meaningful compromise, they refocus on Jander. Amadiro points to Fastolfe's admission that he alone could disable the robot and calls the theory of fluke happenstance absurd. When Fastolfe points out that Baley is on Aurora to investigate the matter, the Chairman allows him to testify.

In Part 76, Baley opens with his theory that Amadiro masterminds the tampering of his airfoil and its pursuit by RIA robots. He admits to illness but insists that he had been lucid. He reasons that the pursuing robots' interest in Daneel and Giskard rather than in his well-being betrays intense orders to override the First Rule. In Part...