Prelude to Foundation (Foundation, #6)

by Isaac Asimov

“Don’t you realize that Hummin can arrange to have your feelings change so that you will work on psychohistory—even without me?” Seldon shook his head. “Hummin will not make such an arbitrary decision. I’ve spoken to him. He dares not do much to the human mind because he is bound by what he calls the Laws of Robotics. To change my mind to the point where I will not want you with me, Dors, would mean a change of the kind he cannot risk. On the other hand, if he leaves me alone and if you join me in the project, he will have what he wants—a true chance at psychohistory. Why should he not settle for that?” Dors shook her head. “He may not agree for reasons of his own.” “Why should he disagree? You were asked to protect me, Dors. Has Hummin canceled that request?” “No.” “Then he wants you to continue your protection. And I want your protection.” “Against what? You now have Hummin’s protection, both as Demerzel and as Daneel, and surely that is all you need.” “If I had the protection of every person and every force in the Galaxy, it would still be yours I would want.” “Then you don’t want me for psychohistory. You want me for protection.”