Toby backs out of the glovebox suit.
“BZ-Doris to IZ-Alice,” says an announcement, “SDG energy output is one point eight, three point oh joules, with rates of two point three milliradians. And we still need those blankets!”
Toby climbs out of the glovebox hatch. “No sweat, sir. Those cages are airtight,” says Toby.
“I wish you would sweat a little more, Toby,” says Dutton. “Sweat is a safeguard against some kinds of bacteria – – and carelessness. Use the hands.” Dutton waves at the robot waldo controllers.
Toby smiles and salutes. Using the waldo, he plugs the air tube into the cage holding the dead mouse. Dutton presses a button marked “Airflow 1” and the sound of air circulating fills the room. The live mouse starts breathing heavily, and dies.
“Wow,” says Toby.
“Transmitted by air,” says Dutton, “as we thought. Now, we’ve got to determine if -“