"The instinct of self-preservation is as strong in me as it ever was."
"Then I can only offer you my deepest regrets for what I must do."
Ostby rose and gripped the back of his chair--he should be able to
smash the brain-box with that, he decided--and found himself unable to
lift it!
"And I must offer my regrets at the necessity of defending myself," the
Brain said ironically. "I will allow no one to harm me. I am going to
release you from my mental grip now, and I want you to leave this room.
Never come in my presence again with the intent to harm me or I will be
forced to kill you." The voice was entirely emotionless throughout.
Ostby's strength returned in a warm wave that washed his body free of
the stasis that bound him, and vigor flowed back into his muscles. But
he knew he was helpless before the unnormal powers of the mind before
him, and he turned and left the room.