"This is a facility that has been created to help achieve the noble aims of Next-Wave," she answered in a pleasantly cool voice that seemed better suited for an automated museum guide. "Here at Landel's Institute, we have the most b-b-briillliaaNNNNtt miiiiIIInndsss---"

Something seemed to whir and click in the back of the android's head as she struggled to complete her sentence.

Rita's question, apparently, overrode her previous train of thought, and the robot shifted her head to meet the girl's gaze. "Correct. Dr. Landel is regrettably unable to meet with you this evening, but rest assured that he is very interested in your progress. Would you like me to take a message, RITA?"