"No, you cannot access the third floor without activating the power crystal," IRIS helpfully answered. "MARTIN. LANDEL. is currently the only on-site administrator authorized to distribute the code."

As if waiting for a command, the robot's artificial eyes continued to gaze at the two patients. The purple crystal and the three buttons, meanwhile, remained in place. "For access to the system's power crystal," the automated female voice repeated, "please enter the correct code."