"You will be pleased to hear that we have installed effective countermeasures in the event that someone enters the wrong code too many times," IRIS's automated voice brightly answered. "At Landel's Institute, security is one of our highest priorities."

It didn't seem to occur to IRIS that perhaps she was talking to two possible intruders at that very moment.

"For access to the system's power crystal, please enter the correct code," the android said once again.