Bonnie knocked on the door to Melissa's room, which was shut.

"It's unlocked," Melissa called through the closed door.

Bonnie went in. Melissa was at her desk, writing something. Karr was on the desk, lights blinking.

"Good afternoon, Bonnie Barstow."

Melissa looked over at Bonnie. "Dr Barstow! What a pleasant surprise."

"Michael is writing up his latest case report. So I offered to join you for lunch."

Melissa's face fell. Bonnie was amused that she found not being allowed to help Michael write his case report more of a punishment than being grounded for a week.

"Okay. Karr, I'm off for lunch with Dr. Barstow. To be on the safe side, figure I'll be back in an hour. If it's going to longer for some reason, I'll have Kitt let you know. And if something comes up and you need me sooner, let Kitt know, okay?

"Of course, Miss Knight. Enjoy your lunch."

Melissa patted Karr's CPU and then stood up. She grabbed her cane from a garishly colorful umbrella stand in the corner. Then she and Bonnie walked to the Foundation dining hall.

"I'm glad you wanted to have lunch with me. I wasn't sure you would after, well, you know."

"After you took my tools without asking?" Melissa had the good grace to looked abashed. "You apologized and clearly meant that apology. So I am willing to give you a second chance. To trust that you won't do it again."

They arrived at the dining hall, went through the line for their food, and then sat down.

"Dr. Barstow? Um . . ."

"Yes?"

"I know I can't have Karr's schematics or Dad's notes. Not until I'm no longer grounded. But can we still talk about Karr? Or it that topic off the table?"

"We can talk about KARR, though it will likely be more of a theoretical discussion."

"Fair enough."

"Kitt mentioned KARR has been aware since Wilton –"

"Yes," Melissa nodded. "Dad deactivated him, but he didn't realize that just disconnected him from the outside world. Karr was still conscious, just . . . well, trapped in his CPU."

"And when Michael and Kitt . . ."

"Destroyed Karr? Or at least thought they had? Yeah, he was still conscious both times. But he at least had some limited outside connections."

"And your question is?"

Melissa sighed. "How do I evaluate Karr's . . . mental state? I know he's operating properly. But I want to test for any signs that he was adversely affected by his experiences. I know Kitt's been disconnected a couple of times, and I thought you might have some suggestions."

"Have you noticed anything unusual?"

Well, I know he's a bit uneasy about being left alone. So I make a point of telling him where I'm going and when I'll be back. I just don't know what else to look for."

Bonnie nodded. "I can suggest some things."

Bonnie and Melissa finished their lunch, discussing what Melissa should be looking for. Bonnie enjoyed the discussion. Melissa was very bright, and it was a joy to talk with her about technical topics. She was also beginning to think that Karr might, with Melissa's oversight and assistance, become a responsible AI, like Kitt.

Melissa kept an eye on the time, to ensure they'd be back at her room within the hour timeframe she had given Karr. As they walked back, Bonnie mulled over how to brooch the topic of Melissa's behavior, like Michael had asked. She wasn't sure what to say but hoped something would come to mind before too much longer.

Melissa said, "We're back, Karr," as she walked over to the desk and patted his CPU.

Did you enjoy your lunch, Miss Knight, Bonnie Barstow?"

"Yes. We had a nice chat." Melissa looked at Bonnie. "College isn't going to be like that, is it?"

Bonnie smiled. "No, more like high school with longer breaks between the classes. However, you're intelligent enough that most professors will be thrilled to have you as a student. And to talk with you one-and-one, like we do."

"Bonnie Barstow, you said 'most' professors. Please explain the use of the qualifier."

"Some professors dislike having students who are smarter than they are. Especially female students."

"I don't understand, Bonnie Barstow."

"There are people, KARR, who don't believe women are smart enough for technical topics, like engineering."

"That is –"

"Completely ridiculous, right?"

"Indeed, Miss Knight. There is no basis for that belief."

"Dr. Barstow is giving me pointers on how to deal with people like that."

Bonnie suddenly knew what to say, both to Melissa and to Karr. "Often, how you do something is as important as what you do."

"Please explain, Bonnie Barstow."

"Melissa, like her father, is very intelligent."

"Uncle Devon always said Dad was a certifiable genius."

"So are you."

"No. I'm just a genius; Garthe is certifiable," replied Melissa wryly.

"And that's my point. You don't act like your brains make you better than anyone else. So people are more willing to work with you, to help you."

"My . . . approach makes people less willing to work with me, Bonnie Barstow?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Then, Bonnie Barstow, I will endeavor to alter my approach."

"That's a good start . . . Karr."

And with that, Bonnie waved to Melissa and left.