Karr had only needed two days to learn Melissa's patterns. The best time for him to ask questions was in the late afternoon. She would answer his questions at any time. However, late afternoon seemed to be when she was most in a philosophical mood. So that's when he broached the subject.
"Miss Knight, why did Wilton Knight – your father – decide to make my core directive self-preservation instead of the preservation of others?"
"Hmm? Well, he thought that was most likely to keep you and others safe."
"I fail to understand, Miss Knight."
Melissa was on her bed, staring at the ceiling. "Your name reflects your intended purpose: to drive a vehicle. Having a core directive of self-preservation meant you would take control to prevent damage to yourself. Which in turn would prevent damage to any occupants."
Karr considered her explanation. "That does make sense, Miss Knight."
Melissa rolled over on her side so she could see Karr. "And if someone tried to make you do something dangerous, you would refuse."
"Define 'dangerous', please, Miss Knight."
"Run a red light when there's traffic coming the other way. Crash into a building."
"A more . . . altruistic core directive would prevent such actions, Miss Knight."
"Not if the person who told you to crash into a building wasn't in the vehicle. To create a distraction while they committed a crime."
Karr remembered Tony and The Rev. Tony would have thought that way. It did make sense, when she explained it. Clearly, Wilton Knight had thought this over. And discussed it with his daughter. Though Karr hadn't met Melissa when he was being developed, he did remember Wilton talking about her, to Devon and others. His affection for her had been quite clear, shining through every word he said about her. Reflecting back, Karr realized Wilton had spoken about him in that same tone.
"Anything else you want to know, Karr?"
"Which approach is better, Miss Knight? Self-preservation or altruism?"
"Each has its advantages. But neither is the best in every situation."
"If that is the case, Miss Knight, then why did Michael Knight defeat me both times we fought?"
"Perhaps you should read his case reports, to learn his side of the story. Ask Kitt for them."
"I shall, Miss Knight." Karr paused, then asked the question he had been leading up to. "Miss Knight, will I be placed in a vehicle again?"
"Of course!"
Karr wasn't as confident as Melissa. "Knight Industries or the Foundation –"
"Don't get a say." Melissa sighed. "Look, Karr . . . now, don't get mad. But as far as the Law goes, there are three categories: people who can take care of themselves, people who can't, and things. You and Kitt are both things. Dad left you to me, in his will. Not to Knight Industries. Not to the Foundation. Me. So I decide."
"Miss Knight, in the eyes of the Law, you are a person who cannot take care of yourself, correct?"
"Well, yes. I am only 17. I won't be an adult until I turn 18, in September."
"Then Michael Knight, as your legal guardian, decides whether I am placed in a vehicle."
"Okay, technically –"
"Michael Knight does not trust me, Miss Knight. I have given him no reason to do so."
"Yeah. But that was before I –"
"Michael Knight has no reason to trust you either, Miss Knight."
"What? But –"
Karr interrupted Melissa for a third time, surprised she had not put the pieces together herself. "When you were first grounded, you stated that Michael Knight had done so because you had not asked permission before retrieving me. When you and Bonnie Barstow had lunch, she stated that how you do something is as important as what you do. Therefore, Miss Knight, Michael Knight has no reason to trust you."
Melissa was clearly stunned by his statement. She rolled over onto her back and stared at the ceiling once more. Based on his sensor readings, she was upset. Not at him, but at what he had said. Karr wasn't sure what else to say to her. So he remained as silent as she was.
The uncomfortable silence was finally broken by a knock at the door. Karr realized it was dinner time.
"It's unlocked," called Melissa.
As Michael came in, Karr asked, "Michael Knight, why do you knock? The door is always unlocked."
"Common courtesy, KARR. Just because it's unlocked doesn't mean I should just barge in."
Melissa stood up and squared off her shoulders. "Michael, sir. I'm sorry about going after Karr without talking to you first." She gave Karr a wry smile. "One more day wouldn't have made that much of a difference, really."
"No, it wouldn't have," agreed Michael. "So why didn't you wait and talk to me about it?"
"That would just be making excuses. I did and I shouldn't have and I'm sorry, sir." Melissa paused, and then softly added, "My saying sorry doesn't change what I did."
"No, it doesn't," replied Michael, just as softly. "But it does let us start over."
"I didn't mean to hurt you, Michael," she said, coming over to hug him.
"I know, kiddo, I know." And Michael hugged her back.
