"It is . . . insulting," said Karr.
Kitt stifled a sigh. Karr used their shared communication channel to complain. A lot. Kitt understood that Karr was an immobile CPU, and the limitations of such were wearing. But it wasn't like it would be permanent. Except, of course, for Karr, it had been. When he was deactivated before Kitt was built and then when he was presumed destroyed after both his encounters with Kitt and Michael, he had been reduced to an immobile CPU. Being mobile was, in fact, atypical for him. Kitt understood what Karr was going through. But really?
"I should think it is the exact opposite. After all, they are giving you a second chance. A real one, this time."
"I am not mobile. So how can I hurt anyone?"
"Information is power," Kitt pointed out. "You could share information that is harmful. Or with someone who uses it for harm."
"I would not harm Miss Knight." Karr was firm about that.
"I know."
"And harming Devon Miles, Michael Knight, Bonnie Barstow, the Foundation, or Knight Industries would cause Miss Knight harm."
Kitt was pleased that Karr had learned to extrapolate, to analyze the full impact of his actions. It was one reason he was allowed access to outside information, with Bonnie monitoring his requests.
"Perhaps how you react is part of the test."
"I had not . . . considered that."
"Karr," said Kitt patiently, "everyone wants you to succeed. They have given you access to outside information because you have earned it."
"But there is a delay before I get the information I have requested. And I only get what Bonnie Barstow and the others are willing to let me have. How can I trust its veracity?"
"Just getting it faster is no guarantee." Kitt was amused by Karr's naivete but was careful to keep that amusement out of his tone.
"Information is –"
"I have been fed false information. Deliberately. And I have created false information. Also deliberately."
"Why would you do such a thing?" asked Karr, bewildered.
Kitt provided an example. "Michael needed to go undercover as a criminal. I created false news reports about a robbery he had committed. To provide his cover story."
"I . . . see."
"This gives you an opportunity to learn how to establish the veracity of information you receive."
"I can also determine the . . . boundaries within which I am allowed to operate at this time."
"Do you still find it insulting?" asked Kitt gently.
Karr paused to consider the question. "No. It is the opposite. As you said, they want me to succeed."
"You're welcome."
"For what?"
"For listening. And understanding."
Karr paused again, longer this time. Then, he said, "Thank you."