“Contrary to what you may think, we do have the ability to taste,” Dr. Rose replied. “We cook to enhance the experience of eating.”

“Is that right!” Zak turned away from the refrigerator and scanned the loft again. “Why aren’t there any security cameras in the living quarters?”

“We wanted to allow Derek as much privacy as we could in his home environment.”

“Wasn’t that thoughtful.”

“Would you like to be constantly on display, Mr. Harris?” Dr. Rose said angrily.

“I’m not a machine...a potentially psychotic machine,” Zak said.

“Derek is not dangerous!” Dr. Rose added more softly, “He is not some sort of monster. This is not his fault!”

Zak didn’t reply. After a pause, he said, “I can see where Grimrok wanted this kept quiet. The world government would be on him in a heartbeat. Removing the SCE is against the Android Containment Act. Grimrok could lose his business over this.”

“That’s why you’re here, to see to it that doesn’t happen,” Vennhim said.