85 THE GUESTS

CHAPTER 85 THE GUESTS After traveling in secret, after running in fear, our friends were safe at last. But their problems weren't over yet. Although Roz had a brand-new body, she had the same old mind, and most humans simply weren't ready for an emotional, curious, wild robot. There was only one place where she could be her true self, and it was still far, far away. "Dr. Molovo, you have already been so kind to me and my son," said the robot. "But I must ask you for one last favor." The woman sat back in her chair. "Could you take us home in your airship?" The woman laughed. "Well, of course I will! How else would you get to an island in the middle of the ocean?" Time and again, Roz had dreamed of flying back to her island in an airship. But she had never thought it would actually happen. Until now.

"It's no trouble," the woman went on. "We can have you home in a few hours. But I insist that you and Brightbill stay a while, here in my apartment. You both deserve some peace and comfort, and I'd love the company." There was no arguing with Dr. Molovo, and our friends agreed to stay awhile. The robot butler took care of everything and everyone in the apartment, and that included guests. Roz felt funny accepting help from a robot, but Brightbill happily soaked up the attention. The butler fed him fantastic salads made from exotic, leafy plants. The butler placed a little pool in the living room so he could swim whenever he liked. The butler built a cozy bed that was just the right size and shape for the young goose. Brightbill had never been so comfortable.

Dr. Molovo divided her time between her guests and her work. She would sit around chatting with Roz and Brightbill, and then suddenly head down to the factory with some urgent task. She had to design new robots, she had to supervise the Makers and the RECOs, she had to manage all of TechLab Industries. Even at her old age, Dr. Molovo was still consumed by a passion for robots. "If you love your job it never feels like work," she'd say, smiling and strolling out the door.

When the host was working, the guests had the apartment to themselves. Roz spent hours browsing

the bookshelves. She read about art and science and the history of robotics. Brightbill waddled from room to room and explored every corner of the sprawling apartment. But their favorite activity was to stand by the windows, gaze across the city, and survey the incredible sights. "I can see the bridge where Strutter tracked me down!" said Brightbill. "And that's the building where I first met Graybeak. And there's the roof where you fell." "Look, far in the distance, another spaceship is taking off!" said Roz. "It could be flying to the Space Station, or the moon, or beyond." "I think that skyscraper is actually a greenhouse," said Brightbill. "I flew past it and saw nothing but plants inside." Roz and Brightbill enjoyed their time in Dr. Molovo's apartment. But they missed their friends and the wilderness and the island. After a few days, the guests were growing restless. They were ready to go home.