[ a snort. god, how did this happen? when did this happen? but she seems to relax (by degrees) and opens up just a little. it's as if steve's arrival has forced her hand. or, at least, offered her the opportunity to be honest. ]

I wouldn't go that far. [ because -- dear lord. ] But, Heaven knows, there are things both of you understand that I'm only beginning to wrap my head around.

[ ...! ]

Like artificial intelligence.