When Connie finishes speaking, the robot chirps softly, its dull eyes flickering into a bright green. The voice that emerges from it doesn't sound artificial, exactly -- more like a child's voice soaked with static.

hello connie
you're right
my name is elias
it's nice to meet you

The robot chirps again, the sound high and cheerful.

you can talk to me as much as you'd like you know
i never think you're rambling
but
i need to be careful about who i let inside
sometimes
people want to hurt me
sometimes
they'd rather help her

but you wouldn't let someone hurt me
would you?

so yes
you can bring your new friends here
they can be welcome
after all
we're all in this together