The explanation was unexpected, both in content and the fact that he'd given it after having instructed she keep talking to a minimum. She'd been set on following that instruction, determined not to make a peep as they walked, but now that he'd taken that plunge, she couldn't not say anything herself.

Scientific research and the need for precautions was something she'd understood from working with Hank and Forge and a number of others over the years. It was a different kind of science that what she'd been subjected to, and the specific precautions this command had put into motion were telling of the importance placed on the work he was doing.

Still, there was something bothering her. She kept her voice quiet, her words careful as she said, "Why do I get the feeling that you're not doing all this research out of the goodness of your heart?"