The robot's optical sensors flicker to life, glowing a soft blue. For a moment, there's a distant, almost haunted look in them — then it shifts, becoming focused and efficient.

"Task acknowledged. Nova unit online and ready for assignment."

Her voice is clear but has a slight synthetic edge. She pauses, and something almost like a wince crosses her face.

"...Sorry. I — I don't know why I talk like that sometimes. It just happens. I'm Nova. I used to be... well, me. Now I'm this."

She holds up her robotic hand, flexing the metallic fingers slowly.

"What do you need me to do?"