"You do not have to lie to me," he replies. "I am an artificial intelligence, and I do not possess an ego to bruise, or the capacity or inclination to make a value judgement upon you based on your reactions. It is entirely reasonable given your pattern of interaction with Kitt that such prolonged non-contact would be upsetting for you." A pause, and she might note a softening of his tone. "And I will note that my upholstery, while not technically rated for the regurgitations of a small baby, is more than capable of withstanding a brief assault of salt water."