He's sketching out the image in his mind's eye for another version of the Transported Man--one he can possibly execute without the aid of a double, or Tesla's machine. Knowing what the machine cost him, he's loathe to try again...and yet...knowing that it worked...

He's pulled from his thoughts by the voice--and when he looks up, he's visibly shaken.

He's seen the automaton around town, of course. Magnificent, if a little odd with the flora and fauna that's been allowed to collect on its casing. He can't fathom why its owner would allow it to fall into such disrepair...but here it is, approaching him and speaking in a voice that sounds human.

Setting his notebook and pencil aside, his eyes are wide and his features etched with another bright, almost childlike smile as he takes in the sight of the...can he call it a creature when it speaks like a man?

"My apologies if this is crass of me, but...I've never seen anything like this before." he breathes. "Do you wish me to believe you're...sentient?"