Everything seemed to be going routinely (other than the robotic dog), until a shriek came from the basement. Jack, his tail between his legs, was the first react, darting underneath the table while his robotic counterpart found itself walking steadily into a wall. The family—most of whom had been playing football outside—quickly went downstairs, abandoning their usual activities. There they found Aunt Diane, Rachel Olem’s sister-in-law, standing over the table that had once been the bearer of a soon-to-be-cooked turkey. She was furious. “The turkey is gone!” she screamed, spit flying from her mouth.