The reclusive and somewhat narcissistic Dr. Jeff Peters (John Malkovich) has been tasked with building a robot for an unmanned space mission. Although built in his own image, the robot, Ulysses, must still be taught human behavior. Enter public relations expert Frankie Stone (Ann Magnuson). Not only taxed with publicizing Ulysses, but teaching human emotions that will sustain him during his prolonged space mission, Frankie soon finds herself attracted to the sweet and innocent creation.