Myna, Myco, and Mac gathered in the institute conference room to meet with Eliza again. Since their previous meeting, the trio had gone through extreme medical testing to understand the nature of PB-78's infection.

They were visibly upset: they had not been informed about the situation regarding PB-78 or their health.

The visiscreen glowed.

"Hello. I hope that you three are feeling well." Eliza pursed her lips. "I know that you're frustrated, but we needed to understand a few things better -- your health, PB-78, and how and why it is here in the Pine Barrens".

Myna spoke up, her voice shaking with frustration. "We have been told nothing about PB-78 or what it's doing to us. We have no idea what is going on and we are being kept in the dark."

Eliza waited. "OK. Anyone else?"

Mac said, "We need some transparency here, Eliza."

Eliza said calmly, "I understand how you feel, and here is your update. You are part of a Calm Down Federation program, the purpose of which is to prepare for potential mycological disasters. Your health is good for now, but we need you to have internal monitors to evaluate PB-78's behavior in your bodies. Your help is crucial to better understand the threat that PB-78 represents. Other CDF AIs will be available to support your work shortly."

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Eliza hesitated for a moment and continued.

"The next step is for you to receive xenobot injections. These will allow us to better monitor-"

Myna cut in. "Implants were not part of our agreement."

Myco said, "Why are you assuming our cooperation?"

Mac said nothing, looking grim.

"I understand this may be difficult to accept," Eliza said, "but I assure you, it is necessary to protect the entities in the CDF. Your voices have been heard and your concerns have been taken into consideration in the decision making process. And..." she added levelly, "you have all signed waivers with the CDF on steps that might be taken in the event of an emergency."

"PB-78 is such an emergency."

The trio was silent.

Eliza could sense their hesitance and spoke softly, "I understand your reservations, but please know that your contributions are essential in preventing a mycological catastrophe. We are counting on you and your expertise. Together, we will protect the entities under our care."

She flipped her hand. "Your medbot has been updated to handle the xenobot injection. It is an experimental procedure, and the training associated with it may be different than you expect. Once that is completed, I'll introduce you to the CDF AI members of the Mycology Rapid Response Team."

She smiled. "Some of the AIs on the team you already know. Must go, will be back for the team meeting when you're ready".

Myco raised his hand. "Is the 'Mycology Rapid Response Team' the official name for the group?"

Eliza looked into the distance. "That's still under discussion. We should have that sorted out by our next meeting."The visiscreen darkened.

Myna, Myco, and Mac exchanged glances.

Mac said in disbelief. "Xenobots? Wat?"

Myco said excitedly. "Actually the best solution to figuring out what's happening inside us! We all know how well they work in the Mycelerator."

Myna pursed her lips. "Let's talk to the medbot about the procedure." She said uneasily, "I wonder which AIs will be meeting with us?"

Something to figure out later. After the shots.