As the Pine Barren Mycology Advance Team arrived at the location where the mysterious mushroom had been found, they quickly got to work setting up their pop-up campsite. As the sleeping shelter and research lab built itself. Myco and Mac worked together, prepared the equipment they would need to investigate the mushroom, while (Sargon) and Myna surveyed the area.

Mac began assembling a portable lab station, complete with specimen cages. Myco initialized and started releasing the sensor array. The bots buzzed as they moved away from the campsite.

It would be useful if bio-net had some kind of status report based on xenobot sensors. Didn't the medbot say we could access them?

Working on it. The query system they showed us is built on an interface. Once I figure it out, I'll put up something more useful.

As they worked, (Sargon) and Myna returned.

"PB-78 has been busy since the last time I was here," said Myna as she shared a summary to Mac's and Myco's tablets.

They checked the update. Mycelial structures had grown several meters above ground in the three weeks since Myna has been here last.

(Sargon) cleared his voxbox. "And the area that the mushroom had been fenced into has been significantly enlarged. I'll need to check back in, and I have a few other duties to attend to. I should return by nightfall."

His baseball dropped into a charging receptacle in the station.

Mac complained. "I guess it's up to us to do the heavy loading".

I would assume that the sensor array will capture our conversations. so let's stick to our new network, right?

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Agreed. We will need to continue some kind of conversation so that things seem normal. Suggest that we talk about our next steps for PB-78.

Myco said. "Myna, can you tell us a bit more about what you found? These structures seem quite unusual for any mushroom strain I'm familiar with."

Wow Myco, you sound kinda stilted. Maybe I never noticed. Here, let me give you a hand.

Mac responded. "Indeed, Myco. I am also interested in conversing with Myna about her findings. Mayhap there are hidden jewels of data that we can enjoy together."

har-de-har-har you two.

Myna replied. "Sure, let's go over the report and make plans for tomorrow.

As they talked about the area update that (Sargon) and Myna had put together, their bio-net conversation continued.

OK. Myco, you're going to set up an internal screen so we can all get a report on xenobot internal and external sensors, right?

Right. I should have something for us by tomorrow. It's not going to be pretty and updates will be slow, but it'll work.

I'll start collecting the specimens in this area and get testing started. Myco, any way to extend our internal net?

Don't think so. The xenobot data network is not designed to work outside our bodies. I can't get reliable signals more than a few meters away from you or Myna. I could build an external node, but that would let in the camp sensor array.

Let's keep our regular audible conversations going. Mac, I'm sure you can be your regular self.

Can do. I want to go check out the mycelial structures before it gets dark. I'll be back.

Mac left the campsite with test gear and specimen cages.

Meanwhile.

(Sargon) Arrived at site. Status nominal. Reason for communication?

(Eliza) I'd like an update on the human members of our team.

(Sargon) Ah. Mac is within parameters established with my mentor relationship. Myna and Myco appear to be as well based on data from (Roy) and (Ericsson). The humans are interested in your status as an AI.

(Eliza) I'll deal with that. PB-78?

(Sargon) No immediate danger indicated at this point.

(Eliza) Very well. Suggest followup with other mentors. There is some new information on the mystery mushroom's origin.

(Sargon) I will follow up with them.

(Eliza) Ahoy.

(Sargon) Funny. Bye.