Snippet #2816384

Puddles and the sea lion exchanged playful tunes and barks, every return the probe got allowing it to modify the proper audio projections. Like two speaking a different language, as they 'talked' more and more, the words might have become more clear and concise. Occasionally, one of the probes' various limbs twitched, like a gesticulation to add with the little chirps and calls that came from the probe.

When the predator came sprinting from the bush though, the probe stilled. As it was ignored, a brief pang of terror soon rushed through the onboard AIs processors and machine-mind - though not for itself, but the little pinniped it was having a brief, if difficult conversation with. Cameras zoomed and fixated on the predator, immediately scanning it remotely with a powerful onboard suite in an attempt to decode the scene before him.

Even worse, to the horror of the sea lion perhaps, was its new acquaintance simply doing nothing. With cold, remorseless "eyes" it stood silent and transfixed upon the scene.