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"Mary insists that I spend more time interacting with humans and participating in their social gatherings," Deedee sighed.
"It is good for you," said Mary as she handed him the chicken and whispered something into his ear.
He examined the chicken, gave it a light toss, and caught it. "I suppose so."

Greta chuckled, "Well it certainly couldn't hurt," she said, "maybe I can help with that, I'm a human, after all,"

"I study human sociology," Randy offered. "You shouldn't be lacking in reference material."
"Yes, yes." Deedee waved a hand at them, chicken tucked beneath his other arm. "If I should need any assistance, I know where to look."

Katie tugged on Deedee's sleeve, "I think that chicken wants to be put down," she said.

Deedee frowned. "What?" He looked at the chicken, which wriggled and grasped at the air with its feet. "Oh, yes. Off you go." He tossed the bird gently back to the ground and dusted off his coat where it had touched him. "What purpose is served by this 'petting zoo'? I see the opportunity for observation, but there isn't much to be done by way of experiment."

Katie raised an eyebrow, "Are you for real?" she asked flatly, "Just watch!" she said walking over to one of the fat, shaggy ponies and stroking it's muzzle, the animal whinnied softly and nuzzled into her hand happily, "This is what it's all about!" she said giving the pony's nose a kiss.

Deedee's ears lowered as he tried to find the significance of what she was doing. "Well, I see that 'petting' is in the title, but what function does it serve?" he questioned.
"It is purely for entertainment," stated Randy.
Deedee squinted at a nearby goat. "What is entertaining about that?"

The goat made a happy bleating noise and chewed Deedee's sleeve in response.

"Stop that!" Deedee pulled his sleeve away. "You derive enjoyment from simple interaction with these beasts despite their lack of higher understanding?"

Katie hugged the pony, "Of course, they're warm and fun to cuddle,"

Deedee frowned again and took mental note.
"Perhaps you should try it," said Mary.
"That? I should... embrace this creature as though it were family?"
"You could learn something from the experience," said Randy, trying not to grin at the thought of Deedee hugging a pony--which was, of course, the main reason for his encouragement.

Katie lead the pony over to Deedee and took his hand, "You have to be really easy when you pet him!" she said guiding his hand slowly across the pony's velvety nose.

"I see." Deedee stroked the animal gently, gathering data through touch and storing it in his computer. Sequences of information showed in his eyes as he cataloged the pony's size, color, and genetic makeup.
"Deedee," Mary reminded him, "you are supposed to be connecting with the animal, not studying it!"

Katie snorted, "Stop examining him and just feel!" she ordered, the pony made a soft noise and nuzzled into Deedee's hand, wanting to be petted.

He rubbed at its nose some more, though without using the action to collect data it seemed even more pointless to him. "What am I supposed to be gaining from this?"

The pony rubbed against his hand, making pleased, snorting noises. "He likes you!" said Katie.