Whether or not his previous courteousness has been noticed by this particular automaton, it seems pleased that its greeting finally has a response and settles down. Now, only its head moves, turning to keep its eyes fixed on Temeraire as students move around it and turn it onto its front so that they can access its back panel.

At least this new-found docility will make it easier to open up- none of them are particularly keen on completely disengaging its systems without Lady Valdemar's knowledgeable hand to guide them.