Hm. No change in response. Perhaps he hasn't given the one that Hermit is looking for, then. Does he even understand speech in this form? That much is questionable as well.

Still, now that he has a chance to communicate with one of their hosts -- as himself, at least -- Near would rather not waste it. So he tries something different, offering his upturned hand in spite of his dislike of being touched. For now, he doesn't speak again, silently contemplating his options.

Would an Interface work? The body that Hermit now inhabits should be free of Automata corruption, so in theory it would be safe. In theory. But Near is not quite ready to try something so invasive yet.