"Function calls as citations" refers to the ability to compose a novel research object by re-using an existing component, such as code or data, from a prior research object stored in an immutable and verifiable way. This idea originates from Balaji Srinivasan, who recently issued it as a challenge to builders in the DeSci space. In this preliminary report, we answer this challenge with a proof of concept. We created two Research Objects stored on an Open State Repository, each containing code components. A new Research Object calls functions from the code components of another Research Object. Both Research Objects are stored on an Open State Repository, and interoperate using decentralized persistent identifiers.