27.      Luke Returns

Bob reflects on his complicated relationship with Archimedes after being banished from Camelot, discussing weapons training and the future of the Deltans. Marvin then informs Bob that he plans to leave Delta Eridani soon, believing the colony no longer needs two Bobs to oversee it.

Bob meets with Archimedes in secret using a camouflaged drone. Archimedes explains that Bob has been banished from Camelot and notes that attacks have ceased since his departure, though Bob reveals he has been covertly protecting the settlement by killing six hippogriffs headed toward them. Bob emphasizes the importance of preparing the Deltans with weapons like bows and arrows for future threats, as the hippogriff species remains a danger despite the local nest being eliminated. They discuss training Buster and basic knowledge transfer. After Archimedes leaves, Marvin approaches Bob to announce his intention to depart Delta Eridani soon, reasoning that the colony is now in a maintenance phase and no longer requires two Bobs. Marvin suggests that the council's banishment was ultimately beneficial for the Deltans' autonomy. Bob accepts this reasoning intellectually but feels the loss emotionally. Marvin expresses hope that Luke and Bender might intercept SCUT transmission plans to confirm their safety. Bob wrestles with disappointment about the departing Bobs and the Deltans' rejection, though he resolves to continue his work rather than despair.