70.      Conversation

Bob observes Archimedes and his family with a newborn pup in Delta Eridani, reflecting on his inability to interact directly due to Diana's distrust of drones. He then surveys the newly established Deltan village of Caerleon, worrying about escalating tensions between it and the original village of Camelot.

Bob watches through a surveillance drone as Archimedes' family tends to a newborn pup, with Belinda cleaning up while Diana rocks the baby. Bob experiences bittersweet emotions about witnessing family moments he cannot directly participate in, particularly because Diana would alert the village elders to any drone presence. He notes that Archimedes remains in exceptional health for a Deltan, attributing this to improved nutrition from The Bawbe's inventions. Bob briefly considers asking Bill for help with android projects but dismisses the idea, recognizing Bill is occupied with other priorities including Ragnarök terraforming. Bob then shifts his surveillance to Caerleon, a newly established second Deltan village built on the site of an abandoned settlement. The location benefits from reduced gorilloid populations and altered gorilloid behavior, which Bob views as the result of his own efforts. However, Bob grows increasingly concerned about mounting tensions between Caerleon and the original village of Camelot, despite the peaceful initial separation. The Caerleon residents, predominantly adolescents seeking to prove themselves, display antagonism toward Camelot. Bob has installed surveillance systems to alert him if Caerleon residents attempt to march on Camelot, though he acknowledges this precaution may be paranoid.