24. Interlude

In this interlude, Bob meets with Hugh to discuss the Administrator's use of tranquilizer weapons and the scattering phenomenon, then visits Will on Valhalla to discuss terraforming and broader concerns about the fracturing Bobiverse. Hugh reports his scan of Galen Town revealed nothing unusual and mentions that Howard has broken one of the test mannies, while Bob reflects on the instability of post-scarcity utopias as different factions within the Bobiverse pursue divergent goals.

Bob receives Hugh at his location and they discuss the Administrator's choice of tranquilizer guns rather than more lethal weapons, suggesting the Administrator may be reluctant to kill Quinlans. Hugh completes his scan of Galen Town but finds no evidence of advanced electronics or forbidden technology, noting he lacked time to specifically scan for the tranquilizer guns themselves before his heat sink failed. Hugh also casually reveals that Howard has broken one of the test mannies on Quin, which Bob should keep from Bridget. Later, Bob visits Will on Valhalla, where Will leads him via roamer to an experimental garden on a south-facing promontory overlooking a large lake. Will explains he is testing compatibility between Terran and native plants in preparation for eventual agriculture and terraforming. The two discuss how both Will and Bill have become plant specialists despite Original Bob's lack of interest in gardening. Will notes the tree line is advancing up the mountain slopes by several feet per year and will eventually cover the peaks as the atmosphere thickens. Bob then raises concerns about the Bobiverse's trajectory, noting that while it began as a post-scarcity utopia, various factions—Starfleet, the Borg, the Gamers, the Skippies, and thousands of independent Bobs heading away from human space—are pursuing divergent goals. Will acknowledges the tension but offers no resolution, suggesting the Bobiverse may be evolving toward either dystopia or a split into separate societies.