32. Losing on Purpose

Bob's group executes a plan to get captured by the Resistance in Three Lagoons. After being tackled and manacled by a sword-wielding group, Bob is interrogated by their leader Frieda, who uses torture to try extracting information. When Bob demonstrates superhuman strength by breaking his restraints and throwing one of his captors through a wall, Frieda decides to involve higher-ups in the organization, suggesting Bob may finally get information about Bender.

Bob and three mannies walk through Three Lagoons as bait, deliberately attracting multiple groups of pursuers. Bridget's strategy works: two separate groups follow them. Bob separates from the other mannies and heads to the library plaza, where he encounters a chaotic fight between at least three groups of Quinlans—some armed with tranquilizer pistols, others with swords. Bob is tackled and captured by the sword-wielding group, led by a tough female named Frieda. Manacled with Quinlan restraints, Bob is taken to a nondescript building. During interrogation, Frieda questions him about his purpose; Bob claims he and his friends are travelers searching for someone. When Bob makes a joke about "Lords of Flatbush," Frieda orders torture using makeshift electrical devices wielded by a Popeye-like crew member. After enduring one shock, Bob breaks free from his manacles (weakened by tiny roamers he deployed), grabs Popeye by the fur, and hurls him into a wall. He then sits back down calmly. Frieda, recognizing Bob's unusual strength and odd behavior, decides to involve Resistance leadership. Bob is locked in a back room. He pings his friends to confirm they're safe: Garfield lost surveillance contact, Bridget and Will's mannies are anchored underwater. Bob then enters VR, where he receives concerning reports from Bill about Starfleet conflicts and compromised Bobiverse assets. He orders Guppy to secure autofactories and conduct a software audit.