AFTERWORD

Chapter 6

5. Investigation

Overview

Bob November investigates the wreckage of Bender's destroyed ship at Eta Leporis and discovers that Bender's replicant matrix and interface hardware have been deliberately removed, suggesting someone captured him for study. Bob posts about the discovery and meets with Luke, Marvin, Bill, and Original Bob to discuss next steps, while learning about emerging factions among the replicants that oppose his intervention.

Summary

Bob November arrives at the debris field surrounding Bender's destroyed ship near Eta Leporis. Analysis of the wreckage reveals an internal explosion caused by laser damage to the nuclear reactor control system, similar to an incident that killed Medeiros years ago. However, Bob had redesigned Bender's ship with extra protections for the replicant matrix. Upon detailed inspection, the roamers discover the matrix containment section intact but empty—the replicant matrix and all interface hardware have been carefully removed as a unit, indicating deliberate extraction rather than destruction. This suggests someone captured Bender alive, possibly for interrogation or study, which deeply concerns Bob given his memories of Homer's torture. Realizing he has alerted potential observers to his presence through increased activity, Bob shifts from rushed investigation to cautious paranoia for the week-long journey back. He decides to post a blog entry announcing the discovery rather than wait, and soon receives visits from Luke, Marvin, Bill, and Original Bob. The group discusses locating the Boojum base and considering a raid if necessary. Bill warns Bob about "Starfleet," a faction of replicants (led by Morlock) advocating a Prime Directive-like policy against interference with humans or alien situations. Bill also mentions other emerging factions including the "Borg" and the "Skippies" (singularity-seekers), most of whom oppose Bob's planned intervention. Bob realizes he has significant political pushback to contend with alongside the physical search for Bender.

Characters

  • Bob NovemberMain POV character investigating Bender's destroyed ship; discovers the replicant matrix is missing and decides to pursue a rescue operation.
  • BenderReferenced throughout; the captured replicant whose ship was destroyed and whose matrix was extracted by unknown parties.
  • LukeResponds to Bob's blog post and meets with him to discuss the discovery and next steps.
  • MarvinResponds to Bob's blog post along with Luke and Bill; participates in the planning discussion.
  • BillJoins the meeting and warns Bob about the Starfleet faction and other replicant groups opposing intervention.
  • MedeirosReferenced in memory; suffered a similar reactor failure and matrix destruction years ago in Epsilon Eridani.
  • HomerReferenced as an example of a replicant subjected to torture.
  • MorlockLeader of the Starfleet faction, referenced as advocating for non-interference policies.
  • Original BobMentioned at chapter's end; Bob November notes that Original Bob never cared about prestige or social pressure.
  • WillReferenced as someone observing the situation; Bob assumes he will keep quiet about the discovery.
  • JeevesEnters with coffee during the meeting in Bob's office.
  • BoojumsReferenced as the presumed makers of the laser weapon that destroyed Bender's ship; their base location is unknown and sought.
  • StarfleetFaction of replicants opposing intervention, trying to generate social pressure against Bob's planned actions.