18. Trouble with Snidely

Bob is accused by Snidely of being a fugitive and the authorities are called, but the situation is resolved when Bob's trunk is searched and found to contain only harmless items. Later that night, Theresa discovers Bob's hidden metal matrix and deduces he is not from Heaven's River, but chooses to keep his secret. As the Hurricane reaches Misty Falls, Bob must disembark with Theresa and Belinda, only to find himself surrounded by police.

Bob and the crew debate morality during lunch, with Theresa explaining the Iron, Silver, and Golden Rules. At Orchard Hill, Snidely accuses Bob of being a fugitive and brings police aboard. Captain Lisa refuses to let Snidely stay on the boat but allows the sergeant to search Bob's trunk, which contains only common items. Snidely is ejected and faces consequences from the constabulary for wasting their time. That night, Bob attempts to swap the contents of his trunk with a shipping container holding Bender's matrix, but Theresa interrupts him. She has deduced that Bob is not a native Quinlan based on inconsistencies in his knowledge and references to different gravity levels. Bob confesses he is from outside Heaven's River, reveals the matrix is his own creation taken by the Administrator, and explains he is trying to recover it. Theresa promises not to expose him but implies she will miss their philosophical discussions. The next day, as the Hurricane approaches Misty Falls—its final stop before turning around—Ted mentions that Theresa and Belinda will disembark there. When they reach the docks and disembark, Bob is shocked to find themselves walking into a circle of police.