6. The Search Expands

Bob and three other instances (Will, Bill, and Garfield) discuss the implications of replicant divergence and society before turning their attention to analyzing ballistic scout data from Eta Leporis I. They discover a massive megastructure in the system: a continuous cylinder fifty-six miles in radius wound in a helical torus knot pattern around the star—a topopolis—and evidence that planets have been dismantled to provide construction material. Bob devises a plan to gather detailed information using stealth drones equipped with fractal-surface camouflage.

Bob recovers from a deliberate hangover in virtual reality while discussing with Will, Bill, and Garfield the cultural and social consequences of replicant proliferation. They examine how divergence among Bobs is inevitable and how the Bobiverse has become somewhat of a monoculture dependent on specialists like Bridget for biological expertise. The conversation shifts to explaining why humans prefer corpsicle storage to replication and why postmortem revival via stasis has become popular among humanity. Bill mentions the Singularity Project and other Bobiverse endeavors like the Jaegers and Silkies attempting imaginative spacecraft designs. Bill also notes that Starfleet poses a potential concern if they move beyond theoretical discussion. Upon moving to the control room, they review ballistic scout data from the Boojum system. The system shows an unnatural planetary spacing with three rocky planets, three gas giants, and a suspicious gap. Planet Two shows no signs of life or radio traffic. Guppy reports the system has been swept clean of smaller bodies and moons. The holotank reveals the megastructure: a continuous cylinder fifty-six miles in radius forming a helical torus knot pattern wrapped three times around the star. Bill identifies it as a topopolis and explains its theoretical feasibility. Will realizes the missing planets have been harvested for construction material. The group recognizes they cannot simply scan for Bender's matrix across billions of miles of complex structure and instead devise a two-pronged approach: close examination of the Boojum homeworld and detailed scans of the megastructure itself. Bill proposes using fractal-surface camouflage technology acquired from the USE combined with heat sinks to reduce detection signatures. They plan to deploy modified cargo drones with high-resolution surveillance equipment to gather intelligence. Will undertakes research on topopolis megastructures, and Bill and Garfield provide technical specifications. Within a week, Bob's autofactory produces the modified stealth drones, and the expedition launches toward the system.