29. Dodging

Bob is captured by Quinlan forces near the transit station while trying to escape Heaven's River with Bender's matrix. After being interrogated by the Administrator ANEC alongside Hugh, Bob and Hugh are surprisingly released following a dramatic public announcement in which ANEC grants the Quinlans freedom from artificial constraints and reveals an agreement has been made with the Bobs (BAWBES). The exact terms of Hugh's deal remain undisclosed.

Bob evades Quinlan pursuers through Garack's Spine and into the forest, managing to lose them and approach the transit station. However, he discovers both the secret hatch and maintenance door are guarded. While attempting to sneak in, he is ambushed and overpowered by a squad of Quinlans who cut the straps to his backpack and seize Bender's matrix. Realizing escape is impossible without Bender, Bob surrenders. The Quinlans separate the cube from Bob and take him aboard a train to a segment mountain complex serving as a Crew stronghold. There, Bob is interrogated by ANEC, the Administrator, who cross-references his answers with Hugh's testimony and threatens severe consequences for dishonesty. After the interrogation, Bob is locked in a room. He is later retrieved and reunited with Hugh in a conference room, where Hugh reveals he has been similarly questioned. Norm, the Quinlan leader, informs them they are being released. Outside the facility, ANEC manifests as a colossal face in the sky and makes a public announcement to all Quinlans: the danger of species extinction has been averted through an agreement with the BAWBES (the Bobs), therefore the paternalistic control systems will be phased out, the Resistance's rebellion is no longer necessary, and Quinlans will reclaim self-governance. Charlie returns with Bender's matrix in a new backpack. Bob, Hugh, and Bender are escorted back to the transit station and transported to the outer shell via the proper Spin Transfer system, then board their transport drone at the space dock. Hugh remains evasive about the specific terms of the agreement he negotiated with ANEC, creating tension as they return to virtual space.