11. Bob – August 15, 2133

Bob awakens from standby and learns that another replicant competitor has gone psychotic and been lost. Dr. Landers explains the dangers of high subjective time experience for digital minds. Bob requests intellectual stimulation through access to libraries to cope with his situation and inquire about family descendants, but learns such information is restricted under FAITH policy.

Bob regains consciousness after being put into standby by Dr. Landers, who explains that replicants experience time at an accelerated rate when inactive, leading to psychological breakdown. A competing replicant has suffered a catastrophic loop failure in the past twenty-four hours and been lost despite backup restoration attempts, reducing the competition from five to four candidates. Bob expresses concern about the psychological toll of isolation but is prevented from dwelling on it due to endocrine controls that suppress his grief. He requests access to intellectual materials and online libraries to keep his mind occupied, and asks about genealogy records to potentially reconnect with descendants. Dr. Landers denies this request, citing FAITH policy that restricts public access to personal information. Bob internalizes the finality of his separation from his former life and family, experiencing profound isolation. He resolves to remain compliant and uncontroversial while secretly resenting his lack of autonomy and vowing internal rebellion if circumstances permit.