We Are Legion (We Are Bob)

Book 2: Chapter 27: Luke Returns

Book 2: Chapter 27: Luke Returns

Bob

March 2178

Delta Eridani

I walked through the village VR, watching the activity. There had been improvements in the six years since I’d been kicked out. I had enough hidden cameras and camouflaged drones around the village now to feed a real-time VR. No more recorded scenes.

Archimedes had finally started taking my tent design seriously. A few other couples copied the result, and now there were a half-dozen pretty good facsimiles of teepees scattered through the village. It was the dry season, but once the rains started up again, I expected this innovation to increase in popularity.

I was trying to ignore a couple engaging in some very public displays of affection when I received a ping. From Luke!

I responded and he popped in. “Hey, Bob. Long time.”

I laughed. “Oh, yes. I went through it, too. You don’t expect a VR link across light years, and I notice that Bill’s transmitted plans still don’t mention the possibility. So, where are you right now?”

Luke turned to me. “Bows and arrows? Wow, dude. Moving things right along.”

I waved a hand in dismissal. “Sooner or later the hippogriffs will find them again. I want them to be ready.”

Luke nodded and materialized a La-Z-Boy. “Good to be back. This looks like fun. Where’s Marvin?”

“He took off a few years ago, right after I got kicked out of Camelot. He keeps in touch, though.”

“Cool. I’ll look him up when I have a moment. Heard from Bender?”

I shook my head. “No, and I have no idea why. One of my clones has followed his flight plan, and should be able to report something in a year or two.”

Luke nodded. I materialized the couch and coffee table setup and got comfortable. There’s always time to get caught up with old friends.