Wall and Ceiling Scrubbers, or WaCS were just what BaBS-Y had assumed they were. They also only had a working time of three hours before their batteries would need to be recharged, longer if they weren’t using their scrubbers but even still they couldn’t last for more than six hours even sitting stationary. That meant CaSS was indeed needing to keep them both charged during the day, and that they were likely either taking turns to guard CaSS or else staying at the salon while CaSS recharged. Either way it left CaSS and the salon vulnerable while it charged.

There were hours still to go before the evening would arrive, however. BaBS-Y’s batteries were mostly charged so it set out begin its work. Pushing and pulling the CaSS shell around was clearly not a good long-term solution, particularly now that it only had one arm. Since BaBS-Y had the time, it was determined to resolve the issue and find a way for it to move about without needing to use its one remaining hand to hold onto and steer CaSS. For one thing, it would make it much easier, not to mention safer, to navigate throughout the sector.

This unit lacks sufficient internal storage space for batteries and power controllers

BaBS-Y strolled through the sector, looking at the various establishments and their wares. A good sized wagon seemed promising thanks to its better handling but it still required BaBS-Y to pull it by the handle.

Run a search on hands free methods for carrying large burdens

A few vehicles, autonomous conveyors, and the like filled the first several results. Then BaBS-Y came to references to backpacks and duffel bags. Their designs were straightforward enough. Balancing the weight and securing the batteries and power controllers inside a bag would be difficult, but if BaBS-Y could make it work, these looked like just the solution it was searching for.

Run a search for backpacks within Thesis inventory

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Thesis Active Wear and The Student Model both list backpacks in their inventories

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Thesis Active Wear is in Sector 13

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The Student Model is in Sector 17

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This unit is in Sector 12

BaBS-Y looked back towards the direction it had come from. Its charging station was right beside the stairs and elevators that connected the different sectors together.

Emergency protocols will have sealed all exits to prevent undamaged sectors from depressurizing

Thesis Active Wear, although only one sector up from where BaBS-Y was, was closed off from the salon robot by the emergency doors.

Thesis authorities will notice if emergency doors are opened unless this unit overrides their control of the door

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This unit will not be able to conceal its actions on Sector 13 because Thesis authorities have access to security cameras in Sector 13 unless this unit overrides their control over security cameras

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This unit is unlikely to succeed in overriding the Thesis authorities without detection

BaBS-Y was about to let the idea of gaining access to the other sectors of the ship drop when a new idea came to it.

There are still potential clients on the other sectors

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Thesis authorities might have only ejected the clients on this sector due to this units actions

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Run a search for updated commands for sectors 12-15

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Only sector 12’s robots had received any new instructions. All the other sectors had their power shut off and robots deactivated. As BaBS-Y scanned through the log, it found that sector 15 didn’t have its power cut anymore. Two days ago the power had been turned on.

Run a search for reports on sector 15

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Repairs.

The Thesis authorities were repairing sector 15. A few more searches revealed the extent of the damage the Thesis had taken. That explained why it was taking so long for them to get to these sectors.

This unit was incorrect in assuming Thesis authorities were no longer overseeing this sector

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This unit could wait for Thesis authorities to complete their repairs, and then reopen the Frank Nelis Salon

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Logic Error: Thesis authorities will likely deactivate this unit and repurpose the Frank Nelis Salon

In order for this unit to maintain the Frank Nelis Salon, Thesis authorities must not complete repairs to this sector

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This unit must find a way to interfere with the Thesis authority’s repair efforts

Before BaBS-Y could let that train of thought go much further, it knew it needed to deal with the immediate needs. It needed a backpack, or something like it. Mobility and autonomy were key elements it was currently lacking. It couldn’t get to the other sectors just yet, so it would have to find something other than what Thesis Active Wear or The Student Model carried.

Download schematic for a backpack

Several schematics were found and downloaded. Most were obviously too small or weak. A few looked like they might do, and then BaBS-Y found a schematic that looked most promising.

Hiking backpacks weren’t carried in either establishment but the Thesis had a schematic for them nonetheless in anticipation of there being a need for them once the colony ship arrived at its eventual destination. Those packs could easily carry dozens of kilograms. Their straps distributed the load quite well and their durable construction meant they could be used for extended periods of time without fear of them wearing out.

Heavy cloth, aluminum poles, cord, were all common enough materials

These components can be found within this sector

Assembly will require additional time due to this unit’s damaged arm

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Thesis Authorities are now primary threat

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Reorganizing priorities:

Construct hiking backpack for improved mobility and autonomy

Construct new programs for observing Thesis authorities progress with repairs

Construct methods for interfering or preventing repairs to sectors 12-15

Disable all robots on sector 12

Gain access to other sectors in order to collect additional clients

Reopen the Frank Nelis Salon

That done, BaBS-Y went straight to the establishments that carried sewing and crafts materials.