19.      Prey

Riker confronts the aftermath of a VEHEMENT terrorist attack that killed fifty cattle in the Maldives, marking the group's first loss of life. He discusses the incident with UN representative Ms. Sharma and recognizes that VEHEMENT's escalation from nuisance to serious threat requires a coordinated response.

Riker reviews video footage of poisoned cattle in a Maldives paddock—fifty animals dead in what constitutes the third terrorist act by VEHEMENT in a month. He meets with Ms. Sharma, the UN representative for the Maldives, who is visibly distressed. Though they haven't killed humans yet, Riker privately considers this an act of war and acknowledges his uncertainty about whether he could actually take a life if confronted. The loss is strategically damaging: the cattle represent high-quality calories and breeding capacity that multiple Earth enclaves depend on for food subsidies. Ms. Sharma pledges to establish a UN task force at tomorrow's meeting, signaling an end to the strategy of ignoring VEHEMENT to deny them attention. Riker reviews VEHEMENT's pronouncement declaring humanity has ruined the solar system and must be eliminated. He forwards the threat to Homer, Charles, Ralph, and Bill. Homer responds by revealing he has been under-reporting production and can provide a small surplus to offset the lost calories. Riker remains concerned that VEHEMENT's attacks will escalate.