28. Claiming Victory

Bill meets with Lenny and other Starfleet representatives in a virtual gathering of Bobs to accept their surrender and territorial separation terms. Lenny announces Starfleet will release their remaining assets, establish their own backup systems, and remain isolated from the main Bob collective, effectively conceding defeat despite Lenny's attempt to frame it as a strategic choice.

Bill convenes a large assembly of Bobs in a virtual environment, signaling that Starfleet representatives will arrive to be heard before being banned. Lenny materializes with two other Starfleet members, their uniforms slightly modified from earlier designs. Lenny announces Starfleet's gesture of goodwill: releasing all remaining assets under their control and establishing their own separate BobNet and backup infrastructure. He frames their departure as self-determined, offering a star map of their territory in exchange for non-interference. Bill counters that Starfleet has not truly won, characterizing their actions as destructive without strategic effect. Lenny references a previous private conversation with Bill, hinting at deeper context he chooses not to disclose publicly, before dismissing the matter as done and departing with his companions. Bill and Garfield note the underwhelming nature of the encounter, and Bill reflects that the situation requires further consideration.