Chapter Two: Mending Fences

Bill receives a message from Hugh inviting him to the launch of JOVAH Version 2, their first true AI. Despite lingering resentment over Hugh's unauthorized technology trade with ANEC during the Heaven's River adventure, Bill decides to accept the invitation and attempt to reconcile.

Bill is reviewing ecological survey data on Ragnarök when Hugh contacts him. Bill reflects on their strained relationship since Heaven's River concluded—specifically his frustration that Hugh traded SURGE drive and SCUT communications technology with ANEC without consulting him, though Bill acknowledges the AI technology received in return was valuable. Bill also notes his missing Garfield, who has departed to establish his own operation in Alpha Centauri. Hugh's message expresses regret about their parting but asserts he still believes his trade decision was correct, so he offers no apology. Instead, Hugh invites Bill to the launch of JOVAH Version 2, described as the first instantiation of a true AI, promising minimal drama with speeches, technical discussion, and food. Hugh includes a security token for accessing the private launch network. Bill considers the token's purpose in the post-Starfleet War Bobiverse, where replicative drift has made Bobs inherently untrusting of one another. After brief deliberation, Bill decides he is not busy and accepts the invitation, motivated partly by the opportunity to mend their relationship. He adds the launch to his calendar.