24. Riker – April 2157 – Sol

Bob awakens as a newly created replicant (Bob-1, now calling himself Riker) and discovers he is a copy of a copy. After transferring to his new Heaven-1A ship, Bob oversees the activation of four additional replicants—Riker, Bill, Milo, and Mario—each choosing new identities and VR environments. The five Bobs discuss their future missions and begin dividing responsibilities, with Bill volunteering to stay in Epsilon Eridani to conduct research and monitor for Earth signals, while the others prepare to depart for different objectives.

Bob, now designating himself as the original Bob-1, successfully transfers his consciousness into Heaven-1A and activates four additional replicants. Each new Bob quickly develops distinct personalities and preferences: Riker adopts a Starfleet aesthetic and captain's chair, Bill takes an Adirondack chair in natural surroundings, Milo positions himself on a Flash Gordon-style airship platform, and Mario remains minimalist with a gray background. During their conference, the Bobs debate future activities including exploring Earth, hunting for other probes, terraforming, and establishing a Bob factory in the current system. Bill unexpectedly volunteers to remain in Epsilon Eridani, revealing he developed a different interest in theoretical physics research after his SUDDAR emitter malfunction suggested long-range signal possibilities. He also proposes terraforming EE-2 and names it Ragnarök. Riker expresses frustration when Milo refuses to accompany him on a reconnaissance mission to Sol, prompting Riker to consider creating another copy instead. Mario remains largely silent and antisocial throughout. Bob and Bill later discuss privately their unease with how quickly distinct personalities emerged, with Bill raising an unsettling philosophical question: whether Bob-1 is truly identical to the original Bob or merely another variation. The chapter ends with the Bobs preparing for a going-away party before departing on their separate missions.