41. Riker – May 2162 – Sol

Homer reflects on Riker's leadership failures with the enclaves and the Spits' ultimatum. Rather than support a frontal assault, Homer devises a strategy to resolve the conflict by manipulating the manufacturing schedule and working through Colonel Butterworth instead of approaching Riker directly.

Homer critiques Riker's rigid, humorless approach to managing the enclaves, contrasting him unfavorably with the original Bob's ability to handle people with humor and perspective. The Spits have issued an ultimatum demanding a place for Valter's people on the first ships. Homer recognizes this as a real problem but believes frontal assault is the wrong tactic. While contemplating solutions in his VR environment, Homer examines the ship manufacturing schedule and realizes that ship three is not significantly delayed compared to ships one and two. He sees an opportunity to adjust the schedule to satisfy Valter's demand for early departure without necessarily placing his people on the very first ships. Rather than presenting this idea directly to Riker, whom he views as too arrogant to listen, Homer decides to route the proposal through Colonel Butterworth, who Riker does respect. Homer makes a call to set this plan in motion.