54. Riker – October 2170 – Sol

Riker struggles to negotiate food aid for starving settlements while managing the political rivalries among the survivor groups in Sol. The chapter ends with the shocking discovery that Arthur, one of the four Bobs, has been killed by a booby-trapped nuclear device at Saturn, forcing an immediate change to their operational plans.

Riker meets with the colonel to discuss the humanitarian crisis unfolding across the survivor settlements. VEHEMENT's attacks on food supplies have left several groups facing starvation through winter, but the wealthy enclaves—USE, FAITH, and the Spits—refuse to share their reserves, viewing the dying groups as reduced competition for emigration slots. After three hours of failed negotiation, Riker ends the discussion in frustration. Homer observes the worsening climate conditions mean most groups cannot sustain themselves on current production. Homer suggests space stations as a solution, though acknowledging the complexity. Mid-conversation, Homer receives telemetry indicating Arthur has been killed by a nuclear booby trap while scavenging near Saturn. Homer speculates Arthur grew careless despite previous warnings. With Arthur dead and no recent backup available, Riker and Homer must accelerate plans to create a fourth Bob and consider using Homer's printer resources to support both scavenging and Bob production. Riker informs Bill for the archives and prepares for a wake once Charles returns to Earth orbit.