61. Howard – September 2188 – Omicron2 Eridani

Riker (Bob) and his team witness the completion of the two colony ships, Exodus-1 and Exodus-2, in Earth orbit. With final assembly complete, the ships await system tests and a shakedown cruise before departure. Riker reflects on the achievement and discusses plans with his sister Julia's descendants, including details about the third and fourth colony ships.

Riker and three other Bobs (Homer, Charles, and Ralph) observe from a half-kilometer distance as the final drive ring connections are made to complete Exodus-1 and Exodus-2. Despite having access to drone video feeds, they chose to witness the event in person, caught up in the significance of the moment. UN delegates stream the completion ceremony, with deliberate restraint preventing lengthy speeches. The construction AMI confirms all connections successful, officially completing both colony ships. Later, Riker speaks with his sister Julia via video, surrounded by her family. He outlines the remaining work: system tests, integration tests, stress tests, and a shakedown cruise. When Julia asks about Exodus-3, Riker confirms it will carry her family and the Spits group—a promise he extracted from Cranston before accepting his proposal. Approximately three hundred people unable to fit on Exodus-3 will board a fourth ship and receive established homes upon arrival at Omicron 2 Eridani. Julia reflects that Riker's arrival reversed the despair that had gripped humanity about potential extinction, and she expresses gratitude that her generation has a future. Her young son Justin reacts with laughter as Riker makes faces at him.