Chapter 67

Riker oversees the final loading and departure of the first colony ships from Earth orbit, with ten thousand USE colonists in stasis heading for a new world. After ceremonies and final preparations, the ships successfully launch and pass Mars's orbit, marking a major milestone for the Bob collective's colonization efforts.

Riker monitors the boarding process as colonists arrive via shuttle to be loaded into stasis pods aboard three colony ships parked in low Earth orbit. He reflects on the mundane nature of the shuttle commute and the coming eighteen-year voyage, during which only six years will pass aboard ship while colonists remain in stasis. The ceremony preceding departure is lengthy and tedious, attended by USE officials and other delegations. Howard, the newest Bob clone, accompanies the ships as escort and security, equipped with Bill's recent inventions in case of problems. Riker has withheld placement of the replicant matrices until the final moment to prevent sabotage, and notes that hacking attempts have ceased, suggesting whoever was behind them may have given up. A third colony ship designated for the Spits and FAITH enclave will depart in four months to establish the second settlement. Additional vessels are under construction to maintain a steady stream of exodus from Terra. As Riker watches the ships pass Mars's orbit, he experiences a wave of emotion at having achieved this launch after over a decade of effort. Homer, his companion AI, grins and prepares to brief him on ongoing tasks.