21.      Attacks Continue

Howard coordinates raptor defense efforts at the Vulcan colony, responding to increasingly intelligent predator attacks. He meets with Colonel Butterworth to discuss security measures, then confers with Bob and Bill about surveillance systems and the concerning threat posed by the Others—an alien species systematically depopulating planets for resources.

Howard's observation drone assists a hunting party led by Stéphane in repelling a raptor ambush, destroying one attacker with a buster round. The colony has expanded security protocols due to successful raptor predation on settlers, though the planning committee bears blame for earlier lapses. Howard surveys the established Landing City from above, noting the perimeter fence, cleared zones, and organized layout with administrative buildings, airport, and manufacturing centers. He later meets with Colonel Butterworth, who expresses concern about the raptor threat but satisfaction with Howard's aerial surveillance system proposal. Howard then conducts a meeting with Bob and Bill via VR around a campfire, discussing the ambush incident, surveillance implementation, and Bob's sadness watching the Deltans age. They mention finishing decanting settlers from Exodus-3 and Howard's plans to print oak barrels for distillery purposes. The conversation shifts abruptly when Butterworth contacts Howard in a rage: the Others, an alien species, are systematically depopulating planets by harvesting metals and rare elements. Butterworth fears Vulcan is exposed, but Howard counters that it's relatively safer than Earth. Mario's scout-Bobs are mapping the Others' activity, while Bill investigates defensive technologies. Butterworth ends by noting success with farm donuts and the accelerated timeline for Spits and FAITH colonies.