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Hal returns to GL 877 to test their modified decoy vessel against the Others' death asteroid weapon. A decoy ship equipped with new shielding technology engages the Others' forces, successfully scanning the death asteroid before being destroyed, though the scan reveals unexpected large living quarters aboard the alien vessel.

Hal arrives at GL 877 with a fleet of surveillance drones and a decoy vessel called Decoy-1, all enhanced with improvements designed to gather intelligence on the Others and test defensive modifications. The decoy deliberately attracts the attention of an Others battle-group and leads them on a chase through the inner system while Hal observes remotely via SCUT connection. Mario joins Hal in VR to watch the engagement unfold. Just as Decoy-1 completes a detailed SUDDAR scan of the pursuing Others' ships, the death asteroid fires and destroys the decoy ahead of schedule, catching both Hal and Mario off-guard. Hal notes that Garfield's calculations on the death asteroid's internal capabilities were inaccurate. Despite the early destruction, the decoy successfully transmitted its scan data before detonation. Analysis of the scan reveals unexpected large living quarters aboard the death asteroid, raising questions about the Others' size, crew requirements, or social structure. Hal considers the test a success regarding the new shielding technology and heads back toward GL 54.