7.      Back to Work

Howard responds to the first lethal threat at Colony Site Howard: a pack of raptor-like predators attacks construction equipment, injuring a backhoe. Howard coordinates with security chief Brodeur to design and produce surveillance drones, and meets with Colonel Butterworth to discuss expanded defensive and monitoring strategies for the growing colony.

Five days after humans land on Vulcan, security chief Stéphane Brodeur reports an attack by therapod-like raptors on a backhoe at the fence construction boundary. The predators, which resemble movie velociraptors but with shark-like serrated teeth, cause damage to the equipment but no human casualties. Howard immediately deploys drones to the scene and contacts Bill in Epsilon Eridani for advanced drone designs. He then physically inspects the site, observing the fence construction progress (one-third complete, five meters tall) and the clear-cut area around it. He notes concerns about the fence's height against larger native fauna. While surveying the area, Howard spots Romulus, the sister planet where future FAITH colonists will settle, and reflects on the tensions with Minister Cranston. Back in his VR space, Howard reprograms his 3D printers to produce four full squads of observation drones alongside the orbiting farm construction. Later, Colonel Butterworth summons Howard for a video conference where Butterworth praises Howard's swift drone response and reviews surveillance plans. Butterworth mentions decanting farming specialists from stasis within a week and expresses hope that future colonists might be redirected elsewhere. The chapter ends with Butterworth's concern that more waves of colonists are coming faster than anticipated.