68.      Recording

Jacques surveys Delta Pavonis 4 and discovers an intelligent species called the Pav, a meerkat-like civilization in their industrial age. Despite Bill's skepticism, Jacques decides he will not only build dreadnoughts but also colony ships to evacuate Pav off-planet if the Others attack, refusing to witness an entire species' extinction.

Jacques orbits Delta Pavonis 4 and observes a technologically advancing civilization beginning to experience industrial pollution. He communicates his findings to Bill, who suggests focusing on dreadnought production and helping Claude defend Gamma instead. Jacques firmly rejects this passive approach, declaring his intention to construct colony ships using Riker's design to evacuate Pav if the Others arrive. Bill expresses uncertainty but proposes discussing the idea with the larger group consciousness.

Jacques immediately begins resource acquisition, deploying scouts throughout the system to locate materials for autofactories. He then systematically studies the Pav civilization, which resembles early human societies but with notable differences: they are bipedal-capable meerkats standing six feet tall, practice group marriage structures of up to eight adults, and lack electronic media. Jacques infiltrates bookstores and reading clubs with roamers and drones to acquire language samples, successfully developing working vocabulary in Tinozj within a month. The mining operations confirm the system is resource-rich, particularly with asteroids. Jacques begins 3D-printer reproduction protocols, prioritizing printer production as a learned strategy, while awaiting the group's recommendations on manufacturing priorities—though he is prepared to build colony ships regardless of their consensus.