72.      Battle

Howard receives news that his friend Stéphane is dying of Haliburton's Encephalopathy on Vulcan and will not last more than a few weeks. He contacts Bill and Garfield about their android project, learns they can produce plans for a human-equivalent android within three months, and arranges to have one built and sent to Vulcan. Howard then speaks with Bridget about Stéphane's condition and reviews the completed android prototype called Manny with Dexter.

While investigating HIP 14101, Howard receives an update from Dexter containing devastating news: Stéphane has contracted Haliburton's Encephalopathy, a fatal disease with no treatment that will kill him within six months. Struck by the reminder of human mortality, Howard immediately contacts Bridget and arranges calls. He then visits Bill and Garfield's laboratory, which is focused on developing weapons for the Others' arrival at Delta Pavonis. When Howard mentions needing a human-equivalent android for a funeral within three months, Bill and Garfield reveal they have a working prototype and can provide manufacturing plans within the required timeframe. Bill confirms the android could be produced in three months. Howard asks them to send the plans to Dexter on Vulcan. Later, after Dexter confirms the android is ready, Howard calls Bridget to check on Stéphane's condition. She reports Stéphane is no longer lucid and doctors estimate he has only a couple of weeks left. Howard realizes he won't be able to say goodbye to his friend. He then meets with Dexter in VR to review the completed android, designated Manny. The android features a carbon-fiber skeleton, memory-plastic muscles, and neural feedback systems, though it currently resembles a mannequin with pale plastic skin, no hair, and limited facial muscle control. Dexter notes all tests were successful and offers Howard the opportunity to perform the first activation.