16 Chapter 15

Jacob and Sophia had retreated to the printer area to protect the equipment from any potentially dangerous refugees. They knew they couldn't risk any damage to it.

After a few minutes, the people who had taken shelter calmed down and realized that they were not under attack.

They remembered the announcement they had heard and saw the AI orb hovering near their shoulders. Some of them had horrified looks on their faces as they realized what they had just taken part in.

Adewale and the guards burst through the doors, shouting commands for everyone to get down on their knees with their hands behind their heads. Adewale was wearing a tactical vest with hexagons meshed into a black material.

Many of the people screamed in fear, thinking that they might be shot.

Jacob approached Adewale and said, "Arrest these people, Adewale. Genesis, please restrict AI usage to anyone who took part in this stampede. We have a lot of work to do. Three more colonists have died in less than 24 hours. I'm so sick of this bullsh*t."

"Yes, sir," Adewale replied, maintaining a professional demeanour. He knew from previous experience that intimidation was often the best way to get people to think rationally in situations like these.

The people were escorted out and taken to an apartment building behind the storage facility. The residents there were asked to double up with others for an extra ration for a week.

Most of them had been present for the riot, so they were more than willing to help, still in shock from the events they had witnessed.

Jacob watched as people worked to clean up the mess at the food stall. Many goods had been damaged and now they needed to make more.

He said, "Make some refugees do the manual labour. They should help fix what they damaged."

Jacob looked over to Akiko and Diego, who had arrived on the scene as soon as they received Adewale's message about the emergency. Diego had been down by the ocean. Filling up the water box with Akiko, when the incident occurred. They left the box and ran back as soon as they heard the news.

"While we can't force them to hurt themselves, we have to consider the lack of prison facilities and the fact that the attack last night showed just how cruel this world can be. Considering that, I think it's acceptable to encourage everyone in the colony to work as much as possible until we can guarantee some safety and stability. Fifteen people were injured today, and Steven the cook has serious third-degree burns. Dr. Amrit is also limited in terms of facilities and staff. We need to do what we can to ensure our safety," Akiko said with surprising determination. Jacob had never heard her speak with such force before.

Diego nodded in agreement.

Jacob took their words to heart. The harsh reality of their situation was really sinking in for many of the colonists. After a full day to process what had happened and realize their situation, survival instincts were kicking in. People were going to do whatever it took to survive.

If Jacob and the others could channel that energy into projects that would increase their safety, they could make a lot of progress much faster than if they just relied on volunteers.

"You're both right... I want everyone in the colony, even the refugees from today, to live a better life. But we have to work for it. This isn't a vacation, and there's no governing body we can complain to if things go wrong. We must take responsibility for our own futures," Jacob said.

With determination, he looked at Genesis and took a deep breath.

"Send a message to the entire colony. Explain that we're no longer on Earth and that there's no one coming to help us. If we want to go back to our old lives, we have to work for it. Everyone who is able should contribute. Consider it like martial law has been put in place. Follow the guards' orders unless it endangers your life and report any abuse of power by the guards through your AI."

Jacob paused for a moment, then added, "Include the video logs of what happened during the riot, as well as Ryan's experience with the monster. Everyone should see what happened and understand the dangers we face."

It was a harsh message, but Jacob needed them to understand the gravity of their situation. While many people had heard about the attack from the night before, few had seen it for themselves. Now they could see the terrifying things that lurked in the forest.

"Did anyone come forward to volunteer for scouting?" Jacob asked.

"Yes, sir. Four individuals volunteered. One of them is from the refugee group and didn't take part in the riot," the AI replied.

"Tell them to meet at the storage facility. But first, I need to talk to Adewale and Sophia. Could you call them for me?"

"Yes, sir. One moment while I wait for their response," the AI said.

A few seconds later, blue holograms of Adewale and Sophia appeared. Both of them had frowns on their faces.

"Hey, thanks for answering. This holographic call feature is so convenient, isn't it, Sophia?" Jacob said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah, it's cool. What do you need, Jacob? I'm really busy with the printers and teaching laser welding techniques," Sophia replied, speaking in a more serious tone than Jacob had heard from her before. She was still troubled because she had used a tool for creation, on a human for violence.

"Well... what do you recommend we do for protection? I was thinking we could use the wood to build a fence around the square. That way, when people approach, there will be less chance of damage to the colony. I'm sure there's at least one carpenter or tradesperson here. If you can make some nails and hammers, it would be a big help," Jacob said.

"We can use the larger logs to create a perimeter around the colony. Those lizards have extremely sharp claws, and Dr. Amrit thinks they might climb, too. So, the height of the barrier isn't as important as having a safe spot out of reach of their tails... assuming those are the only dangers to the colony. Other species might be stopped by a taller barrier. We should stack the cut trees at least 5 meters high," Adewale said.

"Well, since we don't have the ability to dig deep or use heavy machinery, we'll have to make the logs smaller to move them. I'll also work on a cart that people can use to transport them. The blueprint should be simple as long as the printer can make the bearings. I'll look in the store for a cheap lubricant, too. Don't worry, I'll use my own points. I received another 300 for saving the colony leader," Sophia added.

"I see. Honestly, Sophia, thank you. What you did was under extreme stress, and your body was pumping adrenaline. It was the right thing to do. I'm safe, and that guy didn't suffer serious damage. You kept the proper distance to not harm him permanently. Be proud of that compassionate mind you have," Jacob said.

Sophia looked down for a moment, then back up at Jacob. "Thanks for that. You have a way with words, Jacob. If there's nothing else, I'll get right to work," she said, finally smiling.

"What do you think, Adewale? Am I forgetting anything about the two dangers we're facing?" Jacob asked.

"For now, we can only focus on increasing our firepower and defenses. But I'm not naïve; we also need to secure food. Starving is a more dangerous enemy than riots or what the guards are calling 'Swiftstalker's'," Adewale said.

"Once I get everyone organized, we can figure out where we're lacking and tackle the issues accordingly. I wanted to get that iron printer tomorrow, but it might take an extra day or two. Thanks for your help, both of you. Adewale, make sure the refugees who are responsible eat and start working on different projects right away. Keep them away from each other and let them talk to the locals so they can understand what's going on," Jacob said.

"Yes, sir!" Adewale saluted.

The holograms disappeared. Jacob turned to Diego and Akiko and said, "You two, please do what you can. Akiko, try to think of a way we can deal with these people who are arriving every day. Simply putting up a fence to stop them from running, won't change them from not knowing what's going on. They'll feel like they're back on Earth just moments before they arrived here."

"Yes, Jacob. I'll do my best to come up with a way to help them cope. It will make transitions easier and reduce the risk of riots," Akiko said, bowing slightly before walking away to survey the square.

"Diego, we're going to have to move the ration stand to another area. After what happened to Steven, I think it would be safer to use one street to the left or right of the storage facility," Jacob said.

"Sure, that sounds good," Diego replied before turning around and getting back to work. He needed to help cook the rations again because of the earlier ones being spilled.

Jacob took another deep breath. Yesterday it felt as if they had just been playing around, but today it was time to get serious. He turned and walked towards the group of four individuals who were standing beside the storage facility. He was trying to cope with the fact he had just murdered another human. And focusing on everyone else was the best way for him to do that.