“Perimeter check, east solarium 328, all secure. Continue scan,” Millers Unit 011 said.

Warm grey clouds hovered beneath the huge clear dome. Mounds of electric green spaghum moss in precise grid pattern dotted the coarse carpet of synth tree bark. The Android monitored the humidity levels. Something felt off.

“Organic gas levels within acceptable range, humidity 80 percent,” Millers Unit 011 said. The android didn’t have to speak but it missed the sound of talking. Meat or metal, Millers Unit 011 wasn’t really a people person. It had had enough of talking from his ag work on the Martian plantations. It had jumped at the chance to homestead alone among the outer moons.

“Temperature drop anomaly still unknown,” Millers Unit 011 said. No community, no ties, not even a name, the android had chosen sweet solitude. It preferred the quiet at first. Lifting a golden yellow cattleya big as a serving platter, Millers Unit 011 examined the frost burn on the outer petals.

“Orange alert, investigating potential security breach west section.” Feet pounding the android raced between the rows noting plant damage. Orchid mania raged among the wealthy and the popularity was reaching a wider demographic. The android’s farm was worth its weight in water.

“Interlopers located. Two humans deceased, atmospheric poisoning, one Android, Winchester Unit damaged by possible shun gun blast severely—“ Millers Unit 011 stopped mid sentence. There was a sound. Head swiveling rapidly, it needed to find that sound. Millers Unit 011 approached the fallen housekeeping robot. A faint cry came from beneath the damaged android.

“Dome breach located. Orchid thieves accessed western section most likely via hovership. Signs of hovership leaving orbit. Three cubic meters of orchid props stolen. One human recovered unharmed, approximately two Earth years. Dome patch by thieves holding. Alert saturnine police force. Repair Winchester unit. Replace wall replacement by next lunar cycle,” Millers Unit 011 said arms outstretched as the toddler crept up in its lap. Patting the child gently, Millers Unit 011 stood and googled What To Expect Toddler Edition. It carried the child in one arm and dragged the damaged android with the other.

“Mommy?”

“No, tiny human, I am so sorry for your loss. I got you. I will keep you safe. Please call me … Milly.”