The messages passed furiously from one side to the other, some up, some down, a constant flurry of communication crucial for the survival of the colony.

There was always a sense of urgency, the network working diligently to relay news, send reports, keep one team up to scratch with another.

Above them was the product of their diligence. The towering edifice that was the result of their labours, growing stronger, an example of their commitment.

The keeper of the system, Hermanie Root, surveyed the day’s work, nodded in recognition of the success each team had achieved and breathed a sigh of relief that the wind had not blown as hard as was predicted.

Hermanie disliked the wind; it bent the tree, distorted the handiwork of his workers, set them back and caused him to schedule overtime, which never went down well with his superiors.

It was time he decided to…