1823, Population Census (Part 1)
Duchy of Dawn, Modell Sector, Annaj Planet, Temporary City No. 2.
Carl Kestis picked up a connector for a modular housing unit and accurately tossed it to Ferman, who was standing on the second floor. Ferman installed the connector neatly, then gave it a hard shove to make sure the wall before him was firmly secured.
"This side's done!" Ferman called out. He then lifted the heavy installation tool one-handed and jumped down.
"Next is the roof. Muni has already taken JG-091 over there." Carl Kestis dusted himself off and looked approvingly at the two-story house before them. "Once we finish this house, we'll get another bonus today! My treat—how about a couple of drinks?"
Ferman laughed loudly. "Hahahaha! No problem, let's have a few more beers! I'm hooked on this Duchy of Dawn specialty!"
At that moment, the other two workers in their group approached from the other side with a construction robot bearing the designation JG-091 painted on its body.
The robot was holding up a modular roof. Although it was strong enough, the roof was over five meters square, making the robot's center of gravity somewhat unstable as it carried it. The two workers were helping it keep its balance from the side.
There was no helping it. This was what their work in the temporary city was like. Aside from a few robots, there was hardly any advanced construction machinery. To put it bluntly, the Duchy of Dawn authorities were finding busywork for them—a form of work relief.
"Careful! Don't let the roof fall!" Carl Kestis shouted in warning, running over with Ferman to help.
But at that moment, something unexpected happened!
The roof module held aloft by the robot suddenly tilted, struck a signal light pole beside it, and then