[Ralph gives him a single nod, it's rather curt, he's frustrated about the situation. But, there's nothing he can do about it now, except help clean up the mess.]

Right, and even then, it's not a great solution. Once we get everybody cleared out, we're gonna light it up and run it as long as it can.

[From what they've been told, it's a high-power operation, so it can only be activated for short periods of time before it cuts off.

Ralph snorts softly, shaking his head.]

They're impressive, I'll give all of ya that. But, looks to me like they're more trouble than they're worth.

[He could see the applications of them, they could even replace the Space Marines. They could do their jobs, plus more, and not have to be paid. They didn't have to eat, either, they gobbled up anything they could get their claws on. However, they're completely out of control and doing far more harm than they could ever do good.

Ralph watches as Virgil shows off his improvised weapon, and he's genuinely impressed.

He grins.]

Nice! That'll definitely stop 'em in their tracks. Wonder if it's bright enough to activate that failsafe of theirs?

[They were attracted to the Beacon because of its light, would fire have the same effect on them?]