how did rocky and grace collect the predator

Rocky and Grace collected the predator by finding it on the surface of Adrian, then sampling and breeding it in the Hail Mary’s lab so they could use it against astrophage. In the story, Grace names the organism taumoeba , and he later sends instructions and samples so it can be used to help save both Earth and Rocky’s world.

Quick Scoop

The short version is:

• They first discovered that Adrian’s surface had a tiny organism that naturally ate astrophage.

• Grace and Rocky then used the ship’s lab to test it and grow stronger versions.

• The plan was to take the predator back to Earth and also help Rocky’s planet with the same solution.

Why it matters

The catch is that the predator also eats the same astrophage being used as fuel, so the discovery solves one problem but creates another for their return trip. That’s why the plot turns into a race to save both civilizations before the fuel supply runs out.

If you want, I can also give you the full plot beat-by-beat explanation of how they found it and why Rocky’s ship became a problem.