Treet is one of the young men who emerged from the first landed ship. Like several of the supporting male characters (Jacob, Andrew), he is a member of the collective, representing the general population of the young survivors. His primary role in Killer Earth is to fill out the roster of the new society and serve as a reliable, if largely silent, participant in the colony’s initial stages.
The Follower of Protocol: Treet’s actions suggest a personality that is compliant and focused on following the established protocols of the mission. He is present with the other young men who emerge to face the crisis of the crash.
A Symbol of the Mass: He wears the standard white jumpsuit, indicating his position as one of the “clean slates” intended to build a new world free of the final war’s corruption. His lack of detailed individual description marks him as a member of the group’s foundation, rather than a narrative driver. He represents the average, trainable youth who are supposed to form the non-corrupted human race.
Treet’s challenges are centered on adapting to the stark realities of Thrae and maintaining his moral and philosophical commitment as the colony faces internal crises.
Existential Survival: Like all the young survivors, Treet’s fundamental challenge is existential: adapting to the new planet, securing resources, and maintaining the social order set forth by Jenny. He must prove that the philosophy of their escape, fleeing the “Killer Earth”, was sound by avoiding the moral failures of the past.
The Supporting Role in Justice: Treet’s significance is often found in his membership in the group’s decisions. He is one of the essential votes in the moral crisis following the death of Andrew and the failure of Jeremiah. His presence ensures that the collective judgment to banish Jeremiah holds weight and authority. His complicity in this decision underscores that the colony’s moral foundation requires the buy in of all its members, even the less vocal ones.
Treet’s ultimate display is his adherence to the collective’s moral code, demonstrating the success of the mentors’ training in shaping a group capable of self governance and moral policing.
The Silent Majority: He represents the silent majority, those who keep the society running and enforce its laws, not through personal drama, but through consistent compliance and moral support for the leadership.
The Bulwark Against Chaos: In a narrative marked by the chaos of Collin’s guilt and Jeremiah’s individualistic pride, Treet, along with Jacob, acts as a bulwark against philosophical and social collapse. His ability to remain focused on the mission, the purity of the new life on Thrae, is essential for the colony’s stability. He is a testament to the idea that a disciplined, cohesive group can withstand the failures of its individual members.
