In September of 2153, Richards participated in the mission to rescue Captain Jonathan Archer, Commander Tucker, and Kessick from the trellium mining planet. He was the first MACO who descended into the cave and fired at the mine guards. (ENT: "The Xindi") In this episode, the name patch "R. Richards" can be read for the first time clearly. In November of 2153, Richards, S. Money, and Lieutenant Reed engaged armed Triannons in a corridor during their try to retake Enterprise. Richards was shot in the back by one of the Triannon. (ENT: "Chosen Realm")