On Mars
Does Lacerda place Colonists and pay Crystals like a player?
Yes, when he takes an action on the Main board he places a Colonist and pays Crystals for workers already there, as in a 2-player game. He places no Colonist when he builds for free on arrival at the Colony or on a level-up. He spends Crystals only on worker placement and extra Rover movement, never to boost other actions.