Many months had passed. Mercy had assumed command of Omega and they had resumed the search. A stronghold had now been established on Cendarla. Kern had been taken back to Mars for care. He had returned a month ago back to Cendarla, but he was not himself. The experience had left him withdrawn and distant. Eloise had suffered too. Her interface with him was damaged. He was unable to summon her, as he had been able to before. Even her voice was lost. Not totally as he was sure he could hear her talking to him in his head. Not being totally himself, he had discussed with Admiral Gray and the rest of Omega that he should not resume command. He was still known as Commander Kern, but had effectively stepped down, at least for now, which is what everyone told him.

The slicing open of his body had damaged the nanites. They weren't invulnerable, but the damage had extended to Eloise. They didn't have the resources to affect the right repair or treatment. Having lost so many in the war against them they had lost some brilliant minds and that had impacted on them in many ways, they had lost a lot of specialist expertise. It was hoped that they might be able to find some one on another planet who may be able to help him. The elites assigned to Cendarla were Omega, so that they could continue the search for Eliza and her unit. Lambda and four other units attached to them. Alpha had made a special request to stay on Cendarla. Initially it had come from Reen as a personal request to stay there, because of how close he and Sara had become. The rest had then opted to stay there, plus some had family within Omega. They were told that they would report to major Matthews or whoever was the primary unit assigned to Cendarla. They rotated the assignment every three months, but Alpha had asked for a permanent posting. Mercy was still having trouble with Isabella she had visited Earth to check on her to find that she had been having more problems. It seemed that the initial problem with Tamara had escalated rather than faded away. Those who she hit had retaliated and again they received a beating, but this time Tamara had been hurt and had spent some time in hospital. As the school and authorities had no evidence to say it was even the same group or even related to them, there was nothing that they could do? Mercy had explained to Isabella what had happened on Cendarla. She had not said anything to her in the communications, that she had with her from time to time. It was not easy being away from her, she wished there was another way. Mercy knew that Isabella would be able to handle herself if she was here, but there had not been anytime for her to raise the issue with anyone. Normally she would have discussed it with Kern, but seeing him when he had returned, she knew that his head was elsewhere. She had relayed the message that had been given to Omega by Shepa'lai. They had been aware that he had spent sometime there recovering over injuries he had sustained on a solo mission of his own. So, they had all been familiar with Shepa'lai. Plus, she was the only Mirrial they knew who didn't live on their home planet.

Jericho had made several trips back and forth between Cendarla and Mars. The trips had become regular. Any ore was now shipped via the hanger on Jericho. They at least had weapons to defend themselves. The Cargo freighter had been upgraded and was now used for local travel. The owner of the freighter had acquired it off world, so it was not of Sentian design and would be less conspicuous if seen. When on any planet they kept their numbers small. Whilst they were on the surface, all were always watching for anyone suspicious. Connors had been requested to come and aid with the project as she was no longer assigned to the Jericho. The engineers there were more than capable of finishing the last of the build and any problems that arose. Things were starting to move along to give the Sentians a better chance of survival. Several beacons had been placed in space around the planet so that there was regular monitoring of any ships that passed through the area. The beacons recorded all ship signals and monitored for any patterns. They also identified which species were using the ship. Slowly they were building a catalogue of all traffic.

Kern felt like he had let Eliza down and now his body was still repairing, he felt completely useless. Doctors had said that there was still considerable tissue damage that needed to repair and this might also be true about his nanite frame. While being like this he was unable to have a protective suit and without Eloise was not able to create any form of shield. There was still communications and the health monitoring effects, but all in all his abilities were nothing more than that of a civilian interface. It was unclear how his communications still worked useless something of Eloise still remained and that she was unable to communicate back. He did find though, when using it, that it was short range. So, had to rely on ship communications to be able to communicate over distance.

Since Connors was on Cendarla he asked her if she was able to help with a small side project. What he required and she was able to fashion something for him, was protective clothing something that would help to replace his shield and body armour created by the nanites. She was able to fashion a leather coat with a lining that would help to stop the bullets from penetrating him. Jenny had thought about how those on Earth protected themselves with a bulletproof vest. She had adapted Sentian technology to a very fine weave cloth with a small electrical current running through it. This would create and electric field that would stop a bullet on impact. The leather was toughened and would help to deflect small weapon attacks. There was also a lightweight hood that could be used, made from a fabric cloth with the same weave to protect his head if necessary.

"Thanks for these, Jenny," he said, when she gave them to him.

"No problem Commander," she replied.

"You know I stepped down from Omega, because of my condition. So, you and anyone else don't have to call me Commander anymore. Kern is fine."

"I've just got used on how to properly address you and now I don't have to. I'm sure you will be healed soon enough."

"Thanks, do you think you can make me none Sentian weapons. I have a place I need to go, if I am to try and get any leads on Eliza and her team."

"I'm sure I have everything that I need."

"Have you met the Mooks yet?"

"One of the Lambda Units took me a short while back and introduced me to Ne'Youn."

"I'm sure someone will lend you a ship to go back and forwards. If I'm here and don't need mine you can use it. Although I do need to get going. I have something to check out."

"I will see when I get time," said Connors.

"Thanks."

He went to get to his ship, but there was a problem. It wasn't where he had left it. He looked around quickly in case one of the maintenance crew had moved it; they had to have them stationed here, as this was a military outpost and excavation site now. They had only the one base built on the original site, even though it was running as a military operation it didn't interfere with the mining operations. The new material trilliam that had been found had been excavated. More people had been brought over to increase operations. Probably not a bad thing as the population there was always increasing. The material was still being shipped back to Mars as they had the necessary technology to fashion the materials into what they needed. They had been able to start crafting weapons and other armaments that they would need.

He kept trying to find someone who knew where his ship was. Eventually he found Karl.

"Yeah, Reen took it thought as you hadn't left yet that he could borrow it for a short while."

"Well I'm about to leave now. Any idea when he will be back."

"Not sure he took Sara and Cammy too. They went to Bellan, apparently there is something wrong with Cammy."

"He could have asked first to make sure it was fine to borrow it."

"Well you know Reen."

"Yep. How is everything going here on Cendarla for you and the rest of Alpha." "Fine. Mostly routine patrols. Have only been to Bellan for supply runs. Connors equipped one of the smaller ships with weapons so that we are protected going backwards and forwards. Some of her team are working on the others."

"Yes. She has massed a lot of engineers under her to get this place properly prepared for anything that may be thrown at us," continued Kern.

"She's very good at what she does," continued Karl.

"Well she made this coat for me lined it with a protective layer."

"I was sorry to hear about you leaving Omega."

"We never really talked about it. I have to make adjustments and I would be a liability with Omega. They need to operate at full capacity."

"They haven't replaced you though."

"I know they should. It's not right to only have partial strength. They need to be a full unit to function correctly."

Kern killed the time talking with Karl. He was only cleaning weapons and other chores. All had to pitch in. After a while Kern excused himself, he had come up with an idea and had to get something ready for Reen's return.

Sara had persuaded Reen to take her to Bellan. She was concerned about Cammy. There was something wrong. Cammy was not behaving as it would normally, but considering it had been created by the Mooks she was hoping that if she took Cammy to them that they might be able to tell her what was wrong, or why Cammy seemed off. Reen knew that his dad would be travelling later and hoped that it wouldn't be a problem. He wasn't on duty until later so it had to be now or another day. Sara had not let up since yesterday so he had been pressured into taking her to Bellan. When they arrived, Sara looked for Ne'Youn. She had contacted her earlier to let her know that she would like some one to take a look at Cammy, well 429 as the Mooks knew it.

"Ah, so this is 429. It has been a long time since I have seen one. Unfortunately, I was not the one who helped create it, but I will do what I can."

"Thank you," said Sara. "Will it be alright."

Cammy was watching her then she was placed onto the table nearby. Ne'Youn started an examination. Checking her temperature and then looking at a file that they had on the creature to see if there was anything different to when it was created. Before being released they had been studied first to see if they could perform the task it had been created for. A lot of information had been recorded about each species that they had created over time. Then she started to run her hands across the beast. Trying to see if she had any injuries that hadn't shown themselves.

"Mmm," she said and continued to examine the creature.

Sara's face was one of concern. She wanted to ask, but was trying her hardest not to interrupt. Reen was there, but wasn't paying attention to the examination. He was actually more interested in the devices and creations that were sitting around the camp. Ne'Youn finished her examination and then looked at Sara.

"Is Cammy going to be alright?" she asked.

"She is fine, for an expectant mother."

Sara looked shocked and even Reen had to turn his head.

"I have never seen any others. We always thought she was alone."

Sara had suddenly changed to 'she' and not 'it'. After all mothers were female.

"Well they always say that nature finds a way. I'm guessing that she has decided now is the time."

"So how?" asked Reen.

Ne'Youn did start to explain, but it just went over Reen's head.

"Fine, thank you," is all he could say.

"You will need to keep her warm and well fed. She will be a mother soon."

"Thank you," said Sara.

Ne'Youn left and went about her business. Mooks were not ones for small talk. Always too much to do.

"We should probably get back. I know my dad has to leave soon."

Sara nodded and picked Cammy up. She held her close; soon there would be lots of little Cammy's. They got into the ship and headed back to Cendarla.

Kern was there waiting. Reen could see him as they came into land.

"I guess you have been waiting for me," said Reen.

"Well can't get very far without a ship."

"Sorry, needed to help Sara."

"I know, just warn me if you have to do it again. You don't know if what I needed to do was important or not."

"I need to get ready for duty."

"No, you don't. I have spoken with Matthews you're with me for a few days he will let your brother know. There are clothes on your bunk and use the weapons provided. Nothing Senti."

Reen looked puzzled. "Why me?"

"You took my ship and besides I need someone to watch my back. I've no AI anymore. Be back in five."

"Where are we going?" he said, heading off.

"Tralor."