Tralor was the largest planet in the Rellon system and was home to billions from all types of races. It was effectively the central hub for all the life forms in this part of the universe. The main city was Tyly. It has the largest population on the planet and was the main hub for trade markets. If there was something you wanted and you had the coin then you needed to be in Tyly. They sold everything. All you had to do was ask the right person.

Before they left the spaceport, Kern instructed Reen to copy what he did. They both wrapped cloth around their heads, with just their eyes showing they didn't want people to notice at first glance that they were Sentian. After everything that had happened and what little he remembered from the Reeks he had to be as careful as he could. From what the Reeks had said Sentians were worth a lot to the Ictarans.

Even though Reen was still learning about things here and how different it was to Earth. He had no intention of excluding them. They had both wanted to be a part of this world and it was time he experienced some of it. With everything that had happened he hadn't much time to spend with his sons. He couldn't have brought Karl with him as he was in charge of his own unit. That was a responsibility that he didn't want to drag him from there would be plenty of time in due course.

"Keep your eyes open and trust no one. Your AI should be able to interpret all the languages here. Unless there are new species then they will log and catalogue. Ask Raven to use stealth sensors."

Reen was trying to keep up with all what he had said. What were stealth sensors?

"Raven, can you activate stealth sensors."

"Activation protocol required."

"Err, he said something about activation protocol."

"Oh, you mean that you don't yet have all features unlocked. I guess being former Omega I had access to more features."

Kern looked around they was still on the edge of the city and even though it was busy there weren't as many around in this area.

"Over here where it's quiet."

They walked over to a deserted alley.

"Bring Raven onto your palm."

Reen had a puzzled look on his face.

"I can't talk to what's in your head but I can talk to your hologram."

Reen called Raven to his palm.

"Raven. Omega protocol delta, gamma, sigma, three, three, five, nine."

"Accepted."

"Activate all."

"All activated."

"End Omega protocol."

Raven immediately vanished from Reen's hand.

"Try now. You will have other features too. Ask when back at base. Not now."

Reen was able to get Raven to initiate stealth sensors. This meant that they were able to sense close proximity activity, but without giving off any means of detection. If someone else in the area were monitoring then they would not be detected.

"If you had your suit on you would be able to project to your HUD what the sensor detects, but as we are not really here then you can't do that so keep your eyes open. Raven will let you know of anything his sensors pick up."

They moved forward the city was getting more and more busy. The closer they got the more races there were.

"Don't lose site of me," said Kern.

Reen followed as close as he could. They were moving around from stall or store and interacting. He was able to understand the majority of what was being said. Raven occasionally flagged a new language. Kern had seen it all before. The buildings tower high into the sky. Some were low and peculiar shapes. The streets were wide. There were no vehicles in the centre they had seen a few on the edge, but most had flown into Tyly and had to walk. Any transport they saw on the ground was local transport not from off world.

"Hey," said Kern, realising Reen was slowing. "Keep up. We need to get to the other side of the city to the slums. Those we need to locate are in the bad area so when we get there keep your wits about you."

Reen nodded. He chose not to say too much not knowing if he spoke would give them away as to who they were. It was all so strange to him. Some of the creatures were very large and pushed past others. Even Reen was pushed about from time to time. He heard a voice in his head.

"Approaching slums. Three on left heavily armed two on right armed."

"Raven just informed me that they are all armed."

"I know. I've been here before so I know what to expect. Just stay calm. The voice in your head will point out all danger. Just be aware of where they are. Oh, if he says we are being followed or someone takes an interest in us then that's when I need to know."

"OK," replied Reen.

They kept walking there were a lot of bodies on the street now. It was easy to see everyone here. Reen was constantly being told who was and wasn't armed in the end he told Raven that he would assume all were hostile and to only tell him possible threats. It was then easier for him to concentrate on everyone around him. Kern reached a building that had a neon sign above it the lights were flickering and some of the letters were broken. It was written in some alien language.

"What does it say?" said Reen.

Raven responded. "The Lounge."

Kern went up to the door an alien bouncer stepped in front of him and said something. Kern hesitated for a moment. He was relying on a universal translator that he had attached to his ear. It was slow and took a moment to repeat what had been said.

"Blaznar," was all Kern said.

The bouncer didn't move, but said something into a communication device in his hand. A response came back and the door was opened for them. When inside they moved into the main room. It was a bar with so many different species here, but they were not sitting and talking. There was a stage at the far end with some kind of music playing. Kern walked right, once he was in the establishment. He knew that Blaznar would be on the first floor so he could see all his patrons below. Blaznar was someone that he had known a long, long time ago. They had met at the gambling tables here at the lounge. Then Blaznar was not the owner, just another gambler. A fight had broken out and Kern had assisted Blaznar in dispensing with the aggressors. He later learned once they were clear of the lounge that it was Blaznar who had been in the wrong, he had been cheating. Kern didn't care he had made a friend and they had remained so.

"So, who wishes to speak with Blaznar?"

Kern knew it was safe.

"An old friend," he said as he unveiled his head.

He nodded to Kern that it was ok. Blaznar stood up.

"I thought you were dead."

"We escaped, but more recently I nearly did die. To Reeks."

"I had heard that Reeks had gotten their hands on Sentians. I didn't know you were one of them."

"Well I'm trying to keep a low profile, but I need information or a lead to someone who knows what happened to the first lot of Sentians that the Reeks took. If I'm right the Ictarans have them."

"Bad bunch both of them. The Ictarans have been here on Tralor, but only for trade and its always conducted at the eastern docking area."

Kern nodded. He had taken a seat and told Reen to sit too. Reen still had Raven in stealth. They talked for a while about old time. Reen learned things about his father and heard some tales about his adventures too. They were both able to relax. Something that Kern had not done for a while.

Then Raven spoke. "We have a problem, two Vadorns just entered."

"Hey," said Reen.

Kern turned to him.

"Does Vadorns mean anything to you?"

Blaznar heard what he said. "Mercenaries. They have been known to be contracted to find people. Laxy take them out the back way."

A bodyguard had been standing nearby the whole time. Kern was familiar with Laxy too. He had come into the employ of Blaznar the time he won the Lounge in a gambling debt. Basically, he beat the house and they couldn't pay his winnings so he took the club. Laxy led them out the back. They were not taking any chances. Before they were outside, they covered themselves up. Before they left Laxy stopped at a door before the exit. Inside was contraband that had been acquired from patrons who hadn't seen it to the end of the night.

"Pick one," he said, as he let them in.

The room had a lot of weapons. Kern saw a very interesting item that he thought Reen would like.

"Here take this, you're the sniper."

It had a long barrel with a short stock and sights on top. Reen took it from him. Kern picked up a weapon that was about as long as his forearm. He wanted non-Sentian weapons, now they both had one.

"Here," said Laxy, handing him something else.

He quickly looked at what he had been given. The device was small and was no bigger than the palm of his hand. This wasn't from the stash, but something from Laxy.

"May help if still alive."

Kern thanked him. Before they left Laxy also told them to try a place known as the Kettle. Now he understood why they had been armed.

They left and moved through the back streets avoiding as much contact as they could, Reen had the rifle over his shoulder. Kern had this weapon under his coat at his waist.

"What did he give you?" asked Reen.

The device is very old. I haven't seen one in a very long time and the one I did see was broken. It was from a race that the Ictarans wiped out. If I'm right it should hold a map in it, but we can't look here. Laxy mentioned a place called the Kettle. We need to find it."

"Where is it?"

"Out of town. We have a long walk. That's also why he gave us weapons. You will need to watch my back from outside while I go in and see what I can learn."

They walked for several miles out of town. It was getting light by the time they got there. The night had slipped by with the time at the Lounge and the interruption. Reen had now had his first experience of alien life. It had seemed a little strange to him almost like walking through a dream. Until it had gone bad, then it was like he had woken up.

"See that, one building in from the corner."

"Yeah," he replied.

"Find an advantage point and cover the door. If you hear shooting don't let anyone else in. How many bullets did Laxy give you?

Reen examined what he had there was two clips. On in the weapon and one in his pocket. He did a quick check.

"Fourteen by the looks of it."

"Not many then. I guess you won't have to miss."

"What makes you so sure that others will come?"

"The Kettle is a known place for thugs, criminals and so on. As soon as I enter, I could very well be shot at straight away."

Kern started to move towards the door. He was on the opposite side of the street. Reen would need a moment to get into position. Before he crossed the street, he looked up at the building he had seen Reen climb the outside ladder. Then walked over the road. It was only just light and the streets were bare, but as soon as the shooting started it would be very much alive with various races.

The door was locked, but that wasn't a problem for Kern he had brought a knife and used it to jemmy the door open. Once it was open, he moved the coat aside to pull out the alien weapon he had acquired from Laxy. There were very few of this type of weapon. It used a small phlenic core to fire an energy round. It was no use at long range, but close up it was so very effective. The weapon was similar to a shotgun on Earth. He was hoping once he saw Connors again that she could copy the design and even improve on it. His right hand held the stock, finger close to the trigger. The left supported the short barrel.

It was a dirty run-down building in much need of repair, but that would never happen. Kern could hear voices ahead. The corridor he was walking down opened out into a large room. There were four inside as he stood at the entrance.

"Morning. I'm looking for some information," he said, watching those there carefully.

"Leave, or you will regret it," came the reply.

"All I want to know is where the Reek is that has been selling Sentians"

One seemed a little on edge at the mention of the Reeks and looked like he was about to try something.

"I wouldn't," said Kern.

"I think you are the one who shouldn't try anything. That weapon you have won't kill us at that range."

"I am aware. It was made by a Thrase. Aren't many of these around anymore. I am fully aware of what they can and cannot do. So, about that information. I'm told this is the place to get it."

"And you expect us to just tell you."

Kern knew that it was not going to be easy. He started to move a little closer, quickly scanning left and right out of the corner of his eyes.

"How about I shoot one of you to show that I'm not messing around. We both know that no one will miss any of you."

"You kill us all you have no information."

"I just find someone else. I'm sure as soon as I shoot that more will appear. I will probably be spoilt for choice."

Kern aimed the weapon at the on his right.

"Now take it easy," said the one, who looked like he was in charge, but that was when he looked right.

Kern quickly swung the gun around and fired without hesitation the creature on his left fell to the ground.

"Damn," said Reen.

He quickly looked around the streets. Yep, his dad had been right here they came. Reen calmed himself by taking a deep breath. Three were running around from the left side. He sighted in on the one leading. The others were directly behind. He fired, the first fell and the others stopped and paused. Big mistake. The sniper was semi-automatic. He was able to fire two more shots quickly taking them both out. More were seen running down the street from the right. He picked the nearest one again. Then he heard shots being fired; there was another on his left. They had his position.

Kern had taken three out now and was just left with the one in the middle, who had been doing all the talking.

"Tell me what I want to know you can see that I am not messing around."

They could both hear the shots outside.

"And don't expect any back up. Sounds like your friends won't be joining us."

The final one was a little unsure about its options. It kept looking left and right.

"You really think you could get the knife, as soon as you reach for it you lose a hand. Now the gun on the right, nah, I'd shoot your legs out from under you. You've seen what this could do now tell me what I want to know or I will start shooting parts of you until everything has been hit."

"The Reeks have a source on Uunara," they said.

"Now that wasn't so hard was it?"

Kern turned to leave as he was about to leave, he saw a bag and took it. The contents interested him and thought they might come in handy later, but first he took one out pressed it hard on the door as he left. He was sure that he was going to be followed. The item became active as soon as it had been pressed on the door.

Kern could see someone shooting at Reen. Now he understood why the sniper shots had ceased. He fired twice and then started to move. The fireworks would be starting soon. It happened sooner than he thought. The final person had reached the door. They never exited, but the building exploded as the proximity charge exploded. Kern had not expected it to be so soon and was thrown across the road. How he wished that he had Eloise functional. Well a few more bruises, to add to his already healing injuries, couldn't be helped.

Reen had seen him exit and had not expected the blast. He was safe where he was and quickly made his way down to the ground seeing Kern get caught with the edge of the blast.

"You good," he asked.

"Sure."

Reen helped him to his feet.

"We need to get out of her and now before there are more. That blast will attract everyone."

Reen nodded. They were headed back to the city. It was still early so they were able to make good time.

"Right I need you take my ship and get back to Cendarla let everyone know that I will be heading to Uunara. The Reeks have a source there it will just be a case of me hanging around until I see them. So, thanks for the help. You got something out of it," he said, looking at the rifle.

"You sure you don't need me to watch your back."

"Not right now and I have no way of letting the others know so you head back I need to follow up on this lead. I will find a way to get information to you, right now though I have to find transport to Uunara."

They parted and headed off in different directions. Kern had made sure he was close to where they had landed so Reen could find his way.