They met up on Dy'lun a few days later. Delta and Omega working side by side again. Kern understood why Hawk had wanted Omega. It wasn't the first time that both units had worked together. Each was accustomed to how the other worked. So, all they had to do was get to Psion Four. Everyone knew what was expected. No heroics just get in and get out. Shepa'lai had organised the ship for them and had arrived a day early so that Jenny could ensure that the cloaking tech was working correctly. Even though it was an Ictaran ship they were taking no chances. They set off as soon as they had completed a weapons check. Rico was intending to pilot the ship. Kern was effectively a tag along. He didn't belong to either unit.

"Looks good so far," said Rico, as he made the approach to Psion Four.

They initially approached as an Ictaran vessel.

"Get close to that destroyer and cloak," said Mercy.

Kern had always been in charge and given the orders. He had to keep biting his tongue so he didn't take control. It was not something he was used to, but he knew that he had to let them do what they did best. They had gotten used to being a four-man unit. He was not going to be part of the mission; whilst on the ground he would be the one watching Mercy's rear whilst she was on over watch. Rico landed at the point they had discussed in briefing. Shepa'lai had done an excellent job with the recon. She had taken video of the base and grounds to ensure that everything had been covered. Having stayed on the base for two days she was able to watch for any variations. Although they knew on the day that it could be completely changed. There did seem to be more activity than she had led them to believe.

"Looks rather active," said Hawk.

"What do you expect? It's a military base. Bound to be changes from time to time. You all good to go."

"Affirmative," said Hawk.

They moved out. Slow and low they crept towards the outer edge of the base. It had neither fences nor guards. I guess they controlled the planet so would not expect anyone to come visiting.

Hawk motioned for two of the team to head towards the destroyers. Wren and Rook took off. The suits gave them a fast speed and what they had to do was a two-person precision assault on the vessels. Wren slowed as they approached letting Rook take the lead. He slowed she ran towards him and he vaulted her up as she hit the sidewall of the ship she started to sprint. Every few yards she dropped charged that were magnetized and instantly stuck to the hull. The speed that the suit gave allowed them to sprint at a high enough speed that she could run along the hull. Rook moved on to repeat for the next vessel.

Eagle and Robin had the task of placing charges on the fighters. There were not as many as expected, but still a considerable amount. They were moving more in towards the base. Mercy kept her eye on them through her scope. Hammer, Rico and Hennessey were below just at the edge keeping low and eyes sharp for any movement. The majority of the Ictarans were situated near the buildings. The main force of warriors would be at the barracks on the opposite side of the airstrip. So, if things did go bad, they would hopefully only have to deal with those that were nearby. Hawk had elected himself for the last task, as it was the trickiest. He had to get close to the main buildings. There was a weapons and ammunition storage there. It would not be easy, but being alone he could move at his own pace. However, if he was seen he could only run and evade. The suit would not provide sufficient protection from an Ictaran attack and if hounds were about, he would really be in trouble.

He set off once he knew the others were on track. Hawk ran, vaulted and rolled around over and under anything that he could, trying to use the environment and shadows as much as possible. Even though there were not many guards on the airstrip he had no intention of being seen. It felt good to be doing this again. After they had all retired, they had turned to doing many of the extreme sports that existed on Earth. It wasn't the same as he was doing now, but certainly gave you the same adrenalin rush and thrill. He was approaching the building and had to take a moment to hide. A patrol was approaching. He was by the side of a stack of crates. The sound of their movements let him know when it was clear to move. He had been unable to see them, but they were not exactly silent. So far, he had not made a single sound. The suit had soft soles and running at high speed you could not hear the steps they made. The hanger he needed was around the corner. There were some steps leading up to the roof and a patrol had stopped on the other side blocking his route. He raced up the stairs launching himself from the roof, barrel rolled over the patrol and then completed it with a forward roll as he landed on the opposite roof. From there he ran across the rest of the roof and dropped off the other side.

"Impressive," said Mercy, having watched Hawk move across the airstrip.

Kern just listened; he didn't want to interrupt her concentration. So far, so good. It looked like it was going smoothly. Too smooth. The first team was back from the destroyers. Eagle and Robin had reached the other end and all they had to do now was return. It looked like it was the changing of the guard as more warriors finished, as they were about to return.

"Kern cover Eagle and Robin, I can't see Hawk yet and activity has increased. Kern moved along side mercy and lay facing the far end of the airstrip. He had equipped the battle rifle with a scope. Before he had left, he had thought he should take just in case, considering he was hanging back with Mercy.

"There good," he said.

He kept watching both of them. They had to keep stopping it was not easy for them making there way back. It looked like some of them were preparing the ships for launch. Perhaps they were ready to go on a patrol.

"Looks like some are preparing to launch. If they do, they will be out of detonation range."

Hawk must have problems.

He did indeed. All of his charges had been placed, but he was blocked from leaving the hanger. There must be a way out. He just had to find it and soon. Something was happening either they were on patrol. Or they were intending for something else. What if they had found more Sentians or were going after someone else? He looked around. There was a way out above him. He had no choice, slowly he moved to the back of the hanger he could climb up behind the stacked crates. All he had to do now was walk across the beam to the opening on the roof. He was starting to understand why they were nicknamed the 'flyers' all the acrobatics, running, diving and rolling it was like they were constantly flying through the air. He reached the opening and started to make his escape. Something snagged, he pulled up and felt something rip. Then he heard a clang. He had dropped something and it hit the ground. The pouch containing a few spare charges had been ripped from his waist. Nothing he could do now.

The Ictarans heard the noise and came running to the back of the hanger. One heard the scuffling above and opened fire. The others didn't need to be told that they had a problem. There was now activity on the runway, those who had been seen earlier started to run back towards the main buildings, all except two who were running towards fighters. He quickly glanced at Eagle and Robin. They had about one hundred metres to go and hadn't been seen yet. Still no sign of Hawk.

Hawk had to run away from where he needed to heading. The path to the airstrip was cut off. Rico had moved forward along the edge of the airstrip and could see the commotion taking place near the hanger. He crouched and aimed at the building where the Ictarans were. Through his scope he could see a fuel barrel. He made a decision and fired. The bullet hit the barrel exploding it and sent the flames into the air. It stopped the Ictarans in their tracks and they turned their attention towards the airstrip. This also momentarily stopped the fighter pilots, who looked around to see what was happening. Kern fired shooting one of the pilots in the head. The pilot's movements were restricted being in the cockpit so it gave Kern time to fire several more bullets into the thick skin of the Ictarans head. The second one was on the other side of that fighter and he could not see to get a clear shot. All focus had now been turned to Rico. He was too far out for the others to give effective cover it was up to Mercy now.

She slowed her breath and concentrated on the lead target and fired. The bullet entered his forehead. The others stopped and took cover. This gave a few moments for her to reload and hit a second target. Hawk could now be seen moving towards them. Hammer had moved forward and was laying down more covering fire. Rico was reloading and didn't see the Ictaran that had been on his flank. He charged him it was only as he roared before striking that he became aware of him. The Ictarans battle staff swung upwards slicing into Rico from his gut up to his sternum. He dropped to his knees blood spewing from his mouth. Mercy altered her fire. Hearing the roar, she altered her vision, but was not quick enough to stop the initial attack, but she did stop the second swing.

Kern left his position and ran down the side of the hill, he didn't stop he just kept going until he reached Rico. Mercy knew what he was intending. Kern had no intention of losing someone else.

"Its okay buddy we will get you back safely."

Rico was in a bad way. Hennessey turned back to Rook.

"Blow the destroyers we need a distraction."

Rook didn't hesitate. The night sky was suddenly illuminated. Hawk had reached Rico and Kern. He took the other side of Rico lifting his legs they moved at a slow trot.

"Wren," called Hawk, as they approached. "Take the detonator, blow it."

She took it from his waist and detonated the charges. Robin did like wise with the fighters. The one remaining pilot had already taken flight and was coming back around over the airstrip, his fighter exploded halfway across throwing parts of his ship everywhere. The rest of the fighters started to go up one by one. It was enough to make a quick retreat.

Kern and Hawk loaded Rico on the ship.

"Wren, helm," called Hawk.

"On it," she replied.

The others were falling back one by one. Kern moved to stand next to Wren.

"I suggest stay low, lose us in the darkness then cloak."

She nodded.

"Were aboard," called Mercy, being the last to step on.

Wren followed Kern's advice and slipped into the dark, cloaked and left the planet. She set a course back to Dy'lun.

"How is he doing?" asked Kern.

Hennessey had taken a look at his wounds once she had fallen back to the ship, but it was already too late. She looked at Kern and shook her head. They returned back to Dy'lun in silence. Rico was prepared for transport back to Mars. He would be buried there along with all the others they had lost. Nothing more was said. They all retired for the night.

Kern didn't really sleep. Jenny had still been awake and she could tell that something was wrong. She knew that it would affect him. The next morning everyone wanted to move on and get back to Earth or Mars.

"Mercy, I take it you would like to be the one to tell Kayla," said Kern.

She was now his commanding officer.

"I have no problem with that. He will be missed."

"I won't keep you. I will hopefully see you soon. Let me know of any developments."

She nodded and departed with the others. As they had arrived in fighters Hawk said that they would take Rico back to Mars. They had arrived together in one ship. Rook would fly Rico's fighter back.

"Hawk," called Kern. "Thank for your help we couldn't have done it without you."

"Well it was certainly interesting. I'm sorry about Rico."

Kern nodded. "If I should need you again will you be available."

"Yes. For Rico. Someone has to put these Ictarans in their place."

"And if you decide to retire again do you think you could train some replacements. The skills your unit have are exceptional. I think we need more flyers."

"I'll consider it."

"Be safe."

Delta departed and Kern stayed watching until they were out of sight. Shepa'lai had appeared she waited as he watched his friends leave. She knew all too well what it was like to watch those you care about leave.

"You doing okay," she asked.

"I'll be fine. Just need something to do."

"Well I heard back from Blaznar," she said.

"And."

"Its not good. The Admiral has already been informed."

They walked inside as she started to explain to him what the problem was.

The Admiral hearing what the device had been didn't wait. He made his way to Major Raynes.

"Admiral," said Major Raynes.

He was seated. His condition deteriorated daily.

"Stay seated. You will need to be."

The Admiral had already dismissed the guards and told them they didn't need to come back.

"I take it you have some news."

"Unfortunately, not good news either."

"Well I'm dying anyway so what could be worse."

"The poison that has infected your body is a smoke screen to hide the true intent of what happened to you."

Major Raynes looked at him puzzled.

"At the heart of the infection is a small tracking device. It was a deliberate trap to infect a victim. They would then die and be buried, hopefully without anyone knowing about the tracking beacon within. It would then allow the Ictarans plenty of time to find their targets."

"You have to let me leave the longer I am here the more of risk I am to everyone's safety."

"You now that is an order that I cannot give."

"I understand Admiral."

"And if you were to walk out of here when I leave you couldn't leave the planet using a military vessel. You would be seen and detained."

"I understand," said Major Raynes. "The device could be removed when you die from the poison."

"That could be too late we have no idea how much longer it will take before it kills me. The safest course of action is for me to leave."

The Admiral got up to leave. He paused once he reached the door, but didn't turn back.

"You remember old Ned?"

"Sure."

"He has a ship at the end of hanger four. Doesn't use it now he has gotten too old. No one will notice it missing."

Major Raynes didn't acknowledge the Admiral; he knew that by doing so would then lay the burden on his shoulders for what he had to do. It was like the Admiral knew what he would do hence why he had dismissed the guards that had been there. He waited for a while and then found a hooded cape in a locker and headed through the streets towards the hanger.