Apologies for the sudden stop of updates but if you have been reading the profile you would understand why, anyway glad to be able to write again.

As much as I want to jump right in the action where it is exciting, the characters will have to get 'used' to their new environment first. And I hope you guys remember who got what nicknames for I switch between them as you will see.

Double-checking the fuel line, Kevin tried to start up the tractor again while eyeing the shotgun attached to the side of the seat of the tractor.

Why would anyone attach a shotgun to a tractor?

The sound of gravel crunching under a foot disturbed his thought. He turned and saw a tech-priest walk towards him.

Aww man.

He spotted something from the corner of his still organic eye. For the first time in almost five months, had he seen someone try to sooth the machine spirits demands. With a mixed feeling of confusion and interest, tech-priest Sparack approached the man.

Kevin looked in awe as he noticed the mechanical features on the hooded man, no wait cyborg, he corrected himself. For a few seconds the cyborg-man-thing stood in silence as though he was giving Kevin some time to take in his features, or waiting for him to do or say something.

This was something new to Kevin he seen movies and read comics before, and now, something it's right in front of him, a red eye lens where his left eye should be, And that clicking, ticking and the sound of gears moving coming from the back of the man. No no wait, cyborg, he reminded himself again.

Whoa, kindda look like the terminator He thought to himself

'Darn thing won't work' he said as he kicked the engine, and tried to start the tractor again. Suddenly he felt the ground in contact with his face as he was shoved aside my the cyborg, wow he is strong, thought Kevin as he pushed himself into a sitting position.

'Hey man, what was that for?'

Not only did he not properly greet me but he dare to hurt his machine spirit in front of me! Though Sparack as he liberated the machine from the man.

'What was that for? You have hurt the spirit of the machine without listening to its requests.' Spat Sparack.
'I am Sparack, tech-priest of the Omnissiah, and I am more than a mere man.'

Calming himself, Sparack turned his attention onto the tractor and began soothing its spirit.

'umm I'm sorry, I guess?' said Dino, but he was ignored. Not knowing what to do, he just sat there and watched as the tech-priest worked on the tractor.

Several tendrils appeared from under the red coat he was wearing and began working on the tractor as though with a mind of its own.

Witnessing this left greater awe in Kevin, as he stood back up again and waited for the tech-priest to finnish first, before trying to appologise.

Carrying a full bag of fruits of various types, never seen by Rat before, in one hand and frozen meat of some kind, which is not familiar to Rat. Silently following Herna around as she lead him through the market town of Joska.

A few hours ago, he was found lying on his bunk bed in the attic he shared with the rest of his team. With nothing to do Marta, mother of Hex and Herna, tasked him to accompany and help Herna with the purchase of groceries.

'Hey' called out Rat which got Herna's attention.

'So were you the one who looked after me when I was, uhh passed out?'

With this Herna turned but Rat caught her cheeks turning red. Darn I forgot we were…uhh. Rat face palmed himself. 'I'm sorry, I uhh just want to say thank you for uhh everything.'

'Your welcome' and she power walked ahead.

A smile made its way onto Rats face as he followed behind her. Heh you remind me of her…guess…guess I will never see her again huh. He slowed down to a stroll and look up at the distant twin sun that was starting to allow the moonless night to take its place on the night sky. Suddenly feeling empty inside he looked at a stand that caught his attention, pushing his feelings aside he called out. 'Hey! Herna! Can you buy something for me?'

'What do you want?' she asked tilting her head in confusion.

'Can i try some of those fruit things please? they look tasty'

'Hah, those are not for people to eat'

'Ohh...' said Rat I'll just shut up. He thought to prevent further embarrassment for himself.

It has been a while since he has been so relaxed. Derrick sat beside Eslic on the pier as they waited for the fishes, well at least what these people call fishes, to get the bait.

'Thank you again, for helping us Es.' Said Wolf who was already treating Eslic like a brother, who returned his feelings

'Its ok, I got free hands on the field and in the house so I'm not complaining' joked Eslic, which gain a few soft chuckles from the both of them.

'But are you really allowing us to continue living with your family? Me and my team would hate to be a burden to your family' asked Wolf on a more serious note.

'My friend, you are not a burden. Besides productivity have actually increased and we have harvested more then enough to last for the winter.'

'Glad to be of service, but I do not feel satisfied, it still feels as though we have to do more to repay you for what you have done for us, for after all it was our lives you have saved and we owe it to you.'

'You do not owe your live to me Derrick. It was the will of the Emperor that we were to meet and so if there is anyone you owe your life too it would be to him.'

'If that is what you say, then I guess I will head your words, but if there is anything we can do to help, please just ask anyone of us.'

'Of course, but really, my family see you as part of our family now so do not worry about anything. Right then, I guess that is enough for today, shall we head back home now? Brother?'

Dino was first to return following his "incident" with the engineseer, some how he managed to convince the tech-priest that he was slightly loose in the head, and the tech-priest made him follow suit as he operated the tractor back home while preaching about the machine cult to him. Upon arrival, he was requested by Marta to assist her with the cleaning up of the house and the

Rat was the second one to return placing the supplies on the kitchen table for Marta and Herna to attend to, with nothing to do he walked outside and laid on a patch of grass.

Staring at the sky and just though about everything that have happened, this led him think about those that he would never see again, and the though of not seeing her again brought tears to his eyes.

Wolf was the last to return together with Eslic taking their catch to the house. They spotted Rat lying alone with an arm covering his face and Eslic told Wolf to leave the fishes to him. Walking up beside Rat, Derrick asked.

'You do know that men don't cry right?' silence was the reply he got, so he spoke again.

'Remember that your not the only one who lost your past, I have seen men under me died, and I do know how you feel. But even Kevin is getting alone fine, look just try to deal with it and accept the truth, its not easy but you have to try alright?'

'Yea, I'm fine, I just got some dust in my eyes.'

'Yea dust, that's gold and old'

'Its true, the pick up must have been the cause, kicking up dust into the air.'

'Whatever you say, well I'm going inside first, take your time its almost rare to see such a starry sky on earth, even the night sky on the Sahara is nothing compared to this.'

'Yea I know, that's why I'm out here in the first place.'

'Heh' chuckled Wolf, and left Rat alone.

Well, I got no comments, but I hoped you enjoyed reading this chapter, and again I would like to hear, I mean read, your reviews, critics and comments. The button is just below ^^.