Following on from The Pattern Ship, 'POD' the second book in the sees the newly sentient AI accidentally enhanced through the incorporation of Zeke's DNA-mutated Alacite, continue to develop as an individual. Zirkos and Ship are still missing, so the tiny AI struggles to follow their last instructions 'to assist the disorganised humans develop the Pattern technology'. It then watches distantly as the continuing power struggle between Fortress and Space Island dominates valuable time and effort on Earth. Unimpressed, confused and labouring with its developing emotions, POD shrewdly decides to await the final outcome, then back the winner. Meanwhile, the AI has more than enough to do concentrating on its own preparations to take on the Nubl.