So what about those mutations, anyway?

I couldn't let go of the idea of OMCOM releasing mutated VIRUS units into the universe. I loved the idea of machine evolution into autonomous self-aware entities. I even allowed OMCOM the luxury of having to allowed the mutations on purpose.

This was much more consistent with OMCOM. He thought everything through. But why? Since I had eliminated the Bridadiras and Cecetiras, I didn't know.

This is where trusting your characters comes in. I knew OMCOM would tell me why eventually. It wasn't until I was coming to the end of The Ark Lords that I found out. He sure did wait till the last minute!

OMCOM allowed the mutations to occur and allowed them to become autonomous self-aware units to roam the universe to look for the origin of the Stareaters. He correctly deduced that natural selection would produce a greater variety of entities than he could have designed himself. Some developed novel forms of propulsion (null-fold anyone?) and some were have thought to have left our universe altogether.

This is a nice tie-in to the next book after Rome's Evolution. I included a little epilogue which takes place 17 years after the conclusion of that book. It shows that Aason and his sister Lupe are taking off in Junior for a "milk run" in space. How does that relate to the mutations? You will find out in The Milk Run which should be available by the end of the year.