I left Latos N-15; proceeded to H-7, moved on to G-13. I'd killed the Dentek Assaults, and the Artemis bots. When my hull strength got to 63% I left the system to repair. Went back to finish the Dentek Collectors (there were seven left). I searched for them, they were listed as still in the system, but none ever came back to engage my ship. I left the system several times, then returned to the system. No engagement, no appearance from the bots. I was just left hanging; couldn't finish the assignment. Am I doing something wrong? Please advise.

You cannot leave sector while mission is active unless you finished mission (killed all bots) and you are told to go.

Thanks! That did it.